Spirit of refugee team inspires world
Although Mahmoud did not make a breakthrough against Indonesia's Jonatan Christie, the world's seventh-best men's singles player, he is nonetheless proud of his achievement. In addition to realizing his dream of becoming a world-class badminton player, he also had scored 14 points to Christie's 21 in their second match at Tokyo's Musashino Forest Sport Plaza on July 24.
"I represent me, I represent my family, I represent my sister," Mahmoud was quoted by Olympics.com as saying after his match, adding: "I'm playing not only for my country, but for refugees all around the world. We can achieve something－and there are a lot of people who need that motivation to achieve the unexpected."
Like Mahmoud, who had only limited training, EOR athletes have not yet clinched a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Nevertheless, their dedication and determination to give their best has touched many people.
"We are well aware that compared to other athletes, we do not have the same facilities. We do not have the same training camps," said Nigara Shaheen, an Afghan judo athlete on the EOR team. "But it still didn't kill our spirit. Next time we will come back stronger."
On his message to refugees around the world, Javad Mahjoub, who left Iran for Canada and is another EOR judo competitor, said: "If you're a refugee, you have a life that is too hard. But to any refugees, I say, never forget your dream. If you lose your dream, you lose your life."
Filippo Grandi, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said, "Surviving war, persecution and the anxiety of exile already makes them extraordinary people, but the fact that they now also excel as athletes on the world stage fills me with immense pride."
In a message to the refugee athletes at the opening ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach couldn't hide his pride in having a refugee team.
"With your talent and human spirit, you are demonstrating what an enrichment refugees are for society," Bach said. "You had to flee from your homes because of violence, hunger or just because you were different. Today, we welcome you with open arms and offer you a peaceful home. Welcome to our Olympic community."
