Afghan ‍Tennis Ball Boys in iran Face migration Challenges

Updated June 22,⁢ 2025

In 2016, Gol Agha, who worked at a tennis club in Tehran, sought a headcount slip, believing it ‍would lead to residency. Like many Afghans, he registered, but opportunities never materialized. Rather, authorities announced the slips’ ⁢expiration, intensifying a crackdown driven by demographic anxieties and anti-Afghan sentiment.

The poster for the 2016 documentary film “Overruled” by Farnaz and Mohammad Reza Jurabchian. The original title in Persian is ⁢”Eteraz Vared Nist.”

This crackdown occurred as ⁤Iranian officials collaborated with migration policy organizations to manage labor migration. Gol Agha was eventually ordered to leave Iran. He, his wife, and child were deported to kabul via ‍Herat.

Gol Agha’s story is featured in the 2016 documentary, Overruled, which⁢ explores‍ the lives of Afghan men working at⁣ Tehran tennis courts. The film sheds light on their experiences with ‍anti-Afghan racism and challenges ⁤the ⁢stereotype of Afghans solely as laborers. It reveals the obstacles preventing them from advancing in athletics and other fields.

Even a decade later, the film’s themes resonate. Afghans lack a clear path to citizenship, except through marriage or service in militias. The documentary captures the impact of ‍migration policies ⁣on ‍the daily lives of Afghan⁢ men, highlighting their ⁢dreams ⁣amid systemic racism.

‘Ball boys’

Ismael Khodaei, ⁢another protagonist, began as a ball boy after migrating from Afghanistan in the early 2000s. A former Iran ⁣Davis Cup Team⁣ captain considered ⁤Ismael the most promising Afghan player in Iran. He started at the Enghelab tennis complex but later had to work in construction⁢ due to restrictions on Afghan workers. His brother eventually helped him return to tennis ⁣at a private club.

Historically, Iranian tennis players also started as ball boys. However, after the Islamic Revolution, ⁣Afghan boys filled this role. They manage court maintenance,‍ cooking, and cleaning. They live near‍ the courts to meet work demands and save money.

ismael Khodaei, seen in a still from the film.

Like Iranian ball boys, ⁤Afghan children learn tennis on the court. However, their advancement ‍is limited regardless of⁣ skill. in one scene, Gol Agha and Ismael are denied participation in a ⁤match due to ⁤their Afghan nationality. The organizer explains that the⁢ federation representative prohibits Afghans from playing, highlighting the arbitrary nature of the⁢ restrictions.

The film emphasizes the segregation between Afghan and Iranian men. While Ismael’s tennis skills grant him some authority, he ⁤still performs maintenance work. Afghans cannot⁣ become naturalized citizens, hindering access to higher⁣ education and coaching certifications. They often require⁢ Iranian guarantors for basic necessities. Despite some public schools allowing Afghan ⁢children to study, university access is limited⁣ and expensive.

Some Iranians acknowledge the injustice of this system. While some help Afghans find employment, others dismiss their potential. One manager notes Ismael’s potential if he had the proper papers. The former Davis Cup captain believes Afghans can only be helped to a certain extent due to⁤ their illegal status.

Reading Faces

The documentary explores ‍what it means to be an “Afghani” in iran.the protagonists share their experiences with the filmmakers, revealing the challenges and discrimination they face.

What’s next

The future for Afghan migrants in Iran remains uncertain.Continued advocacy ⁤and policy changes are needed to address the systemic racism and legal⁢ barriers they face. The stories of Gol Agha and Ismael highlight ⁣the urgent need for greater inclusivity and prospect for Afghan refugees and migrants.