Syria's irrepressible aces shine against the odds

Athletes from war-torn nation overcome major difficulties back home to do themselves proud in Hangzhou

For athletes from war-torn Syria, simply participating in an international sporting event is a triumph in itself, no matter how they perform.

Due to the conflict in their homeland, Syrian high jumper Majd Eddin Ghazal and boxer Ahmad Ghousoon have had to overcome huge obstacles in their preparations for the 19th Asiad. Their persistence and determination to succeed against all the odds exemplifies the spirit of the Games.

The 36-year-old Ghazal is a veteran of four Olympics and four Asian Games, winning high jump bronze at the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta.