Exclusive: Refugee athlete Al Hussein reflects on making history at 2026 Asian Games

Mahmoud Al Jasem Al Hussein, a taekwondo athlete in the men's 80kg category is competing as part of the Olympic Council of Asia's first-ever Refugee Team. His journey from years of uncertainty to the continent's biggest sporting stage is a powerful message of resilience. 

In an exclusive interview with Sports Scene's Shen Xiang, Al Hussein reflected on his path to the 2026 Asian Games, detailing how sport provided purpose during his darkest moments and transformed his life from an asylum seeker to an international athlete.

Al Hussein's athletic journey began a decade ago under the most challenging circumstances. Following his 2016 arrival at Jordan's Azraq Refugee Camp, in the wake of the conflict in Syria, he found direction through a humanitarian sports program that introduced him to martial arts.

"Sport was the safe place I could turn to, especially taekwondo," Al Hussein shared. "Taekwondo was the only clear hope I had. My future was almost unknown, but when I started practicing, I had something clear to focus on, and there were people who supported us."

He noted that stepping onto the mat for the first time in 2016 was a "very special and new experience" that laid the foundation for his competitive career.

The inclusion of the OCA Refugee Team at the 2026 Games marks the first time refugee athletes have been officially represented in Asian Games history. For Al Hussein, wearing the neutral colors in the 80kg event is the culmination of immense sacrifice.

"Reaching the Asian Games was the result of years of hard work, patience, sacrifices and intensive training," he said. "I'm glad we made it here, and I hope this will be a starting point."

Beyond his personal ambitions on the mat, Al Hussein carries the weight of representing millions of displaced individuals across the globe.

"I'm very proud to represent refugee athletes for the first time in the history of the Asian Games," Al Hussein said. "I hope this will be a positive experience, and send a message that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, we can still move forward and achieve something."

As he competes in Nagoya, Al Hussein is already looking toward the global stage and hopes to participate in the Olympics, a dream shared by many elite athletes. 

"I hope to participate in the Olympic Games, achieve something meaningful, and send a message to every refugee athlete that no matter how difficult your starting point is, you can still reach your goals through your hard work, patience and dedication."