Afghan judoka Mohammad Samim Faizad returned to Kabul on Friday following his participation in the Paris Olympics.
Recent rumors had suggested that Faizad had traveled to Germany after the Games, but he clarified at the airport that these reports were false.
Faizad explained that some foreign media had circulated misinformation, claiming he might not return to Afghanistan.
He emphasized that these rumors were intended to tarnish both his reputation and that of the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee (NOC). “I attend every competition with the intent to return home,” Faizad said. “This is my homeland.”
Dad Mohammad Painda Akhtari, executive head of the NOC, also addressed the rumors, saying that they were part of a campaign to undermine Afghan sports. “Samim Faizad is back in the country, and these rumors are simply propaganda from those who wish to discredit us,” he said.
Bawar Hotak, deputy head of the NOC, highlighted the significance of Afghan athletes competing in the Paris Olympics, noting the high level of the competition.
“With 15,000 athletes from 206 countries and only 1,000 medals awarded, it’s notable that no medals have been won by athletes from 150 countries. The performance of Afghan athletes in Paris was a significant improvement over previous Games,” Hotak remarked.
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