By Neelapu Shanti
Unwavering confidence brimming with positive attitude, Afghanistan’s young cricket team is taking giant leaps in cricket. Afghanistan made symbolic accomplishments in the field of sports, both regionally and internationally.Afghan youth have made milestone achievements in sports. Cricket has shed a great impact on Afghanistan society; which not only leading Afghan youth to the right destination but also played a great role in the national unity.Decades of instability did not lower the spirits;the enthusiasm towards sports remained high and created feverish spacefor solidarity and social cohesion.
It has set immense pride for the country which is phenomenal by gaining popularity in cricket. Taking cues from the recent development in the Asia Cup- 2018, Afghanistan is reaching soaring heights. On the competitive mode the Super Four Stage match of Asia Cup 2018 between India and Afghanistan played at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on 26 September at a tying stageglorified Afghanistan’s commendable performance which was not an easy task to be accomplished. Experiencing Afghanistan’s scintillating energy the entire world reckons the viability of sports to making it to competitive cutting edge on the international platform.
Afghanistan’s credits for scaling heights in cricket among the most prominent one are Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shaahzad, Mohammad Nabi, Asgahar Afghan. With the rising stars in cricket,Afghanistan is seeking its status since the formation of cricket board in 2001 and qualified in the World Cup – 2009. Hard work and dedication of the young cricket stars is making pride moments for the country in the international cricket and has been praised in the world.
Notably, Afghan cricket team has been expanding with its remarkable performances in the recent years. The announcement of Afghanistan’s full membership status in the International Cricket Council, the eligibility to play test series last year is a biggest milestone. Other sports in which Afghanistan competes include volleyball, golf, track and field, teamhandball, rugby, weightlifting, bodybuilding, and ice skating, bowling, baseball, snooker,and chess.
Sports in Peace building and Encouraging Youth
Afghanistan being one of the youngest populations in the world is teeming with lot of positive young minds which will help to channelize positive outcome in the process of nation building and cricket in Afghanistan is more than a game, it is a tool for national unity and hope for the youth.
Afghanistan have been receiving support from the International community for the development in sports, however, it is important to have professionals in taking forward in long term development and strategies. Afghan cricketers would earn repute status for some high-quality cricket and would be a tough team to beat in the coming years.
The Government of Afghanistan is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to protect the rights of all youth and to addressing violations of youth’s rights. The Government of Afghanistan has initiated a number of important steps at the national, regional and international levels. This includes the launch of a National Youth Programme, which reiterates its commitment to the development of the sons and daughters of Afghanistan and seeks to establish an opportunity for Afghan youth to fulfill their aspirations.
Afghanistan-India Association in Sports
Newly Kandahar International cricket stadium gifted by India has added one more chapter of India-Afghanistan cooperation that envisions inboosting sports in their country. India has built the stadium under the Small Development Project Scheme costing cost 618,000 USD. Out of two cricket stadiums Ghazi Amanullah International Cricket Stadium in the Ghazi Amanullah town of Jalalabad, and AlokozayKabul International Cricket Ground, the Kandahar International Cricket Stadium is expected to be one of leading sporting ground in Afghanistan.With India’s cricket stadium gift to Afghanistan highlights the cooperation of the India-Afghanistan Cooperation took a leap forward.