From the heart of Waziristan, the legend of Genghis Khan is being rewritten... on the squash court. Maria Toorpakai Wazir was raised as a boy, and took on everyone and everything - neighborhood bullies, Peshawar weightlifters, and all the rules about who should be able to compete.
This story contains references to violence. Please take care while listening.
Thank you, Maria Toorpakai Wazir, for sharing your story with Snap.
In 2011, Maria moved to Toronto to train with Jonathon Power, a world champion in men's squash. Maria writes about this and so much more in her book: A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight. She has also set up the Maria Toorpakai Foundation encouraging families to educate girls and allow them to play sports.
Produced by Zahra Noorbakhsh & Nancy López, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 15 - Episode 6
The Stormy Night
The Gratitude Special
Movement
Big Girls Don't Cry - Snap Classic
Love Cats - Snap Classic
The Hot Dog King of New York
Seeking Shizuko
Rooty The Pig - Snap Classic
The Real Fleetwood Mac
Nevermore - Spooked
Inside Out - Spooked
The Promise - Snap Classic
Head Games - Snap Classic
Quagmire
Blood Oath - Snap Classic
Senior Year Mixtape - Snap Classic
The Medicine Man
Campfire Tales X
Shut Up Rick
Batwoman
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Stuff You Should Know
On Being with Krista Tippett
TED Radio Hour
The War of the Worlds
Grimms’ Fairy Tales
Planet Money
The Dinner Party Download