First Palestinian weightlifter at Olympics braced to make historical past

Gaza weightlifter Mohammad Hamada says he’s aiming to rank among the many prime ten when he makes historical past as the primary Palestinian to compete within the sport on the Olympics that kicks off in Tokyo later this month.
The 19-year-old left Gaza a number of weeks in the past to make sure he faces no points travelling to the Games by which he secured his place after having participated in six worldwide qualifying contests since 2019.
“When I get to Tokyo, I will do the impossible, and I will exert every effort to be distinctive,” Hamada informed Reuters in Doha, in Qatar, the place he trains 5 hours a day.
“I can’t describe my feeling to have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.”
Last May, he positioned seventh within the Asia championship and eighth on the world championship in Uzbekistan for athletes underneath 20, the place he carried out a 141 kg snatch and 171 kg clear and jerk – for a complete weight of 312 kg within the two lifts.
“I hope to achieve a new personal record … and come in the first top 10 places,” stated Hamada, who heads to Japan on July 20, three days earlier than the Games are scheduled to begin.
Entry to and exit from Gaza is managed by Israel and Egypt, and restrictions have elevated for the reason that Islamist group Hamas seized management of the coastal strip since 2007.
Hamada and his brother, Hussam, who can also be the Palestinian nationwide weightlifting workforce coach, didn’t wish to take any threat and headed to Doha.
“This is the first Palestinian participation in history in weightlifting,” stated Hussam. “Training is a complicated process, and the athlete being my brother made it easier for me.”
He stated Palestinian athletes suffered from a scarcity of well-equipped golf equipment, correct coaching instruments and extra worldwide participation in contests exterior their territories.
Palestine has been taking part within the Olympic Games for the reason that institution of the Palestinian Authority in 1996, following the primary peace accords with Israel.
Asad Al-Majdalawi, deputy chairman of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, stated Hamada’s participation was an achievement no matter whether or not he received a medal.
“It is a legendary event to have Mohammad Hamada, a young, ambitious champion from Palestine, from Gaza, that witnessed wars and blockades, in Tokyo waving the Palestinian flag and competing against world champions,” he stated.
Majdalawi stated 4 different Palestinian athletes from Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem would compete within the Games.
“We are looking forward to writing a Palestinian record in the Olympic contests, regardless of what that record would be,” he informed Reuters.
At Hamada’s dwelling in Gaza City, his dad and mom proudly displayed a number of gold, silver and bronze medals.
“Mohammad achieved our dream, a dream we had waited for long,” stated his father, Khamees. “I am relieved… I am proud of Mohammad and Hussam. We made it to Tokyo.”