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Sadia Bromand: Nothing is impossible
But while Bromand’s parents were willing to accept some aspects of their daughter’s rebellious streak and her sporting participation on the track, getting into the ring was a step too far.
They were worried she would get hurt and be rejected by society, but mostly feared what the authorities might do to her if she got caught breaking any rules.
Bromand trained in secret but, fearing for her life, made the tough decision to leave Afghanistan before the Taliban’s reinstatement and begin a new life in Berlin.
Moving to the German capital allowed the athlete to pursue her dreams in boxing, and dress as she saw fit. However, she still experienced many tough days due to being so far from her family.
“You can find everything in Germany, except my mother and my best friend Faheema. I really miss them a lot, though we speak regularly,” she told Reuters.
“Also, Afghanistan is really warm, and Berlin is very cold. I miss that weather.”
“I’m here without hijab and in boxing gear, so my parents were really worried. They were saying if the Taliban rulers see an Afghan woman like that, they may imprison my father.”
When Bromand feels discouraged, she looks at her tattoos – another practice considered inappropriate for women in Afghanistan; “Nothing is impossible,” one reads on her right forearm, while her left arm features the five Olympic rings, accompanied by three words: “Yes I can.”
“All the time when I was in Afghanistan, I was always stressed and overwhelmed. This is to remind myself to be happy and smile, no matter what.”
