While sport is one of the most effective ways to promote the physical and mental development of youth, the lack of proper places for sports in Kapisa has prevented many youth from continuing their sporting activities.
A number of residents of the province say the shortage of places for sports and gymnasiums has not only posed challenges to opportunities for youth interested in sports to develop their talents, but has also negatively affected their physical and mental well-being.
Mohammad Zafar, an 18-year-old football enthusiast in Kapisa, says he does not have access to proper football fields.
“Unfortunately, in many parts of Kapisa, we do not have enough access to suitable places for sports, including standard football fields, which has caused many youth and teenagers to be unable to exercise properly,” he says.
Ahmad Farshad, another 24-year-old football enthusiast, says the lack of places for sports has caused some youth to give up sports and turn to other activities.
“We face many problems in sports. There are no proper facilities for cricket, football, volleyball or other sports. The lack of suitable spaces for sports can negatively affect the morale of youth and lead them to spend too much time on social media and even turn to addiction,” he adds.
Abdul Rahim Fazli, a resident of Nijrab district who has been involved in football for 14 years, says the lack of suitable places for sports has consistently had a negative impact on the development of youth talent.
“The lack of sports fields and facilities has always been an obstacle to the development of our sports, both in Nijrab district and in other provinces. Having sports fields and facilities has always played a role in developing our sports and encouraging youth. If we have a sports field with proper facilities and a good coach, we can exercise and improve our skills,” he adds.
Khalid Haidari, another athlete who has been active in football for 14 to 15 years, says: “The shortage of facilities has caused us not to continue our exercises properly and professionally. When there are not enough facilities, players cannot exercise regularly and professionally, which slows their progress. Because of the shortage of facilities, some of our matches have even been canceled and not held at all.”
Similarly, Abdul Rashid, a resident of Hesa-e-Duwum Kohistan district in Kapisa, believes that establishing sports facilities can provide youth with opportunities for healthy development and keep them away from social harms.
“Our youth today exercise on dirt fields, which can cause them to contract diseases and increase their physical vulnerability, especially when they exercise on non-standard fields,” he adds.
Meanwhile, officials at the Kapisa Municipality say they have plans to support young athletes by providing more sports facilities. Mohammad Yaser Yousufzai, a spokesperson for the municipality, says,
“The Mahmood Raqi Municipality has specific plans to develop and strengthen the sports sector. At present, we support two sports teams: a cricket team and a martial arts team. We also provide financial support for competitions to boost sports and support athletes’ growth. Mahmood Raqi Municipality has a proper and standard gymnasium where sports teams hold their competitions. We are continuing our efforts to provide more sports facilities so that we can encourage young athletes and address their problems.”
The lack of adequate sports infrastructure can limit opportunities for youth to develop their talents and prevent many of them from continuing their sporting activities.
Reporter: Masouda Akbari
