Here’s something I didn’t know about Afghans: They’re crazy good volleyball players. Jake’s been playing volleyball almost every night after work at the base where he is stationed — comprised of soldiers from all over the world: Britian, America, Bulgaria, Afghanistan — and he said the Afghans clean up every time. Above, my ruthlessly competitive husband goes up for a spike. (As you might imagine, games in a war zone are ultra testosterone-driven and competitive. Casual players stay in their tent.)
This is Jake’s Afghan interpreter, Sahim, a star on the court.
Jake’s team, comprised of players from all over the world.
The confederation of teams have been staging tournaments every month or so, played according to international rules, which Jake said are a bit different from American rules.
For the second time, Jake’s team got to the finals but lost two games out of three to the Afghans. Sahim was on the winning team. He told Jake that after the tournament the Afghans retired to their camp and staged a big victory dance; it was a huge deal for them.
High fives after the game.
I was under the impression volleyball was a Western game. I’m curious to know where Afghans developed such exceptional prowess on the court. Does the game have Asian roots? Did Afghans pick it up from generations of invaders? Did the Russians teach it to them? The Brits? Anyone know?
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I don’t know the origins of volleyball but I went to Ball State University in Muncie, IN in the late 80′s and there were several men’s players from Eastern Europe. And there were a couple of people with Latvian roots. When people fled Latvia and came to the US, they set up Community Centers as a pace to gatehr and they play a lot of volleyball. I’ll be curious to see where volleyball hails from.
I found this about the origins of volleyball on the web. Says it started in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1895.
Here is the website for you to gander at. Hope this helps.
http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleyball101/a/History.htm
Lisa
Interesting. Maybe Afghans’ abilities on the court say more about their fighting/warrior spirit than their skills with a volleyball, per se. Thanks, L-Marie.
It’s so great to see all the nationalities playing together.
There is an excellent article on the USA Today webpage today (9/15/11) by Mrs. Obama about supporting military families. Regardless of your politics we all need to remember and support our military and their families. Jessie, we are very thankful for you and Jake and what you do for all of us.
Thanks, Bob! I’ll check it out.