Muhammad and Hunaidi make historical past because the OCA’s first devoted refugee athletes
NAGOYA:
Residing in exile at Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp was by no means the life Mahmoud Jasem Muhammad or Tala Hasan Hunaidi selected for themselves.
So when taekwondo supplied an escape from the trauma of fleeing war-torn Syria — and the prospect to compete alongside the continent’s elite fighters on the Asian Video games — the pair seized the chance.
For the primary time within the historical past of its flagship occasion, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is fielding a devoted refugee staff containing the 2 Syrian taekwondo athletes
“Being right here in the present day is not nearly competing in one other event,” Muhammad, who is ready to compete within the males’s 80- kg kyorugi, advised reporters on Monday.
“I am carrying a narrative with me — a narrative that, God keen, will change into successful story. I carry that story with me into each battle.
“We did not depart our nation by selection. It was due to the tough residing circumstances and the wars that occurred, so we have been pressured to go away and transfer to a different nation to construct a life there.”
The 24-year-old mentioned he isn’t on the Video games merely to make up the numbers.
“The preparations have been actually intense, and our objective is not simply to take part — we’re hoping to realize one thing, God keen.”
HUNAIDI THANKS IOC
Hunaidi additionally expressed gratitude to the Worldwide Olympic Committee, the OCA, and World Taekwondo for serving to her stay out this dream.
“Sport has modified me for the higher. I’ve change into a special individual. I’ve hope now, and I’ve goals and ambitions for the long run,” the 18-year-old mentioned.
“We have seen a special facet of life, and we now have hope. We have discovered that nothing is not possible. Issues could be tough typically, however with time, you may overcome them and transfer ahead.”
Shiva Kesavan, vice chair of the OCA Athletes’ Committee, praised the pair as position fashions, who’ve been built-in into the broader Asian Video games group.
“It may be overwhelming for them to return straight into the Asian Video games and see the highest continental skills right here,” Kesavan advised Reuters.
“They’ve their private targets, however extra importantly, they’re now a part of a group. They’ll make buddies, who’d help them and that is the human connection that sport is all about.
“So I inform them ‘No strain, you might be already position fashions. All of us look as much as you. So simply go there, have a superb time, and categorical your self by way of your sport.’ “