[The Guardian] Freedom on the slopes - skiing for women in Afghanistan

Freedom on the slopes - skiing for women in Afghanistan

Skiing is a beacon of hope for the brave young women who have taken up the sport at Bamyan Ski Club amid political turmoil in the country

It is 6.30am and Nazira Khairzad, 18, and her older sister Nazima, 19, are sat with their family trying to eat the spread of breakfast laid out in front of them, despite their nerves. It is the start of the two-day Afghan Ski Challenge in the central highland province of Bamyan, and the women’s race is kicking off in just a few hours’ time. Not only are the pair the ones to watch but, as soon as they are on the slopes, they are one another’s direct competition.

“I’m nervous but I think I have a good chance of placing first this year,” says Nazira. “That’s what I’m aiming for.”

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