Athletes say the team was formed two years ago through personal effort but lacks equipment and official backing despite Afghanistan’s high mountain resources.
Kabul | By Farzana Momand
Members of Afghanistan’s national mountaineering team have called for serious government support, saying a lack of basic equipment and facilities continues to hinder the development of the sport, despite the country’s vast high-altitude terrain.
Team members said they have formed the national squad over the past two years through personal effort and commitment, but the absence of institutional backing has created major challenges for training and progress.
Morteza Najafi, a 26-year-old member of the team, said the athletes have managed to climb Noshaq Peak in Badakhshan and Shah Folad Peak in Bamyan using limited resources.
He said proper support and equipment would allow Afghan climbers to aim higher, including future expeditions to major international peaks, and represent the country on the global stage.
Afghanistan is home to some of the region’s highest mountain ranges, but organised mountaineering remains underdeveloped, with athletes relying largely on personal means to train and compete.