Despite widespread destruction in Gaza, Mahmoud Abdullah al-Kronz continues to teach Palestinian youth taekwondo in the enclave. The classes gives his students a brief respite from the war and a sense of normalcy.
Image: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/picture alliance
More than three years after the start of the war in Gaza, Palestinian taekwondo coach Mahmoud Abdullah al-Kronz has restarted training amid the rubble of his home in Nuseirat, south of Gaza City. He told the Anadolu news agency that with much of the sports infrastructure destroyed or damaged in the conflict, he was forced to put lessons on hold since October 2023.
Image: Eyad Baba/AFP
Before the war, al-Kronz and his athletes had been preparing for regional and international competitions. However, when the Israeli strikes began in October 2023 after the Hamas terror attack of October 7, they had to suspend training. Several members of the sports community were killed or injured, while others left Gaza or had to take other jobs out of financial necessity.
Image: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/picture alliance
Despite the difficult conditions, girls and boys have now restarted their taekwondo training. “We created a space where we can train with the simplest resources. I hope the situation improves in the near future and that we can establish a sports hall where we can train comfortably,” said al-Kronz.
Image: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/picture alliance
Until that dream of having their own sports hall comes true, the students will continue to train outdoors. Al-Kronz hopes that one day, they’ll also be able to compete on the international level once again.
Image: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/picture alliance
Gazal Mahmoud al-Kronz, 14, previously trained at the Al-Aqsa Sports Club. However, due to war damage and limited transportation options, she has been forced to continue her training at home. “The war destroyed all my dreams. Despite the difficult conditions and the lack of resources, I want to continue doing the sport I love,” she said.
Image: Eyad Baba/AFP
“I love life and I love taekwondo,” added the 14-year-old. She hopes for better training opportunities for young athletes so they can continue to develop their skills. Her goal is to become a successful athlete and represent the Palestinian territories in international competitions.
Image: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/picture alliance
The war hasn’t just changed the lives of people in the Gaza Strip, but has also severely impacted sports infrastructure and training opportunities. According to Palestinian sports federations, more than 1,000 members of Gaza’s sports community have been killed since October 2023.
Image: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/picture alliance7 images1 | 77 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5OPk9
