Gold medalist Ng Eain Yow of Malaysia (2nd L), Silver medalist Saurav Ghosal (1st L) of India and Bronze medalists Abdulla Altamimi of Qatar (1st R) and Leung Chi Hin Henry (2nd R) of China's Hong Kong attend the awarding ceremony for Men's Singles of Squash at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
HANGZHOU, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Abdulla Altamimi etched his name into Qatar's sporting history by clinching the first-ever squash medal for the nation at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
"I'm really happy to get the first medal for Qatar in squash," said the bronze medalist. "But my goal is the gold. In the future, hopefully, I can get the gold."
His achievement serves as a powerful source of inspiration for athletes like him, and underscores the significance of the Asian Games for non-Olympic Games sports.
"To all the children in Qatar, I hope you believe in what you do. Nothing is impossible. Even if you come from a small country with limited athletes, you must find your own path and passion. Eventually, support will come your way. One day, you can achieve your dreams. And even if you don't succeed, at least you tried your best. Success will come one day," he shared after the match.
Much like Altamimi, athletes from small countries and regions with limited resources face unique challenges in sports development, and Sri Lanka stands as a testament to this struggle.
At the Asian Games, three Sri Lankan athletes have demonstrated unwavering determination and a deep love for the sport.
Ravindu Hashintha Laksiri, a 27-year-old who competed in the men's single squash, is also an HR executive at Brandix, the largest textile company in Sri Lanka. He was introduced to squash at the age of six after watching his brother play the sport.
However, it was Egypt's Mohamed Elshorbagy who ignited Laksiri's passion for squash with his remarkable skills, discipline, and commitment. "I watched his matches on TV and fell in love with the sport," Laksiri said.
In Sri Lanka, the pursuit of squash presents numerous challenges--limited professional facilities, scarce international competition opportunities for young players, and the financial burden associated with the sport. Over the years, Laksiri has dedicated a portion of his salary to fuel his squash aspirations.
In 2018, he was one of the only two Sri Lankan squash players selected to represent the country at the Commonwealth Games, marking a turning point in his career as Brandix stepped in to sponsor him.
Laksiri acknowledged the hurdles ahead of his fellow players, saying, "There are many talented squash players in Sri Lanka, but the lack of exposure to international tournaments and training opportunities remains a challenge."
Yet, hope prevails. Since squash is still a non-Olympic Games sport, Asian Games are particularly important. "I see doors opening gradually. I want to make it to the international tournaments, which will help the juniors after me reach that milestone as well," Laksiri expected with optimism.
His ultimate dream now is to represent Sri Lanka on the global squash circuit, aiming to break into the top 50 rankings and create more opportunities for budding talents.
Laksiri's colleague Mohomed Shamil Mukthar Wakeel, who participated in the mixed doubles, shares the same dream. "I can only work hard, train diligently, and compete. Winning medals will help promote squash in our country," he said.
Balancing work and squash is not easy, but both young men consider it worthwhile. They are committed to promoting their world rankings this year, with their participation in the Asian Games serving as a source of immense pride as they represent their nation on the international stage. ■
