The 69-strong contingent from war-ravaged nation hopes to do well in Incheon * But lack of practice could cost them dear
With over 2,000 people killed in Gaza over the last three months, tales of death and destruction are a hot topic of discussion among the Palestinians here.
On a day when every other athlete was mingling with media personnel at the Games Village Centre, those from Palestine were singing their national anthem aloud, as if to announce their presence.
The Palestine footballers were either holding hands or placing them on the chest. Emotions were running high and the fiercely intent look on their faces made one wonder how difficult it must be to concentrate on sport in the time of war. The old gentleman in the delegation, Dr SK Fatma of the Palestine Olympic Association, was trying to mediate between his players and the world media.
"We have been having a difficult time due to the occupation by the Israeli soldiers and the army," said Fatma, adding, "It became very difficult to train and come here because of the attacks."
Young footballer Islam Batran, who will turn 20 next month, has a similar tale to tell. "How can one think of playing when there's war?" he asked. "It's difficult to find time for practice when only bad news is surrounding you."
To their credit, the Palestine football team is ranked 85th in the world, 66 places above India. The footballers have been unable to train as they need a large open field to practise. With everyone back home trying to dodge bullets and bombs, it would be hard to imagine that players and coaches could reach designated playgrounds to train. Even the national camps and exposure trips were cancelled. The practice matches against Qatar, Oman and Bahrain were the only ones which took place prior to the Asian Games. Earlier this year, the senior team won the AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives, beating the Philippines 1-0 in the final.
Talk to them and all you hear are tragic stories. "As many as 27 athletes were killed in the last few months. A football referee was arrested three days ago during a match between two clubs in Jericho. There are so many children and women getting killed every day," Fatma said. A famous sports broadcaster, Ahed Zaqout, was killed at the age of 49 while 19-year-old footballer Mohammad al-Qatar too lost his life in conflict.
A majority of the Palestine athletes here are from the occupied territories. "About 48 of our 69 athletes are from the territories occupied by Israel," Fatma adds. "They are from Gaza, West Bank and other occupied territories.
Some are from Jerusalem and outside of Jerusalem too."
For the record, India will take on Palestine twice next month, on October 6 and 9. In February 2013, Palestine beat India 4-2 in a friendly in Kochi. Here, the Palestinian team is grouped in Pool C with Oman, Singapore and Tijikistan.
Fatma has so many good words for "friend" India for its support over the years. "The Indian government and people have always supported the cause of Palestine. I want to thank them for their great support over the years," he signed off.
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