The Afghanistan Women’s National Basketball team held their first training camp since leaving the country in preparation for international matches with the Qatari women’s national team at the Aspire Park camp.

Officials at the Afghan Basketball Federation said that a three-day training camp was held under the supervision of Qatari coaches during which the Afghan athletes received technical training.

“We are trying to reorganize the team and get the players back together in the country so that they can gain achievements for the country,” said Ghous Nikbin, head of the basketball federation.

“Since the Islamic Emirate took power in Afghanistan we have not been able to hold trainings, so we left the country,” said Fereshta Ahmadzai, captain of the national basketball team.

The Afghanistan Women’s National Basketball team said that they hope the country’s situation gets better, and the obstacles in the way of sports are removed so they become able to gain achievements for the country.

“Due to the lack of sports opportunities we left the country and now our training continues here in Qatar,” said Fariba Hamdard, a member of the team.

The players who attended the training camp said their families’ destiny in Afghanistan is uncertain.

Meanwhile, officials of the Basketball Federation said that the team was about to have a warmup match with the Qatari women’s national basketball team, but due to the athletes’ trip to Albania, the game was canceled.