Magic moments
Underdogs keep trying
Afghanistan's rugby sevens team was undoubtedly outclassed at the Asiad, with the scoreboard soaring to a daunting 52-0 deficit in just 16 minutes in one match. However, for the team, who finished 12th in the event, merely stepping onto the Asiad pitch was a victory in itself considering the country's troubled recent history.
The Afghan team was assembled from players who hail from a diverse range of professions — from construction workers to drivers — with many based in different countries. Without official sponsorship, they self-funded their trip to Hangzhou, arriving just five days before their first match.
"Afghanistan has been through a lot of hardship over the past 40 to 50 years," said team captain Omar Slaimankhel. "Hopefully we can keep making (the Afghan people) proud."
Most Popular
- Nation's Winter Paralympics squad is its biggest ever
- China to send 70 athletes to Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games
- China announces largest-ever delegation for 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy
- Chinese men's basketball team beats Japan
- Grassroots soccer hits fever pitch in 'wild stadium'
- Team China excels on and off the field at 2026 Games





























