In one of my previous posts, I had covered the toil and sweat that Afghani athletes were putting into their preparation for the London 2012 Olympics. With better facilities and security, the athletes were training as best as they could to bring glory and cheer to the war-torn nation of Afghanistan. Afghanistan had a contingent of 6 athletes for London Olympics. Much to their delight, Rohullah Nekpa won a bronze in the 68-kg category in Taekwondo through the repechage route.
Afghanistan has participated in 10 Olympic Games since 1936 but won their first medal in Beijing Olympics in the year 2008. Rohullah Nekpa was responsible for the bronze medal in Taekwondo even then. He is a national hero and an inspirational figure in Afghanistan. His recent feat of winning consecutive Olympic medals is a huge achievement in a country that has very few things to take pride in the times of war and rebuilding.
Born in the Wardak province of Afghanistan, Nekpa had fled with his family to Iran. He learned Taekwondo in the refugee camps in Iran. He returned to Afghanistan in 2004 after the fall of Taliban and brought Olympic glory and first Olympic medal to the nation in 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He was accorded a hero’s welcome and was awarded a house and a car by President Hamid Karzai for his win 4 years ago.
He and the other athletes received a warm welcome from the people of Afghanistan on their homecoming. They were welcomed in Kabul’s Abdul Ghani stadium amidst loud cheering from a huge crowd that had gathered to capture a glimpse of their hero. In a country that is subject to attacks and deaths, this medal brings happiness and hope. Nekpa hopes that this will promote a sporting culture in the country. He hopes that many youngsters will be inspired to take up sports to represent and bring glory to the country in the sporting arena.
Indeed, it is inspiring to see the smiling, 25-year-old young man who has done his country immensely proud through tremendous grit, determination, and talent. Afghanistan needs more heroes like you, Rohullah Nekpa!
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Image Courtesy:Reuters
