STORY: Football match at Buddha site in Afghanistan promotes cultural relics protection
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 12, 2023
DATELINE: Nov. 15, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:10
LOCATION: BAMYAN, Afghanistan
CATEGORY: CULTURE/SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the football match at the giant Buddha relics site in Bamyan
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): SAYED HASSAN, Football player
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari):  MOHAMMAD TAQQI TAQADOSI, Organizer

STORYLINE:

A football match was held Sunday at the giant Buddha relics site in Bamyan, Afghanistan on Sunday. The game was backed by a team of Chinese archaeologists and Bamyan University.

Aimed at raising awareness on preserving the cultural heritage, the activity inspires more young people to join in.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): SAYED HASSAN, Football player
"Since the Buddha site is a worldwide popular cultural heritage and registered by UNESCO, it is important for us to hold the football competition in front of one of the statues, and we want to send a message to the world that we will protect our cultural heritage."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): MOHAMMAD TAQQI TAQADOSI, Organizer
"Our programs are based on giving awareness and education. Like in naan classes (students receive bread in return for attending their class on cultural heritages), we visit schools in villages and discuss with people the importance of cultural heritages, and it is an important topic on our agenda."

The Bamyan province is known for its beautiful landscape and historical monuments.

It has been regaining popularity as a tourist destination since peace has gradually returned over the past two years.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Bamyan, Afghanistan.
(XHTV)