IOC announces 36-member refugee squad for 2024 Paris Olympics

The IOC Refugee Olympic team has also taken part at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

A total of 36 athletes from 11 different countries are set to participate at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics as the IOC Refugee Olympic Team to represent the world’s displaced population, which includes more than 100m people.

The International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, made the announcement at a recent ceremony organised at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 2. Bach stated that their representation at the Olympic Games would give power to the millions of refugees around the globe.

He said, “We welcome all of you with open arms. You are an enrichment to our Olympic community and to our societies.

Thomas Bach added, “With your participation in the Olympic Games, you will demonstrate the human potential of resilience and excellence. This will send a message of hope to the more than 100 million displaced people around the world.”

However, it’s not the first time the IOC has taken steps in the matter. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team also participated at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games. The 36-member team includes 23 men and 13 women, who will compete in 12 different sports, including athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, taekwondo and more.

Mosomah Ali Zada, who represented the team at the 2020 Tokyo Games in cycling, has been named as the chef-de-mission for the contingent. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team includes athletes with origins from three continents: Africa, the Americas and Asia.

Also Read: List of Indian athletes who have already secured qualification for Paris Olympics 2024

The former Olympian and IOC Refugee Olympic Team chef-de-mission stated that the initiative has played a major role in empowering the displaced community. Moreover, she is looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She said, “The athletes are not representing a specific country; they are representing the Refugee Olympic Team. Having our own emblem creates a sense of belonging and empowers us to also stand for the population of more than 100 million people who share this same experience. I cannot wait to wear it proudly!”

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