خبرونه - ورزش

The Afghan National Volleyball Team flew to Indonesia on Wednesday to participate in the Asian Volleyball Championships.

Their first match is on next Saturday against National Volleyball Team of China.

Twelve players, one physician, two trainers and and administrator are representing Afghanistan in the competitions.

Twelve nations will participate in the championship which is going to be held at Palembang and will continue for one week.

The National Olympic Committee of Afghanistan says it makes no difference if Afghanistan wins or loses in international competitions.

"International sports don't only focus only on winning or losing, but conflicts of the nations are being solved through sports. Financial and cultural differences and problems are always solved through sports," said Mr Zahir Aghbar, Director of National Olympic Committee.

"There is a national combination in the team, players from four provinces have come here to practise," Mohammad Yonus Popalazai, Head of Afghan Volleyball Federation said.

According to him, participation in this championship empowers the players.

The players have been preparing for the competitions for the last two months.

"Our goal is to have an achievement for the country," one of the players told TOLOnews.

Afghanistan shares the group with China, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

This is the first time that the Afghan National Volleyball Team participates in the Asian Clubs Volleyball Championship.