Hala Al-Qadi: “Training is the only outlet for me in the current circumstances”
The Palestinian heroine Hala Al-Qadi engraved her name in history by winning a medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, bringing honor to her conflict-torn homeland. She clinched the bronze medal in Kumite Karate by decisively defeating her opponent from Taipei, China, with a score of 6-3. She brought not only a wide smile to the lips of the sports community but also to the faces of Palestinians longing for victories and triumphs.
“It’s an honor for me to be able to achieve such a historic win for me and my people, to be able to have the Palestinian flag raised at such a significant event.” a passionate Hala shares with the Sports Gazette. This accomplishment marks the first Asian Games medal for Palestine since 2002, following the previous achievement of boxing champion Munir Abu Kishk, who won a bronze medal that year.
“I was hoping for the gold, but thank God for the bronze, which I am very proud of, I have dedicated 15 years of my life to this sport the achievement of the medal was the result of months of hard work, effort, and preparation including participating in an external training camp”. She pointed out that she had set her sights on achieving this historic accomplishment for Palestine before reaching China.
“Training is the only outlet for me in the current circumstances.” Hala Al-Qadi says as she emotionally describes to the Sports Gazette her current feelings about the ongoing genocide happening in Gaza.
A woman walks on building rubble following an Israeli airstrike on Gaza.
She adds on “Everything going on is unjust, innocent people are losing their lives, we were supposed to go to Gaza at the end of the year for the Palestinian National Championship, where all the athletes from the West Bank and Gaza compete, however a lot of them were martyred or they’ve lost family members due to the bombings and the facilities have been demolished completely.”
The Palestinian player also emphasized her commitment to continuing her journey in karate and striving for more international recognition against all odds. She mentioned that she was preparing for the World Championship in Hungary, but was forced to cancel due to restrictions on travel matters.
“Preparing for such an important event, I underwent extensive and rigorous training for long weeks, and for all of it to go away due to a situation out of my hands is irritating to say the least.” Hala shares.
Hala has three historical medals in her collection, having won the gold at the 2019 West Asian Championship, the gold at the 2019 Istanbul Open Championship, the silver at the Arab Games 2023, and now the bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Hala began training at the age of 7, initially as a hobby and to spend summer vacations. With sufficient support from her parents, she participated in various sports for a specific period. Eventually, karate became an integral part of her daily life, and she developed a goal of competing and playing under the name of Palestine. She emphasizes that karate positively impacts the mind, as the training during her high school studies helped her with better comprehension and concentration.
“I give equal priority to my studies and karate training. Despite facing criticism that suggests I have grown up and should reconsider my involvement in sports, especially since I am studying a rather difficult course it hasn’t wavered my passion and dream to represent Palestine on the international stage and achieve notable positions.” She remarks.
Hala is completing her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Birzeit University in the West Bank. With more than 900 faculty and staff members and around 14,000 students. The university’s primary goal is to equip the young generation with the knowledge and skills needed to emerge as responsible leaders and conscientious citizens. “Birzeit places importance on cultivating social awareness and developing a deep sense of national commitment.”
Student Council elections in Birzeit University
“I have a little sister, who also plays sports I want her to know that being a Muslim female in Palestine doesn’t stop her from achieving everything she wants in life” Hala reflects when asked about representing the Palestinian female athlete. She adds “I know a lot of younger female athletes either at my club or on the national team, I want to set an example for them that you can really achieve what you want despite all the restrictions and boundaries that people try to put on you, they are merely nothing but a wall that you need to breakthrough to achieve what you want in life”.
“As an Olympic athlete, the national and Olympic committee support for individual sports is nearly non-existent. The Palestinian ministry of Sport should reconsider its strategy, ensuring a broader foundation for individual and combat sports.”
Calls for a reconsideration of the sports leadership’s thinking and policies are a legitimate right, as there has been an expansion in supporting team sports, “I think particularly football, given its undeniable impact, popularity, and intense presence.” Hala shares. However, has this platform risen to the occasion with any medal-winning performances, while acknowledging its importance and its presence in the AFC Asian Cup?
