Ammar Ali, captain of Iraq’s national wheelchair fencing team, embodies resilience and hope in a nation scarred by conflict. Injured in 2007 by a bomb explosion near his home, Ammar was left unable to walk. The road to recovery was long, not just physically but emotionally, as he grappled with the profound changes to his life.
It was wheelchair fencing that reignited Ammar’s passion for life. Joining the team provided not only a physical outlet but also a new purpose. Remarkably, just a year after he took up the sport, Ammar clinched a gold medal at the 2010 Asian Paralympics in Guangzhou, China. His victory was more than a personal triumph; it became a beacon of inspiration for disabled Iraqis across the country.
“I believe that Iraq as a country is still alive,” Ammar stated with conviction. “There may be those who want to divide us. But we’ll find a way of keeping the Iraqi people together.”
The members of Iraq’s national wheelchair fencing team share a common thread—many have disabilities resulting from the Iraq War or terrorist attacks. Yet, they refuse to be defined by their injuries. Through their dedication to the sport, they are challenging perceptions and demonstrating that strength comes in many forms.
The team’s journey highlights the unifying power of sports in overcoming adversity and fostering national pride. Their indomitable spirit serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope and perseverance can prevail.
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Indomitable disabled fighters: Iraq's national wheelchair fencing team
cgtn.com
