Refugee taekwondo athlete Al Hinide targets gold medal at Asian Games

Syria-born taekwondo athlete Talah Al Hassan Al Hinide is targeting a gold medal as she represents the Olympic Council of Asia's first Refugee Team at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, she told CGTN Sports Scene's Shen Xiang.

The 18-year-old, one of two athletes selected for the OCA Refugee Team, is competing in the women's under-49kg category.

Her appearance marks a milestone for the initiative, with Al Hinide becoming the first female athlete to represent the group at the Asian Games.

Al Hinide has described taekwondo and sports in general as important forces in changing her life for the better.

After undergoing intensive training in preparation for the Asian Games, she hopes her appearance on the continental stage can open a new chapter in her sporting career.

Beyond her competitive ambitions, Al Hinide also hopes to use her experiences to help other people, particularly refugees, as she looks towards the future, both within and beyond taekwondo.