Kabul, Afghanistan, September 6, 2023: Afghanistan’s “Flying Angels” are about to conquer the hearts of women back home and around the world at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China later this month.
The Afghanistan National Olympic Committee reports that the delegation for Hangzhou will include 17 female athletes in three sports: athletics, cycling and volleyball. The female athletes are collectively known as the “Flying Angels”.
Although Afghanistan has sent female athletes to previous Asian Games in individual sports, this will be the first time they have entered a team sport – women’s volleyball.
The Secretary General of Afghanistan NOC, Dr. Yonus Popal, said: “In a historic moment that fills us with immense pride and anticipation, NOC Afghanistan is primed to make its mark at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games.
“Afghanistan will shine brightly as it proudly boasts the highest number of female athletes ever to grace the Asian Games stage.”
Dr. Popal has thanked the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Council of Asia for their “unwavering support” in making sure female athletes from Afghanistan can represent the flag and compete on the international stage.
“The journey of these remarkable athletes has already begun, with rigorous training and preparations well underway - all made possible through the unwavering support of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia,” he added.
“Despite the multitude of challenges that have come the way of the female athletes, the IOC and OCA stand as staunch advocates, steadfastly supporting and assisting Afghan female athletes in their quest to represent their nation on the international stage.”
Dr. Popal also thanked the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) for their efforts in supporting the entry of both a men’s and women’s volleyball team at Hangzhou.
“FIVB and AVC have also made significant contributions to men’s and women's volleyball by supporting the training and development of both male and female players, enabling them to participate strongly in the Asian Games,” he said.
The support of the Olympic Movement does not stop with the Asian Games, however, as the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity global funding programme has awarded scholarships to three female athletes on the road to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris: cyclists and sisters Yulduz Hashimi and Fariba Hashimi and Kimia Yousofi of athletics.
“The story of Afghanistan's female athletes at the Hangzhou Asian Games serves as a shining example of unwavering determination, the triumph of the human spirit and the embodiment of collective strength,” said Dr. Popal.
“As these courageous women take their place on the global stage, they carry with them not only their dreams but also the aspirations of an entire nation. Their journey stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Afghan women in the face of adversity.”
The 19th Asian Games will run from September 23 to October 8 at Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province in eastern China, and five co-host cities in Zhejiang province.