Teams from Kabul, Nangarhar and Kunar had a one-day competition in the eastern city of Jalalabad to honor the memory of the late Japanese aid worker Tetsu Nakamura who was killed in an attack by armed men in Afghanistan last December.

Nakamura spent decades of his life in Afghanistan and implemented many significant aid projects, including a water canal that changed the desert into arable land.

At the event, a large banner showed Nakamura’s portrait alongside the logo of the International Handball Federation.

The Kabul team won the competition by defeating Nangarhar and Kunar, and Nangarhar finished second.

The event was also intended to increase awareness of the sport in the eastern parts of the country.

“This is the first time that such a competition was held in Nangarhar and the first time that Kunar is attending a handball event,” said Hedayatullah Kamawal, head of the Handball Federation.

“We also wanted to improve the skills of our teams,” said Ahmad Shah Azimi, a handball coach.

Handball players said the sport needs more attention from officials.

“We are happy. A large number of people were here to watch the match,” said Irfan Omar, a member of the Kunar handball team.