Palestine – Father and sons in Gaza practice bodybuilding and weightlifting

Location: Gaza – Palestine

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:05:49

Sound: natural

Source: A24 Gaza

Restrictions: A24 subscribers

Date: 18/07/ 2022

Storyline:

Gazan bodybuilding champion Samir Khazeeq is training two sons, hoping they can also participate in international competitions.

Israel’s crossing closures have kept the boys from participating in more recent competitions. Samir is asking Palestinian sports officials and the international Olympic committee to open facilities and support aspiring champions.

Bodybuilders in Gaza also say  Israel bans the import of advanced training equipment.

In addition to running a gym in Gaza City, Khazeeq, 51, has coached the Palestinian weightlifting team for competitions in Qatar and judged bodybuilding events in the Emirates and Egypt.

Khazeeq has trained for over thirty-four years and works hard to turn his sons into champions.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ahham Adhan won a gold medal at the West Asian Championship in Jordan, a bronze medal at the West Asian Championship in Bahrain, and fifth place in the Arab Championship in Jordan in 2019.

Shotlist:

– Soundbite (Samir Khazeeq – Coach and bodybuilder):

            “I have been practicing bodybuilding and weightlifting for thirty four years. We are a family of athletes well-versed in strength sports, weightlifting and bodybuilding. Our gymnasium was established to provide youth with a place to improve their health, awareness, and learn about sports. Unfortunately, Gaza does not have a sports camp. Competitions are only held once every two to three years, which weakens players and lowers their morale as competitions are incentive for players to improve on their abilities.”

– Soundbite (Adham Samir Khazeeq – Coach and bodybuilder who participated in international competitions):

            “When I started this sport, my father discovered I have talent because he is a veteran, and one of first people to start practicing weightlifting in Palestine. His dream is to see us champions in weightlifting. I started this sport many years ago and gained much experience, as I represented Palestine in many Arab and international competitions, and won many rewards. I am on this path with the support of my father and brother. My family and I aspire to get our voices heard and show everyone how we were able, through family and support, to raise the flag of Palestine on Arab and international podiums.”

– Soundbite (Ahmad Samir Khazeeq – Bodybuilder):

            “I work in the gymnasium with my father and brothers. We are a family of athletes, I started weightlifting to follow in the footsteps of my father, past champion, and my brother. I hope to remain on this path and improve further.”