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The world is still shaken with Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan and the people of the country have been in a state of turmoil ever since. The Taliban seized control over Kabul earlier this month, nearly 2 decades after the militant group was forced out by a US invasion following the 9/11 attacks. With President Ashraf Ghani fleeing the country and the US evacuating its embassy in Afghanistan, the fallout is even more worse. Many people are fleeing the country as they fear that Taliban could carry revenge attacks with the citizens. Many women also fear the rollback of rights and the harsh interpretation of the Islamic Law.
Afghanistan Women’s football team players head to Australia to seek refuge
The Taliban takeover has severely affected the sports world as well, with women athletes being one of the most vulnerable populations in Afghanistan ever since Taliban took over. As per reports, over 75 women of the Afghanistan National Women’s Football Team, including players, officials and family members have have managed to escape from the Taliban to seek refuge in Australia.
Fifpro, a global sports association was in talks with governments of different countries for a safe evacuation of the players. “We are relieved that this group of footballers and athletes have been able to leave Afghanistan today,” FIFPRO Secretary General Jonass Baer Hoffmann expressed.
This indeed is a big victory for those associated with the national football team, who worked round the clock to ensure a safe escape for the players. “The last few days have been extremely stressful but today we have achieved an important victory,” said Popal, former Afghanistan skipper.
“The women footballers have been brave and strong in a moment of crisis and we hope they will have a better life outside Afghanistan,” she further added.