A cycling race was held in Daikundi province, in the center of Afghanistan, between two teams from girls and boys at the provincial stadium on Thursday.

The goal of the cycling race was to promote peace and harmony in the country.

The two teams included 10 girls and 10 boys. 

Zahida and Hayatullah got the first position from girls and boys teams respectively. 

The winners were appreciated by medals, clothes and other gifts. 

The event was held by the provincial information and culture and the independent directorate of local governance’s office in Daikundi.

The purpose of the event was to promote peace and support girls’ role in sports, said Mohammad Husain Sirat, the provincial director of information and culture.

He said there are still hurdles for girls’ role in sports in the province including a traditional society and the remote location of the province that has deprived the residents from many development projects.

“We face lack of facilities and support from the society,” a cyclist, Rahima Khawari, said.

The first cycling race was held in Daikundi last year in which only boys had attended.