'Indescribable': Afghanistan's Paralympians defy the Taliban to compete in Tokyo

Khudadadi says her parents are proud of her, but even that is tinged with sadness."They are very happy that we managed to compete at the Paralympics ... they feel proud of us but still the fact that they remain there in Afghanistan, in a very insecure situation, given the Taliban has taken over, things will remain uncertain.

"We had very difficult days and nights spent at the airport. It was a very difficult situation ... we were under so much pressure and stress.""When finally Zakia's video got spread around the world, when people started sharing and talking about it, our hope increased," Rasouli said.With the Taliban now in control of Afghanistan, the Paralympians hope their families can also leave.

"Every second of every day I have mixed emotions … this has been definitely a huge, huge, learning experience for me," he said. "But thanks to you … if it wasn't for your interview, for your connection, the fact you sent me to the right link to the right people … to David, Alison, Nikki, and Kurt … it was such an amazing team.

I’d imagine Afghanistan would have thousands of potential para olympians after all the bombs we rained down on them

Pretty sure the Taliban are Afghans too. Just like the ethnic Anglos, Irish, Europeans and Asians are Australians too!

Yes. All worthwhile. Made it 👏

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

This Afghan woman made history, then had to leave it behind to flee the TalibanThe female television anchor who interviewed the Taliban after their takeover flees Afghanistan and says the group targeted women despite promising otherwise.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Anti-Taliban region clashes with insurgents as Afghan women protest in KabulTaliban militants are closing in on the anti-Taliban region of Panjshir, north of Kabul, as the group plans to form a government and seek global recognition. Strength to those women, hopefully there's plenty of men there too
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Afghan women demand rights as Taliban seek recognitionA small group of Afghan women protested near the presidential palace in Kabul on Friday, demanding equal rights from the Taliban as Afghanistan&x27;s new rulers work on forming a government 👌 Ok cool. The Taliban promised. All is good with the world. So everything`s cool now that the Chinese are doing deals with the Taliban?
Source: 9NewsAUS - 🏆 10. / 72 Read more »

‘Fairytale ending’: Cole named Australian flag bearer for closing ceremonyCole now has 17 Paralympic medals after Tokyo 2020, making her Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian. tokyo paralympics
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

‘Fairytale ending’: Cole named Australian flag bearer for closing ceremonyCole now has 17 Paralympic medals after Tokyo 2020, making her Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian. tokyo paralympics
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

Four-time Paralympian Ellie Cole named Australia's flag-bearer for Tokyo closing ceremonyCole, who has won 17 Paralympic medals during her outstanding career, is given the honour of carrying Australia's flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday night.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »