“Our Presence and Existence Is Our Resistance,” Says Palestine

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Palestine’s athletes celebrated a breakthrough on the fifth day of the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, edging past the Maldives 19–17 in boys’ 3x3 basketball. Earlier defeats to Thailand (11–21) and Uzbekistan (14–22) tested the team’s resilience, but the win injected fresh energy and confidence into the delegation. Across boxing, modern MMA, and combat-style events, Palestinian athletes fought hard, determined to make their presence felt on the continental stage.

“I think first and foremost, the Palestinian delegation is here to represent the cause of our country. That’s very important to us. And that’s by being here, being present, because our presence and our existence is our resistance. So that’s the most important message we have from being here,” said Diala Shaheen, a member of the Palestinian delegation.

Her words captured the mindset behind every bout and match. In boxing, Omran Imtair competed in the Boys’ 60kg preliminaries against South Korea, while Haitham Ismail and Omar Abuneim faced tough quarterfinal contests in MMA, and Ibrahim Jamoos narrowly lost in the Boys’ -51kg combat discipline against Uzbekistan. Despite the setbacks, Shaheen emphasized the delegation’s determination: “And I think our second message, which is just as important, is we are here to compete. We’re not only here to participate, but also to compete. perform, and achieve medals for sure, just like any other delegation.”

The basketball win reflected the team’s perseverance, with earlier efforts culminating in a result that embodies what drives every Palestinian athlete. Shaheen credited the overwhelming support for the delegation during Wednesday’s opening ceremony as a key boost: “Being in Bahrain and feeling the love, the overwhelming welcome of the people of Bahrain here, I wasn’t surprised because the people are lovely. Honestly, at the same time, when it happened in that minute, it was out of this world, overwhelming.”

Shaheen concluded: “It was a great way to start these Games and it gave us a huge push of energy and love that we will take throughout the whole Games. So we would like to thank Bahrain and the people of Bahrain for such a great welcome.”