An athlete competes in a bodybuilding game in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Oct. 20, 2022. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)
A rare bodybuilding championship competition held earlier this month in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital under Houthis' control, successfully bridged the gap between the two parts of the war-torn country.
SANAA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Since the ongoing civil war in Yemen broke out in 2014, the country has been in effect divided into two parts: places that remain under the control of the internationally-recognized Yemeni government and regions run by the Houthi rebels.
Since the Saudi-led Arab coalition imposed a strict blockade in 2015, millions of Yemenis have been stranded in the Houthi-controlled regions and are unable to travel or visit their families or friends in other parts of the country or abroad. Almost all connections between the two parts are cut out.
An athlete competes in a bodybuilding game in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Oct. 20, 2022. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)
Airports, roads, and sea ports are closed. The flow of food, money, or fuel is banned.
However, a rare bodybuilding championship competition held earlier this month in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital under Houthis' control, successfully bridged the gap between the two parts.
"It is always nice to see our compatriots from 'the other side' and participate in the event," said Madar Salem, a bodybuilder from the government-controlled southern province of Lahj.
Salem, who won first place in the 70 kg class in the competition, said the win overjoyed him and expressed his hope for more national competitions in the future.
Athletes compete in a bodybuilding game in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Oct. 20, 2022. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)
Al-Jawfi Najeeb, the event's organizer, said athletes from more than 10 provinces, including those in government-controlled regions, participated in the competition despite the country's ongoing conflict.
The competition took place at an especially difficult time after the government and the Houthi group failed to extend a national truce that had expired on Oct. 2, which has caused concerns about the return of violence to the Arab country.
Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi group stormed several northern cities and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of Sanaa.
Athletes compete in a bodybuilding game in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Oct. 20, 2022. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)
"We want to thank the participants from Yemen's southern regions, such as Hadramout, Lahj, and Aden. They have overcome the conflict's repercussions and shown sportsmanship and unity," said Najeeb.
Ahmed Wadih, another athlete from Aden, the current seat of the Yemeni government, said sports transcend political divisions and competitions like this one could be helpful for the country to achieve peace finally.
"Although this is a competition, it is more about national cooperation and dialogue. This is exactly what we need now," said Wadih, adding that he hoped to go abroad to participate in international competitions.
"If we can have good results in international competitions, we can make all Yemenis, whether they live in the north or the south, proud and happy. After all, we are but one people and one nation," said Wadih. ■
