Afghan women's athletes barred from play
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Nouras determination to play sports was so great that she defied her familys opposition for years. Beatings from her mother and jeers from her neighbors never stopped her from the sports she loved.
But the 20-year-old Afghan woman could not defy her countrys Taliban rulers. They have not just banned all sports for women and girls, they have actively intimidated and harassed those who once played, often scaring them from even practicing in private, Noura and other women say.
Noura has been left shattered. Im not the same person anymore, she said. Since the Taliban came, I feel like Im dead.
A number of girls and women who once played a variety of sports told The Associated Press they have been intimidated by the Taliban with visits and phone calls warning them not to engage in their sports. The women and girls spoke on condition of anonymity for fear they will face further threats.
https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-youth-taliban-college-875079d49a1c8c7063da7c14f317a8b3