The first good news story that I have come across in 2012, and one that definitely needs sharing.

whatculture.com

Kabul. Population 3.9 million and the capital of Afghanistan, a place whose name in recent years has negative and powerful connotations both here and on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean for nigh on a decade. The pursuit of the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden has stereotyped the country to a place that is barren and dangerous.

But like most stereotypes, they are usually unfair and not a reflection of the truth. Yes I may like a bit of roast beef and a cup of tea and wouldn’t be adverse to wearing a bowler hat if I’m honest, but that’s not the point. Not all English are like that, not all Germans are efficient and not all Italians eat pasta.

But one of the dozen or so pitches at the Chaman Huzuri ground in central Kabul last month was a scene that could have been taken from anywhere in the UK on a Saturday afternoon and dispelled any stereotypes of what the Afghans were like.

In November the Afghan Rugby Federation won affiliation from the Asia Rugby Football Union in the latest development in a part of the world that is taken the oval ball to its heart. The result of this affiliation was the organisation of its first ever official rugby tournament, the Kabul Sevens Rugby Tournament.

Ten teams from four provinces took part on the dry and bumpy pitches for the two day event, sponsored by the British Embassy who helped with the organisation and refereeing too.

In a country torn apart by war for so long, the organisers have high hopes for rugby as a sport and that one day it would be as popular as buzkashi, the national sport. While rugby needs little more than a pigs bladder shaped item (ideally a ball), buzkashi requires a horse for each player, something that is beyond most people. The reason for this you see, is buzkashi is probably best described as, well, a game of polo with the carcass of a headless goat. I know, lovely, eh? But each to their own.

With only 220 registered players there is a long way to go, but as proved around the world, rugby has a great knack for breaking down barriers and captivating those that get involved or watch it. “What’s the name of this game? Why is the ball shaped like that? Why is the goal so high?” excitedly asked 15-year-old Abdul Rassol.

“I like this game, it’s fantastic. But where is the goalkeeper?”

When ruled by the Taliban any sporting opportunity was restricted in the country, denying what is so countries in areas that have had a tough time and outlet and an escape from the problems on the other side of the touchline. More traditional games like cricket and football growing steadily, as proven by all the competing teams wearing a mixture of football shirts to play.

Rugby though is probably the best fit for a decidedly tough set of people. “The Afghans are big and strong and fit. They’re not afraid of physical contact.” Says Steve Brooking, and Englishman helping with referee duties.

“Rugby needs a lot of power. I thought this is a sport I can play,” said Mohammad Yaman Nazary, 23, his huge frame barely fitting into his Brazilian football shirt.

“We want rugby to be more popular than football and for our team to beat the neighbouring countries.

“We want to show the Afghan people that we can be heroes in sport.”