A new Paralympic showcase in Balkh highlighted the growing role of athletes with disabilities in national sport and community cohesion.
Balkh | By Marwa Ahmadi
In recent years, sport in Afghanistan has increasingly served as a platform for social connection, offering young people an alternative to violence and division through organised competition and shared purpose.
This trend has been particularly visible in Balkh province, where athletes with disabilities have emerged as a central part of the region’s sporting achievements. The Paralympic Department of the Balkh Directorate of Physical Education and Sports recently organised a demonstration programme showcasing the abilities of disabled athletes across 12 different disciplines.
The event featured sports such as wheelchair basketball, blind cricket, weightlifting, athletics and several other adapted disciplines, drawing attention to both performance and inclusion. Officials said the programme was designed to raise awareness and recognise the contribution of athletes with disabilities to the province’s sporting life.
According to organisers, around 320 athletes with disabilities are currently active in Balkh, training regularly across multiple sports. Their success has extended beyond local competitions, with strong performances at national-level events in recent years.
At the most recent national championships held last year, the Balkh Paralympic team finished as runners-up, securing the second-highest medal tally after Kabul. The result was widely celebrated in the province and seen as a milestone for inclusive sport.
Coaches and officials say the athletes’ performances demonstrate that physical limitations do not prevent sporting excellence. Disciplines such as blind futsal have shown that athletes with disabilities compete with the same determination and ambition as their peers, aiming for success at local, national and international levels.
More broadly, Afghan athletes across various sports have delivered moments of pride over the past four years, from the national cricket team’s international breakthroughs to achievements in futsal and combat sports. These results reflect a growing interest among young people in organised sport and healthy competition.
Figures from the Afghanistan Directorate of Physical Education and Sports indicate that more than 1.3 million athletes are currently active nationwide, representing 54 sports federations across all 34 provinces. Analysts note that security and social stability remain essential factors in sustaining this growth, as sport continues to depend on safe and stable environments to flourish.