Cricket match promotes youth sports, peace in Kunar province

Published Dec. 14, 2009
By Capt. Tony Wickman
Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- On a dusty field in downtown Asadabad, cricket took center stage in an exhibition match to promote peace and youth sports in Kunar province recently.

More than 400 adults and children gathered on a cool afternoon to watch the Dam Kalay Tigers play the Kerala Eagles in an entertaining and competitive cricket match.

The two local teams' efforts brought cheers and applause for a game that reminded locals of their national team's recent overall victory in the 12-Nation Asian Cricket Council Twenty Cup in the United Arab Emirates, Nov. 30.

"We showed other countries in the Asian cricket games what we can do and that we are not weaker than other countries," said Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar provincial governor, to the crowd after the match. "We have sports and athletics in our country and showed what we can do now and in the future."

The governor explained to the people the importance of sports and education and how it will change the future of the country.

"Your government knows young people are really important, especially in sports. You are our youth and will rebuild our country by your own hands," Wahidi said. "I'm really thankful for the young people here and I want success for you."

The governor also thanked the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team for working to arrange the match.

"I talked to the PRT commander about a month ago about making a tournament and am thankful the PRT was able to arrange the match," Wahidi said.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Leonard Remias, Kunar PRT commander, said the purpose of the match was to continue to engage different segments of the population through community outreach.

"When we did the youth education bowl a couple of weeks ago that had four area high schools compete, the Afghans had so much fun. So, we thought why don't we do that with a sports program and give them an opportunity to have more fun," Remias said. "The PRT provided the resources for the match and is working with the governor to establish a provincial tournament where the winner will compete against the winning teams from other eastern provinces."

The Kunar governor, fresh from meetings with tribal leaders on peace, prosperity and reconstruction, then asked the gathered people to sit and talk with their "sad brothers" and help them reconcile with the government.

"It is young people's responsibility to sit with their sad brothers and help them. You must tell them they should all come over and take part in the peace and security. Tell them we will find them work and prosperity," the governor said.

"For reconciliation, we must hold the flag of Afghanistan up. I want the flag of Afghanistan in your hand held high up in the air. We should all live under one flag...the flag of Afghanistan. We all have that responsibility."

Wahidi closed his comments by saying young people must show good sportsmanship, politeness and courtesy to have success in games and in life.

According to Dr. Raaz Mohammad, Kunar province sports director, the provincial government is working hard to establish sports leagues for the Kunar youth. The primary focus right now is on cricket, volleyball and soccer.

Mohammad thanked the PRT for getting equipment and supplies for the sports leagues so Kunar children can have better lives. He said the biggest challenge facing his department is getting the proper equipment and fields for the games.

"The governor is helping us establish our sports programs in all the districts of Kunar," he said. "We are working with everyone to get support from the government, tribal leaders and PRT to get the land and sporting supplies we need for the youth of Kunar."
Remias told the crowd that everyone who played or watched was a winner this day, and that everyone should encourage youths to play sports and do well in school.

"It was good to show the youths of tomorrow there are other things to do than fight. Youth sports and education program can bring communities together," Remias said. "Governor Wahidi and the elders support you, the PRT support you, and we look forward to working with the people of Kunar in the months and years to come for peace and prosperity."