Afghanistan People in Paktia, Khost Celebrate U-17 Futsal Champions

DID Press: Thousands of residents in Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktia and Khost provinces gave a hero’s welcome to the national under-17 futsal team after its victory at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, in what observers called an unprecedented show of national pride and unity.

The team traveled from Kabul to Paktia on Wednesday (Nov. 5) and was received by large crowds of fans, local officials, and youth groups in the provincial capital, Gardez. The celebrations continued in Khost, where streets were filled with people waving national flags, holding banners, and chanting slogans of pride for the young champions.

Images and videos shared on social media showed jubilant scenes across the southeastern provinces, with many Afghans describing the victory as a symbol of hope, solidarity, and the growing potential of the country’s new generation.

Residents and local sports enthusiasts said the success of the futsal team should inspire greater national support for all sports, including the country’s cricket team.

Analysts said the celebrations reflected a rare moment of unity across ethnic and regional lines, underscoring the power of sport to bring Afghans together.