Untold Stories Of Refugees In Ukraine: Kasim

Kasim has been boxing professionally for three years. He trains every day and proves to be a good boxer taking part in competitions. Still, he cannot perform internationally as a Ukrainian athlete because he is not a Ukrainian resident.

Kasim's family moved to Ukraine from Afghanistan, where the war was going on, to find shelter.

"At first, I wanted to box just to feel safe on the streets, to protect myself and my family. But then my coach advised me to take part in competitions. That is how I started achieving good results", the boxer tells Hromadske.

Kasim won several Kyiv championships and takes part in national competitions. However, he dreams of an international career: "I participated in the Ukrainian championship three times, I take part in many competitions within Ukraine, but I am not able to go abroad as I am not a resident."

"He is very hard-working and purposeful. He has a dream. If he succeeds, he will be able to participate in the Olympic games. This man can win for our country," assures Kasim's coach, Valentyn.
The young boxer is starting school at the Institute of Physical Education to become a coach: "I cannot imagine my life without boxing. I feel bad if I miss even a week of training."
Kasim likes living in Ukraine and hopes to become a Ukrainian resident one day.

Ukraine is a popular transit point for many migrants from Asia and the Middle East who are trying to get to Europe. This report is the second part of a trilogy of exclusive Hromadske interviews about refugees and migrants coming to Ukraine.