KABUL, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Years of war, accidents, landmine explosions, and polio have left many Afghans with life-altering disabilities. In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has introduced wheelchair basketball as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, offering disabled individuals not only physical activity but also renewed hope, emotional healing, and a sense of community.

Six years ago, Zahid Allah lost his leg in a landmine explosion while spending time with friends in Khaki Jabbar, a district southeast of Kabul. Today, he plays wheelchair basketball twice a week at the ICRC's physical rehabilitation center in Kabul.

"Wheelchair basketball fosters a spirit of brotherhood, empathy, and equality among us," he told Xinhua after a training session. "I'm truly happy to be here, playing with others."

Zahid believes that sports significantly enhance both the physical and mental well-being of people with disabilities, and more importantly, restore their sense of purpose.

"Since the day I started playing basketball, I've regained hope in life," he said with a smile. "As a young person, I believe war is brutal, it strips people of their humanity." Despite his injury, Zahid jokes and laughs with his teammates, his passion undimmed.

As a university student majoring in computer science, Zahid is determined to graduate and land a fulfilling job. "Disability is not a limitation," he said.

Currently, the ICRC supports 910 wheelchair basketball players across 14 provinces in Afghanistan, offering training and competition opportunities as part of its broader rehabilitation efforts.

Among them is Abdul Samim Rahmani, who was paralyzed by polio in Pakistan 23 years ago.

"I was hopeless when I first came for treatment-I thought just being able to stand again would be enough," he recalled. "But wheelchair basketball gave me something more: a reason to keep going, a reason to live," he said warmly.

Rahmani, a sociology graduate from Parwan province in eastern Afghanistan, added, "Compared to the outside world, the ICRC center is a haven for us. We play basketball here twice a week." He also pointed out that, unfortunately, people with disabilities are still often stigmatized in Afghan society.

As he gazed at the basketball hoop, Rahmani expressed hope that one day, perceptions in Afghanistan would shift so that society would view individuals with disabilities with respect and dignity. He dreams of joining the Afghan national wheelchair basketball team and competing on the international stage.

Each year, the ICRC collaborates with the Afghanistan Basketball Federation to organize inter-provincial tournaments, selecting top athletes to represent the national team.

According to Shukrullah Zeerak, manager of the ICRC's wheelchair basketball program, the Afghan national team has participated in international competitions annually since 2014.

"Sports build physical strength, mental resilience, and spiritual confidence," said Zeerak. "These are all crucial for helping disabled individuals achieve independence and self-worth."

According to the ICRC's latest report, approximately 700,000 people in Afghanistan received rehabilitation support in 2024, including sports equipment and the construction of dedicated gyms for wheelchair basketball, futsal, and volleyball. ■