The Afghanistan National Swimming Federation registered two swimmers for the 17th edition of the FINA World Championships set to kick-off in Hungary’s capital city, Budapest.

This will be the first time ever in the history of the Championships that the Asian country will be represented in the swimming competition.

Afghan swimmers Mohammad Ebrahim Rajabi and Hamid Rahimi expressed their honour to be entitled to compete next to the world’s swimming elite in Budapest this summer and strongly believe that sport plays a crucial role in mobilising people and bringing peace in the country.

Afghanistan National Swimming Federation Secretary General Sayed Sajad Aghazada emphasised this feeling: “This was a dream for all Afghans to have a chance to participate in the World Championships in swimming."

"Participating in such a great and highest level swimming Championships is a chance for the Federation and its swimmers to engage more in the swimming world and show that Afghanistan is now ready to be part of all international events.”

“Two swimmers are representing Afghanistan: Mohammad Ebrahim Rajabi and Hamid Rahimi. They have gained national records, participated in the previous South Asia and Central Asia swimming championships and narrowed their speed with records nationally and regionally.”

“Our goal is to have three Afghan swimmers (2 boysm 1 girl) at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”

About 2300 athletes will be taking part in the swimming events from July 23-30.