Meet Akbar, a 23-year-old refugee boxing coach from Afghanistan, based at the Lesvos Spirit Clubhouse by the Mavrovouni camp. 

In the past, Akbar tried various sports - football and muay thai included, but nothing has made him feel the way boxing does. Whether he’s sparring at the gym or running through the island, training takes him to a different place - one where he feels safe and relaxed.

Boxing has made Akbar stay away from negative habits and allowed him to find friends. Now, he wants to give back by leading multiple trainings per week at the Yoga & Sports with Refugees gym which is KLABU's partner in the Lesvos Spirit clubhouse.

“Anyone that comes can learn a little bit from me,” he says. He’s filled with pride when he sees his protégées get better, punch harder and move faster.

It is not difficult to notice the impact Akbar has on the group he’s training. Despite the language barrier, everyone follows his instructions and includes his fighting pointers into their routines. One person Akbar is particularly excited to train in the future is his nephew - he hopes to lead him to become the best boxer in the world, once they reunite in Germany. A clear and beautiful version of the strong refugee spirit shining through - Akbar is very sure he will move on from Lesvos one day, despite the tough journey he is currently on.

Akbar knows he’s talented, and is determined to reach greatness, but not everyone has been supportive of his skills and energy along the way. When he was in Turkey, he wasn’t allowed to participate in any competitions. But since his arrival on Lesvos, he has been working extremely hard and wants to partake in as many fights as possible. Ever the philosophical character, Akbar recognises that his experiences are ultimately what have shaped him, as he says:

"You have to go through hardships to become the best version of yourself."