Amid the hustle and bustle of life in Kabul’s alleyways, a young boy lives with hopes of becoming a champion. According to him, since childhood, he would gaze at the sky, seeking his dreams among the highest stars.
Amir Alizada, a member of Afghanistan’s national ITF Taekwondo team, decided at the age of seven to follow a path that few dared to tread—one filled with challenges but brimming with hope.
Inspired by medals, now earning them
Amir’s passion for Taekwondo began with a simple inspiration. He was motivated by Rohullah Nikpa, Afghanistan’s national champion, whose success planted the seed of determination in him. Amir, still under 18, recalls: “When I started Taekwondo, I was very young, and what mattered to me was the medal. What inspired me was Rohullah Nikpa. When he won the world medal, my family believed I too could achieve such success, and that encouraged me to pursue sports and aspire for such honors.”
Alongside his studies, Amir worked tirelessly in training. He began in small, modest gyms, and along the way, not only did he establish himself as an athlete, but he also became a symbol of hope and perseverance for his peers.
A champion’s rise on the world stage
Through hard work, Amir participated in over 20 national and international competitions, with his first international contest taking place just two months ago in Uzbekistan. He has now registered 18 victories, earning 14 gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.
His latest honor was winning a bronze medal at the World Taekwondo Championship in Uzbekistan, a competition he entered without government financial support, using his own personal funds. “I have participated in more than 20 competitions; it has taken a lot of effort to find my way. In the future, I will have more responsibilities. My first international competition was self-funded. Since I performed well, perhaps the government will support me in future competitions.”
Overcoming challenges
Amir’s journey has been filled with obstacles. Economic hardships, lack of facilities, and heavy burdens of despair have often forced him to face the crossroads of giving up or continuing. However, according to Amir, he has never given up. With deep belief in the power of determination, he says: “Challenges can become strengths for success. There is a saying that a successful person is one who rises in difficult circumstances, and sometimes I remind myself of this saying and push myself to keep going. The key message in my mind is that a successful person always succeeds in hard times, fighting against despair. Yes, we face many moments of despair, but challenges are difficult not just for me but for everyone. What keeps us hopeful is the effort, the hard work.”
This belief gives him the extra strength to put aside hopelessness and stand strong against difficulties. He views challenges as the volcanic fire that forges and strengthens the human soul and will.
Black belt: A new responsibility
Amir, in an interview with Salam Watandar, explains that earning a black belt in Taekwondo is not just a personal achievement; it marks the beginning of a greater responsibility. “Every athlete reaches a point where they need to work even harder, and in Taekwondo, that point is the black belt. With the black belt, you are expected to bring pride to the sport and distinguish yourself from others.”
Salam Watandar also spoke to Amir’s friends, who evaluate his influence on them. Amir’s friends consider him a role model for discipline, hard work, and resilience.
Ahmad, a close friend of Amir, says: “I have known Amir for several years, and his success has taught me that with effort and perseverance, we can achieve great things. Amir’s achievements motivate me to create a regular training plan for myself, and I tell myself, ‘Yes, one day, I too can be successful.'”
Sayed Rohullah Hussaini, Amir’s Taekwondo coach, also shares his thoughts on Amir’s unique qualities and sporting future: “Every fighter needs four key qualities—speed, strength, resilience, and intelligence. Amir possesses all these traits, and as his coach, I see a brighter future for him than today.”
Abdullah Qani, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports under the Islamic Emirate, emphasizes the importance of supporting young athletes and promises continued cooperation.
“All programs, whether domestic or international, are supported by the government, and their costs are covered. Technical collaboration is also provided. Of course, some athletes may have participated in informal competitions with their own funds, but official programs are fully supported by the government. We provide the resources available for our athletes, and in the future, our support will continue.”
It is worth noting that there are 52 sports under the framework of Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, with Taekwondo being one of the most popular sports among the youths.
