Syrian athletes carry message of peace, hope at Hangzhou Asian Games

DAMASCUS -- As the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou approaches, Syria's delegation is preparing for a historic participation, carrying a message of love, peace and friendly competition to the people of Asia and the world.

Speaking to Xinhua in Damascus, delegation leader Omar al-Aroub emphasized the importance of the Games, stating that the Syrian team conveys a message of love and peace.

"This edition is even more significant because it takes place in China, a country with which Syria, both the government and its people, have strong relations," he said. "China has supported us in various ways, being among the first to offer assistance, which has given us more momentum and motivation to participate in this sporting event."

Syrian athletes appear determined to make their mark in the upcoming Games. Ahmad Ghassoun, a 27-year-old boxer who has won three gold medals in Middle Eastern championships, expressed his aspirations and determination, saying "we will give our best effort to raise the Syrian flag high."

Mohammad Malis, another boxer who has earned three Asian bronze medals, reflected on the challenges they've overcome, describing their generation as one of war, who have persevered to prove themselves during the country's toughest times.

"We, the generation of war, showed the world that Syria is a country of peace and love," he said.

"Our aim is to win a medal at the Asian Games and secure qualification for the Paris Olympics," he added.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Ghassoun, coach of Syria's national boxing team, emphasized the significance of the Asian Games, stating that he was hoping for victory in the upcoming games. He noted that Syria had previously won two gold medals in boxing in the Asian Games, once in 1991 by Mayez Khanji, and another in 2010 by himself.

"We aim to replicate that victory in China," he said.

On Monday, Syria's General Sports Union issued a statement confirming Syria's participation in the 19th Asian Games competing in five sports: equestrian, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling and athletics.

According to the statement, Syria is represented in athletics by Majd Al-Din Ghazal and his coach Mohammad Malla Khalf. In weightlifting, Man Asaad and his coach Qais Asaad are representing Syria. In boxing, Ahmed Ghassoun and Mohammad Malis, with coaches Hussein Ghassoun and Mohammad Ghassoun, are competing. In wrestling, Omar Saram and Yinal Barazi, with coach Firas Al-Rifai, are representing Syria. In equestrian sports, the riders are Ahmed Hamsho and Amro Hamsho.

"Our athletes have completed their preparations through both internal and external training camps, with the ambition to reach podiums and win various medals to add to Syria's sports achievements," read the statement.

This marks Syria's 11th appearance in the Asian Games, with the most recent participation being in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018, where athlete Majd Ghazal secured a bronze medal in the high jump competition.