The Afghanistan Snowboard Federation: Against So Many Odds
"The main reason we started snowboarding was to bring a change and tell the people of the world that Afghanistan is no longer the way it used to be. We're the new generation."- Musawar Khanzai
With the help of Saloman snowboarder Victor Daviet, 15 members of the Afghanistan Snowboard Federation were able to safely make it out of the country after the Taliban seized control over Afghanistan in 2021. With the change in government, the safety and future opportunities for the team were jeopardized, and it was decided that the members would relocate to France and continue their snowboarding pursuits from there.
The Afghanistan Snowboard Federation has shown the world that they have big plans. Even though there isn't much opportunity to ride in the country, individuals have gotten a hold of basic snowboard gear and have been filmed hiking up a hill in Kabul to go riding. Afghanistan is evolving, and the ASF has offered women and youth the stepping stones they need to progress in the sport.
Check out this video below to hear the inspiring story of a small group of individuals as they challenge climate, geography, and politics in their pursuit of their passion for snowboarding.