Khalida Popal fought for something that many of us take for granted: being able to play football. But Khalida’s story is about more than just kicking a ball around. It is about fighting for your right to exist and fighting for freedom in a country marred by decades of war and internal conflict.

Through football, Khalida finds her voice, as well as a tool for peaceful protest. In the first episode of "Fighting to...", we start at the beginning in Afghanistan where Khalida was born. With the country in disarray, a hostile dynamic develops, which eventually forces Khalida and her family to flee.

Thanks to Khalida Popal and Sameer Azizi.

Interviews, mix, sound design by Andrew Davidson
Headfirst theme by Sejer Villadsen