Smiling in the Kabul Sun

by Zaffar KhanRamadan is one of the most important holy months in the Afghan calendar and at times a tough one for all of us who are still getting out and playing rugby. The children seem to have no problem and are full of energy and stamina as they brave out the days in the heat, running and leaping around. With no food or water for more than sixteen hours it’s taken a lot more than being brave for me, and I always seem to be the Coach seeking out some shade.  Sikandar, aged twelve on the other hand well he’s very excited about coming out on the field during Ramadan saying, “playing is tough but I am working on my six pack so it will help me” he winks with a big smile, as I retreat from the sun, again!Our community head coach Khanjer is presently working with eight communities in Kabul teaching and guiding them in Khelo. We are planning our first Khelo tournament after Ramadan and every one is super excited about it.  We’ll likely have more than 100 children for the tournament. Khanjer says, “rugby is getting bigger and better, it will be great for rugby in Afghanistan. May be one day these children will play in the national team in the future… but we are being realistic it’s a long and hard goal and we are being patient with it. Khelo has also shown us that rugby is about so much more, the children learning together, supporting each other and playing.  We want to make these children's experience very good so they want their friends and one day their children to play.”In Khelo Rugby we talk about 'Growing up with Rugby' and this is really blossoming in an exciting way in Kabul today.Finally I must mention that some of the Afghan rugby boys and friends from Kabul have been very kind to invite me to dinners in this month and so I wanted to share some of the pics as it looks and of course tastes WONDERFUL!