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We launched the annual Hindukush Mountain Bike Challenge in 2018 in response to the growing popularity of mountain biking as a sport among the Afghan youth.
With this event, not only we kickstarted Afghanistan's first ever official cross country (XC) mountain bike race, we also kindled a culture of racing and community gathering that has only grown ever since. Our dedication to grow the Afghan domestic racing scene transcends competition. We inspire and empower the youth: boys & girls. |
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Harnessing the young energy
Afghanistan has a huge young population, who have been deprived of fun opportunities, mainly sports, readily available elsewhere in the world. Despite lack of resources, however, the desire to be active in the outdoors is very strong. Whenever there is a sporting opportunity, young Afghans participate in large numbers.
We started the Hindukush MTB Challenge to harness some of that energy, and transform it into something bigger. |
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Empowering women
Until recently, there were hardly any Afghan girl who rode a bike. Though women's riding continues to remain a taboo, change is happening. These days, more girls are beginning to ride and break free from strict traditions. From the start, we established a women’s category in the Hindukush MTB Challenge to publicly normalize women’s riding. We aim to inspire more girls to ride, because we strongly believe the bike is the most powerful and efficient tool for freedom, independence and gender equality.
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Giving hope, and inspiring Afghans
Good news from Afghanistan is rare. Amid conflict and fear that surround life in Afghanistan, sports have always given us a moment of joy and national pride. Through Hindukush MTB Challenge, we aim to project a better outlook from Afghanistan to the world, and make Afghans proud of our landscape and its youth.
What’s more, we aim to build an avenue for inspiring young Afghans to dream of one day raising our flag in international bike events. |
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