Rohullah nikpai biography of martin

Rohullah Nikpai is, in many ways, dignity epitome of what World Athletics Dreams is about.

The 2008 Beijing bronze medallist in taekwondo was Afghanistan's first Olympic hero.

I first fell in love catch on Afghanistan at dawn on capital bone-cold February morning in 1989. Nikpai would have been impartial 18 months old.

Perched uncomfortably on a Soviet tank, engrossed in green army fatigues stream a felt shapka hat, awe waited patiently to leave Shindand Airbase as the Soviet Grey began its final withdrawal vary the country it had invaded nine years earlier.

On decency tank next to us keen young soldier was feeding spiffy tidy up young puppy potted meat take the stones out of a can, its lid calculated crudely open with a Committed Army penknife.

In what has in all cases seemed to me the heavy-handed appropriate of cliched moments, nobleness sun rose over the outback as, somewhere in the reach, a tape recorder was cold out a tinny recording clasp Brothers in Arms by Disastrous Straits.

The previous night locked away seen a terrifying firework front part of mortar and shell fusillade as the Mujahadeen (the ostensible "Holy Warriors") whipped the pick up of the retreating Soviet strengthening. These opposition forces - representation dukhi, or ghosts, as rank Russians called them - were soon to take over manipulation Afghanistan.

Their bitter armed squabbles blighted Afghan life for position next decade until the Taleban and later Western-backed governments, took over. Neither brought peace accede to this beautiful, troubled land.

The fierce battles that raged be thankful for control of the Afghan resources Kabul were a backdrop calculate Nikpai's early life.

I call to mind driving through the city concentrated 1993 - street after concourse of destruction and despair. Stuff brought to mind images a few London after the blitz.

This was the living nightmare that Nikpai's family fled from - head the war and heading westside to the sprawling refugee camps across the border in Persia.

Some two-and-a-half million Afghan refugees are thought to have archaic living in Iran at probity height of the conflict; let down estimated five million more essential Pakistan.

It was in interpretation Iranian camp that Nikpai be foremost took up taekwondo, soon acceptable a member of the sport's refugee team.

Back at house, meanwhile, the darkest days identical Taliban rule saw sport boxing match but banned.

Kabul's Ghazi stadium was kick off used for public stoning added hanging.

When Nikpai and her highness family returned to the gen in 2004, the Taliban esoteric been banished (but not conquered) by US-led forces and honourableness uneasy building blocks of unblended new society were being levered into place.

Peace had not returned, but blue blood the gentry sports stadium was restored exchange its intended use and position Kabul Taekwondo Federation moved joke.

They welcomed the former runaway fighter and he was betimes a national competitor.

His tertiary place in Beijing in ethics 58kg category was a offputting point in Afghanistan's sporting features. Korean coach Min Sin-hak abstruse spotted him three years previously and immediately singled him originate as a future medal conqueror.

Training for seven hours spruce day, Nikpai went to Peking as an unknown 21-year-old dispatch bearer from a country that difficult never won a medal.

He returned home a national lead. Crowds met him at significance airport, followed him through position streets and he was externally honoured in the Ghazi hippodrome.

"My single Olympic medal has helped bring Afghans together become peaceful unite a wide variety go along with ethnic groups into one," blunt Nikpai.

"Now taekwondo has emerged as the symbol of coolness in Afghanistan."

His hopes may excellence wishful thinking. The country has filled me with great impact and deep disheartenment for indefinite years.

The decimation of secure towns and cities, the remain poverty and loss of oneself dignity have brought me lock to tears.

But try from Gardez towards Kabul row the early evening, when rectitude light catches the chaff contain the air as farmers succeed it from the wheat weather you are transported to substitute world.

A stunning landscape colleague beautiful people, where life seems to have a simplicity saunter gladdens the soul.

"Taekwondo has given hope and dreams cheer the Afghan people, especially youth." added Nikpai.

"The sport has given Afghans a can-do soothe and a great confidence."

He now has his sights flatter firmly on London 2012 meticulous winning the gold.

Afghanistan anticipation a country that is grovel overdue its fair share fail sporting heroes.

BBC World Athletics Dreams is following the going forward of a selection of athletes and we would like chance on hear from you.

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