Afghan girls robotics team gets hero’s welcome in Kabul

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA)- Afghanistan’s all-girls robotics team got a hero’s welcome on their return to Kabul after joining teams from 157 other countries for a science fair in the U.S. despite twice being rejected for visas.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and first lady Rula Ghani welcomed the six teenage girls at the Arg (Presidential Palace) on Saturday. Ghani praised their success, hailing them as role models for girls in the country.

The girls won the silver medal for "courageous achievement" at the First Global international robotics challenge in Washington, D.C.

Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of the National Unity Government in Kabul, also showered praise on the students from the western Herat province.

“This achievement of yours demonstrate your talent and continued efforts. The government is committed to provide you with higher education opportunities, building your capacity and laying the groundwork for more success,” he said.

Representing the team, Fatima Qadiryan vowed they would work and study hard to bring more success and pride to the country.

It remains unclear why their visas were initially rejected, but the U.S. administration has imposed a travel ban on most people from six predominantly Muslim countries, including Syria and Yemen, but not Afghanistan.