The first Palestinian Olympic boxer is 20-year-old Ramallah native Waseem Abu Sal. Abu Sal wants to compete in Paris 2024 despite the Hamas-Israel war. Only Abu Sal and two of the eight Palestinian athletes live in Palestine. Others live in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Germany, Chile, and the US.
The conflict, which has killed over 38,000 people, including 300 sportsmen and sportspeople, has made training in Palestine practically impossible. Abu Sal has struggled with limited training and losing teammates. He met numerous Gaza and West Bank athletes at the Asian Championships, many of whom have perished or been injured in the war.
Palestinian athletes will compete in boxing, judo, swimming, shooting, track, and taekwondo. Only taekwondo athlete Omar Ismail qualified directly for the Games; the rest, including Abu Sal, used an IOC-supported wild-card procedure. This technique lets athletes from lesser-known sports programs compete despite not meeting standards.
Abu Sal competes, not just participates. “I am the first Olympic Palestinian boxer. As a participant and contender, I have the wind at my back “said. Even if medals are not their main goal, the Palestinian Olympic Committee promotes resilience and determination.
Saudi-born swimmer Yazan Al Bawwab, who lives in Dubai, emphasizes Palestine’s sports resources shortage. Swimming is his “tool for Palestine,” since the country has no licensed pools. Conflicts and survival issues make it hard for the Palestinian economy to fund professional athletics.
Pope Francis hoped the 2024 Olympics will foster peace and end bloodshed. Palestinian athletes are ready to shine in Paris, demonstrating their resilience and determination worldwide.
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