Never, ever give up': fighting for Afghanistan's sporting future in shadow of the Taliban

"My message for all Afghan women who play is that if there is any small opportunity, do it, Samira Asghari says. My solid message is never, ever give up. Afghanistan was always a war-torn country, unfortunately. We have grown up in a war country. And we believe in a future Afghanistan, and the future of Afghanistan is the people. Asghari is 31, the youngest member of the International Olympic Committee and an exile from her home."

"Before 2028 and the Los Angeles Olympics, what I really hope for is to develop sports for schools, to invest in girls' sports in Afghanistan. Girls are now allowed to attend school until year six, she says, but the provision for sport teachers, equipment is scant. My hope is that we could reach a negotiation point with the Taliban, to develop sport and the primary school for girls so at least tomorrow, the new generation, they understand what is basketball, what is football,"

Samira Asghari, aged 31 and the youngest International Olympic Committee member, is an exile living in Europe. Her role requires negotiating with the Taliban to reverse restrictions that prevent Afghan women and girls from participating in sport. Asghari encourages Afghan women to seize any small opportunity and to never give up. She emphasizes Afghanistan's war-torn history and the enduring desire for reform among its people. The IOC has been in continuous dialogue with Afghan sporting authorities under Taliban control since December 2022. Asghari prioritizes grassroots change, aiming to develop school sports and invest in girls' programs before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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