IOC Announces Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially unveiled the Refugee Olympic Team for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Among the 36 athletes selected from various countries and backgrounds, six are judoka who have been making their mark on the World Judo Tour.

The selected judo athletes include:

Mohammad Rashnonezhad (-60kg)

Muna Dahouk (-57kg)

Arab Sibghatullah (-81kg)

Nigara Shaheen (-63kg)

Adnan Khankan (-100kg)

Mahboubeh Barbari Zharfi (+78kg)

These athletes have been battling both on and off the mat for the opportunity to compete on the grand stage of the Olympics.

Expressing his warm welcome, IOC President Thomas Bach stated, "We welcome you to the IOC Refugee Team with open arms and hearts in the true Olympic spirit of solidarity, peace, and excellence. Congratulations!"

Muna, one of the selected athletes, shared her joy, saying, "I have happiness which I can’t explain. I’m so happy and proud of myself and all the refugee athletes. I will see you soon in Paris."

The Refugee Olympic Team comprises athletes from 11 different countries of origin and are currently hosted by 15 different National Olympic Committees. In Paris, they will compete across 12 different sports, including judo, swimming, athletics, badminton, boxing, breaking, canoeing, cycling, shooting, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

This isn't the first time the world has witnessed the resilience and talent of refugee athletes at the Olympics. The first refugee team made its debut in Rio 2016, with two judoka competing. Now, five years later, a full mixed team will once again grace the Olympic stage in the French capital.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, we look forward to getting to know each member of the Refugee Olympic Team and their inspiring stories. These athletes serve as true representatives of resilience, hope, and unity, inspiring millions of people around the world with their determination and courage.