Afghanistan out, but not down

War-torn country's wheelchair basketball team shows unwavering spirit in Asian Para Games debut

Wheelchairs traverse the ever-shifting battleground at breakneck speed, while players demonstrate a flawless fusion of tenacity and finesse amid lightning-fast collisions.

Swift turns, rapid acceleration, sudden stops — it was a thrilling showdown of speed and passion on the basketball court.

In a fierce match during the group stage of the Asian Para Games, the Afghanistan men's wheelchair basketball team faced off against Thailand at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium on Tuesday.

They were defeated by their opponent with a final score of 41-80.

"I thought our performance was good, but we lost the match. So, it means that we have to practice harder," said Afghanistan's Sayed Wasim Sadat, who notched 6 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the match.

"We have to work on our shooting, because our technique, passing and other things are good. The problem is we are missing the shots," he added.

In the prior two matches of the Asian Para Games, Afghanistan suffered a defeat to Iran, 91-33, but managed to secure a victory against the Philippines, 53-49.

The Asian Para Games in Hangzhou mark the first time that the Afghanistan men's wheelchair basketball team, founded in 2013, has qualified for the sporting gala. Although they might not have a chance to make the podium in this competition, nobody has been left in any doubt about the team's unwavering spirit and relentless effort.

Among the members of the Afghanistan team, some have disabilities that are conflict-related — such as injuries caused by landmines — while others have been affected by medical conditions such as spinal cord polio.

Shukrullah Zeerak, the team's chief physician, said that numerous individuals with disabilities in Afghanistan have triumphed over adversities such as war, poverty and unemployment, all while chasing their basketball dreams, and with the unwavering support of their families and friends.

Prior to Hangzhou, the Afghanistan National Wheelchair Basketball Team participated in the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Asia Oceania Championships in Beijing in 2017.

For the current Asian Para Games, the team is competing with the backing of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Boris Kelecevic, deputy head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, commented, "The resilience and sportsmanship exhibited by Afghanistan's wheelchair basketball athletes are truly commendable.

"Wheelchair basketball is not just a competitive sport, but also a testament to the diversity and inclusivity of sports," Kelecevic said.

Joining the national team in 2017, Sadat was part of the team that visited Beijing. Hangzhou is his second visit to China.

"When I arrived at the Asian Para Games Village, I saw lots of volunteers and they helped us a lot," he said.

Born in 1997, Sadat started to play basketball during middle school and fell in love with the sport.

"Only basketball can make me feel alive and make my life more positive," he said. "Our main problem is economic. We don't have the playgrounds like in China or other countries. As well as practicing basketball, our players have to work to provide for their families."

Sadat's schedule demands that he works from 8 am to 4 pm each day, with just a brief half-hour break, and then, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, he dedicates his time to basketball practice. "It's very difficult for the players in Afghanistan, because you always feel tired when practicing after work," he added.

Despite facing many challenges, Sadat and his teammates remain unwavering in their passion for, and dedication to, basketball. "Sports have made me more cheerful and optimistic. For me, basketball is not just a sport; it's a way of life," he said.