A cycling race was held on Friday in Bamiyan province, in central Afghanistan, marking World Environment Day and to "promote the sport among the young generation," according to a statement by the office of the governor of Bamiyan.
 
Almost 30 athletes, including 10 women, attended the cycling race. The distance was 20 kilometers for females and 30 kilometers for males. The route of the race was the Bamiyan-Yakawlang highway.
 
The race started from Shebarto area in Bamiyan and finished at Band-e-Amir national park.
 
For the females, Raihana, Arzo and Shakiba got the first, second and third positions respectively.
 
For the males, Juma Khan, Ali Jan and Nawroz got the first, second and third positions respectively.
 
Bamiyan has many tourist sites, including Band-e-Amir and the site of the ancient Bamiyan Buddha statues, which were destroyed during the Taliban regime.
 
Officials from Bamiyan as well as reporters, athletes, and activists attended the event.