STORY: Afghan boxers voice expectations for Hangzhou Asian Games
DATELINE: Sept. 12, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:29
LOCATION: Kabul
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Kabul-based training hall
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): MOJTABA HEYDARI, Boxer
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): MOHAMMAD IDRIS JAFARI, Afghan boxer
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Dari): MOHAMMAD MAAROUF RAGHABAT, Head of Afghan national boxing team

STORYLINE:

Afghan boxers at a Kabul-based training hall have recently shared their expectations for the upcoming Asian Games in China's Hangzhou.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): MOJTABA HEYDARI, Boxer
"I want to take part in Asian Games and world competitions in the future, raising the Afghan flag on the field. Because it is a great honor for a boxer to win a medal, especially a gold medal. Special thanks should be given to China for organizing such a competition and giving us the chance to go there to win medals."

For those who are making last push ahead of the Asian Games, they said they are setting their sights on both medals and personal growth.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): MOHAMMAD IDRIS JAFARI, Afghan boxer
"This is my first time to represent Afghanistan in the Asian Games. We want to show the world the courage and strength of the Afghan people. Our only wish is to bring the gold medal to Afghanistan, although so far no one has succeeded. We will put smiles on the faces of our compatriots through sports. Hi, Hangzhou!"

SOUNDBITE 3 (Dari): MOHAMMAD MAAROUF RAGHABAT, Head of Afghan national boxing team
"I know that this Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, which is a beautiful city. I know that the people there also like sports very much, and this city is perfect for hosting sports events."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kabul.
(XHTV)