Paralympic Athletes in Herat Take the Field with TİKA’s Support

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided specialized wheelchairs and sports equipment for Paralympic athletes in Herat, Afghanistan. Thanks to this support, the athletes are now able to compete in professional tournaments.

As part of the project aimed at supporting wheelchair basketball players in western Afghanistan, 20 custom-designed wheelchairs tailored to the needs of Paralympic athletes, along with various sports equipment, were delivered. Previously unable to continue their activities due to a lack of resources, the team can now participate in professional competitions thanks to TİKA’s assistance.

As part of this initiative, a basketball tournament was held in memory of Nader Shah Heydari, the former head of the Paralympic Federation, who passed away last year.

Following the match, Masoud Amiri, President of Herat Paralympics, expressed his gratitude for TİKA’s ongoing support for people with disabilities. He also acknowledged TİKA’s previous contributions and expressed hope that the cooperation would continue, emphasizing that such assistance serves as a strong source of motivation for athletes.

TİKA’s Coordinator in Herat Arafat Deniz stated, “TİKA always prioritizes projects that support individuals with disabilities. It brings us great joy to see disabled athletes actively participating in society and showcasing their talents.”