“This support has significantly contributed to the progress of the women’s national team,” Mohammadi explained. “National coaches and experienced individuals led the team, which greatly aided our development. We hope that this support continues.”“In a culture where girls are expected to marry at a young age, volleyball has changed mindsets and transformed everyday life,” she […]
“This support has significantly contributed to the progress of the women’s national team,” Mohammadi explained. “National coaches and experienced individuals led the team, which greatly aided our development. We hope that this support continues.”“In a culture where girls are expected to marry at a young age, volleyball has changed mindsets and transformed everyday life,” she said. “Now, I only think about empowering myself and my team through sports.”
Locals watch Mutalib play volleyball at his village
“Since receiving support from FIVB, enthusiasts have stepped up their training and joined formal volleyball programmes,” he said. “They drew inspiration from the sport’s growth and keep making steady progress.”
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Volleyball has been life-changing for many women in Afghanistan
“The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme brought new life to me and other young players who dreamed of participating in international competitions,” Mutalib said. “It created opportunities for Afghanistan’s national volleyball team to participate in international events. With my efforts, I was able to quickly earn a spot on the senior national team. Thanks to the support of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment project, I have participated in over ten Asian and regional events over the past three years.”
Afghanistan’s top player Abdul Mutalib has showcased his talents in multiple events in the last three years with the support of FIVB Empowerment
The initiative went beyond financial assistance, offering training under experienced coaches and access to professional facilities. These changes were pivotal in shaping the athletes’ development.
“One of my greatest dreams is to participate in international coaching courses and contribute to the Afghan women’s success in national competitions,” she said.
Mohammadi also highlighted how the programme transformed their prospects.
Both players recounted moments where their participation in international competitions became a source of inspiration. Mohammadi vividly remembered the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
“FIVB’s support allowed us to train in the best facilities and participate in international events. The Asian Games were one of these opportunities that drew attention to the Afghan women’s national volleyball team,” she said.
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The vision of FIVB Volleyball Empowerment changed the narrative for players like Mutalib and Mohammadi. This support provided essential resources and created opportunities for Afghan athletes to pursue volleyball at a higher level and share their talents with the world.
“Winning the title of Best Player in the Central Asia Zone (CAVA) 2024 competitions is one of the best moments and greatest achievements of my career. Without suitable logistical conditions and professional training for me and my teammates, achieving this milestone would have been impossible,” said Mutalib, describing his proudest moment with a sense of gratitude.
“For the community, I can generally say that volleyball is one of the most popular sports in our country,” Mutalib explained. “This passion has recently increased to the extent that you can find volleyball courts even in the smallest villages. Children, elders and young people have all become passionate about volleyball.”
Mutalib’s talent has been recognised, as he received an individual award in a regional competition
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The support provided by FIVB Volleyball Empowerment has not only transformed the careers of Abdul Mutalib and Negin Mohammadi but also sparked dreams for the future – dreams rooted in hope, ambition and a commitment to giving back.
Mutalib also shared how these achievements resonated with his community.
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“Due to the efforts of the officials at the National Federation and through the Volleyball Empowerment project of the FIVB, we were able to conduct our training sessions under the supervision of experienced foreign coaches,” Mutalib said.
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“FIVB’s support has shown the girls in my homeland and the entire world that support can transcend politics,” she said. “Sending the women’s national team to competitions symbolises hope and the presence of women despite the challenging circumstances, inspiring many Afghan girls.”
“Before entering official volleyball programme, I used to play volleyball at the village and provincial level, which dates back to 2019,” he said. “Later, in 2020, through the Afghanistan National Volleyball Federation’s talent identification project, I entered a training camp. I trained there for a while until a coach recognised my unique abilities and confirmed my spot on the youth national team. Afterward, I was recruited by one of the country’s champion clubs. Entering official competitions and receiving support from the federation brought significant changes to my life. Today, I have transformed into a top and popular player at the national, regional and Asian levels.”
The impact of FIVB Volleyball Empowerment became even clearer through the achievements of players like Mutalib and Mohammadi. These milestones not only showcased their growth as athletes but also reflected the power of support and opportunity.
“My proudest achievement is that Afghan women, with the support of the FIVB, were able to participate in international events, proving that they can bring pride to their country, just like other nations,” Mohammadi shared on the significance of her achievements extending beyond personal success to bringing pride to her nation.
Volleyball has reshaped the lives of Abdul Mutalib and Negin Mohammadi, offering them opportunities for both personal and professional growth with the support of FIVB.
Both athletes spoke of how volleyball has brought communities together.
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Mutalib shared how the sport changed his path.
“Participating in the Asian Games in China was one of these moments. Our first match was against Japan. During that moment, not only did the federation support us, but also all the spectators cheered in unison for Team Afghanistan. This support made the girls feel that the world stood behind them,” she said.
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The Afghanistan women’s volleyball team competed at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China
Mohammadi found in volleyball a source of empowerment and purpose.
With FIVB’s support, volleyball is thriving, opening doors to global opportunities and empowering players to shape a future filled with pride and possibility.
“Afghanistan is a volleyball-loving country with an incredibly widespread passion for the sport,” Mutalib said. “With continued support from the FIVB, Asian Volleyball Confederation, regional federations, government officials and sponsors, Afghan volleyball will have many stories to tell on the regional and Asian stages very soon.”
“Additionally, the provision of logistical support, training facilities and access to essential equipment, such as volleyballs, training venues, uniforms and sports gear, had a significant impact.”
For Abdul Mutalib and Negin Mohammadi, volleyball represents more than a game; it has been a path to defy the odds and redefine their futures. Both athletes hail from Afghanistan, a nation where pursuing sports often comes with significant challenges, particularly for women. Limited resources, minimal support, and societal barriers made progress difficult, but FIVB Volleyball Empowerment changed everything.
Mohammadi’s vision centres on empowerment and growth for Afghan women in volleyball.
Mohammadi also emphasised the broader impact of FIVB’s support.
