Hala Alqadi (R) of Palestine celebrates after the women's kumite 68kg bronze medal bout of karate at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on Oct. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting)
Karateka Hala Alqadi has won Palestine's first Asian Games medal in 21 years in Hangzhou.
RAMALLAH, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hala Alqadi, a 22-year-old Palestinian karateka, has made history by securing a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, bringing honor to her conflict-torn homeland.
On the sport's opening day on Thursday, Alqadi clinched the women's kumite 68kg bronze medal after defeating her Chinese Taipei opponent Chao Jou 6-3. This medal marks Palestine's first in the Hangzhou Asian Games and the first Asian Games medal since 2002.
"It's a historical victory. I am so happy to have finally raised my Palestinian flag in one of the most significant international competitions," an emotional Alqadi shared with Xinhua in a telephone interview.
While hoisting the Palestinian flag, Alqadi dedicated her victory to the Palestinian people, her family, and the Palestine Olympic Committee.
"My people deserve to live in peace and achieve all their dreams far away from the conflicts," she said.
She added, "We can create a promising future based on our capabilities, talents, and human development. We just want the opportunity to live safely and prove our existence as Palestinians in all areas of life."
Hala Alqadi (R) competes during the bout. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting)
Alqadi confirmed her intention to continue her karate career on the international stage, currently preparing for the World Championship in Hungary later in October.
"To prepare for such an important event, Alqadi underwent extensive and rigorous training for long weeks," Nader Jayousi, head of the Palestine Asian Games delegation, told Xinhua.
"Alqadi, as well as all our Palestinian people, deserve this historic victory, especially as we all seek moments of happiness," Jayousi elaborated.
Both Alqadi and Jayousi lauded the Asian Games held in China, praising the organization, arrangement, and atmosphere as impressive.
The community back home celebrated Alqadi's victory warmly.
"Congratulations on the great achievement. Congratulations to Hala and Palestine for this medal that is dear to all of our hearts," Bahjat Tantish, a Gaza-based individual, posted on his Facebook account.
"The victory is for Palestine and the Palestinian people everywhere. We should be proud of our heroes and raise our Palestinian flags in celebration of such important happiness," echoed Sama Jaradat, a Hebron-based resident, on her Facebook account. ■
