Gaza war shatters Palestinian weightlifter's dream of Paris Olympics

Paris Olympics 2024: The 2024 Olympic Games have commenced in Paris, bringing together more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries. However, this celebration of global sports is overshadowed by the tragic loss of hundreds of Palestinian athletes who have perished in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Notably, French capital hosted the event’s inauguration ceremony on Friday.

Palestinian representation at Paris Olympics

Palestine is represented by only eight athletes at this year's Olympics. Since October 7, around 400 Palestinian athletes have lost their lives due to the Israeli regime's war on Gaza. According to the Palestinian Olympic Committee and Palestine Football Association (PFA), these casualties include 245 footballers, with 69 being children and 176 young men.

Weightlifter Mohammed Hamada's struggle

Among the many affected is Mohammed Hamada, a weightlifting champion from Gaza. Hamada was unable to compete in the Paris Olympics due to the conflict. He spoke to Al Jazeera about the hardships he faced. He said, "I was the fittest in my family so I was tasked with water, I carried 500 liters per day from a far distance."

He also said, "I lost 20kg in bodyweight and injured my knee." 

Destruction of sports facilities in Gaza

Earlier this year, human rights monitor Euro-Med reported that numerous sports facilities in Gaza were destroyed in the military onslaught. This includes "300 five-a-side courts, 22 swimming pools, 12 covered sports halls for basketball, volleyball, and handball, and six tennis stadiums." The Palestine Football Association (PFA) also stated, "The entire football infrastructure in Gaza has been either destroyed or severely damaged."