BAMYAN (SW) – The central highlands of Bamyan province hosted 11th edition of the “Afghan Ski Challenge”.
The annual event saw competitions in the categories of professional skiers, women skiers, wood skiers and amateur skiers with the participation of dozens of local and two foreign skiers. It was organized by Bamyan Ski Club in collaboration with the National Ski Federation at the snowcapped hills of Baba Mountain.
In this round of the “Afghan Ski Challenge”, only two skiers from Austria participated, which is a significant decrease in the number of foreign skiers compared to previous competitions. However, the organizers of these competitions said that the coronavirus pandemic was the reason for this decrease.
Sajjad Hosseini, head of the Bamyan Ski Club and one of the organizers of the Afghan Ski Challenge, said the competition was held in four sections, with 70 skiers competing in the professional and amateur categories.
Mohammad, who won first place in the professional section of the competition, complained about the lack of skiing facilities. He said though Bamyan is a good place to ski, but officials do not pay attention to the sport.
Nazirah Khairzad, who took the first place in the women’s section, said that she has been practicing skiing for three years. Although worried about the vague future of peace talks with the Taliban, she said she will never give up skiing.
Helmut, 71, from Austria, described the people of Bamyan as hospitable and kind. He said that this beautiful province is a good place to practice winter sports.
Davood Kargar, head of the National Ski Federation, promised to support ski enthusiasts in the future.
ENDS
