Motocross is a new sport in Afghanistan but not for a big number youth in Herat province, in the west of Afghanistan, who say they organize at least one race every week.
Despite being “dangerous and exciting” Herat athletes said they love to do the racing as they have many years of experience in it.
One of the races was held on Tuesday with at least 10 athletes attending the event.
Motocross needs courage and bravery, one athlete said, adding that the rider must be quick and cautious.
“It is hard to express our feelings, because this sport has a special excitement. It is different and dangerous than other sports,” Farzam Bayani, an athlete, said.
The number of motocross riders is increasing in the province. Those who attend the race have many years of motorbike riding experience.
“We hired 10 to 18 motorcycles and everyone paid 5,000 to 7,000 AFs. Government has not supported us so far,” said Nisar Ahmad Rahmani, an athlete.
Some of those who attend the motocross race are motorbike mechanics who said they check the problems of motorbike engines before every game.
“We check the motorcycles before the race to make sure we will not face any problem during the race,” Najibullah Haidari, an athlete, said.
Motocross is a new sport in Afghanistan. The country lacks a motocross federation, but Herat athletes said they will continue their efforts to witness the day when they change motocross into a national sport in Afghanistan.