Female boxers in Afghanistan practice their punches - in a gym that was once part of a Taliban punishment centre.
Nineteen-year-old Shabnam and her 18-year old sister Sadaf are part of the country's first team of female boxers.
Both are hoping for a chance to fight at this year's London Olympic Games, where women's boxing will make its debut as a medal sport.
It will be a tough fight as they live in a deeply conservative society where female boxing is considered taboo and many women still struggle to secure an education and work
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) AFGHAN FEMALE BOXER, SADAF RAHIMI, SAYING:
"My family has been threatened several times because we three sisters are in the boxing club, they asked my family why the three girls from one family are boxing. Boxing is a hard and difficult sport even for men that is why people are surprised and our family was threatened because of our choice."
The women's team was created in 2007 by Afghanistans's National Olympic Committee.
There are now about 25 female boxers registered with the boxing federation who each train three days a week.
Their boxing coach hopes to secure more support to build a boxing ring, improve their equipment and send the girls to international meets.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) NISAR AHMAD QARI ZADA FEMALE BOXING COACH SAYING:
"We urge the Afghan government, businessmen and private companies to support the Afghan national Olympics committee and our athletes."
Under the Taliban all sports for women were banned and no Afghan woman to date has ever won a medal at the Olympic Games.
These women are hoping to make history in 2012.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters
