In the province of Badhakshan in northeastern Afghanistan, volleyball is played - just about everywhere. Despite the fact that it is winter and that the temperature often falls below zero.
Afghanistan is at the top of the list of the world's poorest. In large parts of the country, the situation can be described as a humanitarian disaster. Close to half of the country's population of just under 40 million today live at or below the verge of starvation.
This escape from reality into the world of sports is now only reserved for men.
Since the Taliban dramatically took over power in August 2021, women are prohibited from participating. Afghanistan used to have a women's national team, but immediately after the Taliban took power, this was banned. A female player was beheaded by the Taliban and teammates tried to flee the country.