Syrian Taekwondo Duo Make History With Asian Games Refugee Team
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Two Syrian taekwondo athletes are making history at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya after being selected as the first members of a dedicated refugee team established by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Mahmoud Jasem Muhammad, 24, and Tala Hasan Hunaidi, 18, both live in Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp after being forced to leave Syria. They are now competing alongside athletes from across Asia at the continental sporting event.
Muhammad Targets Strong Performance
Muhammad is scheduled to compete in the men’s under-80kg kyorugi event.
He said participating in the Asian Games represents more than simply taking part in another competition. His journey from displacement to the international sporting stage has given him an opportunity to represent the experiences of refugees through sport.
Muhammad also said his preparations had been intensive and that his goal was to achieve a meaningful result rather than simply participate.
Hunaidi Says Sport Gave Her Hope
Hunaidi, who will compete in the women’s under-49kg kyorugi category, thanked the International Olympic Committee, the OCA and World Taekwondo for supporting her journey.
The young athlete said sport had changed her outlook and helped her develop new hopes and ambitions for the future.
Her participation comes after years of living in the Azraq refugee camp, where she continued pursuing taekwondo despite the challenges associated with displacement.
OCA Welcomes Refugee Athletes
The OCA has described the participation of the two athletes as a historic moment for the Asian Games.
OCA Athletes’ Committee Vice Chair Shiva Keshavan said the pair had become part of the wider Asian sporting community and encouraged them to enjoy the experience while competing at the highest level.
The OCA Refugee Team formally received a welcome ceremony in Nagoya on September 18. The team consists of the two Syrian taekwondo athletes, who are competing in the Asian Games for the first time.
Their participation gives the Asian Games a new dimension, highlighting how sport can provide international opportunities for athletes affected by displacement.
