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3. Athletes in Times of Crisis - Bryan Mansour: 'My Goal Is to Become the Best in Lebanon'

What are our athletes doing in wartime? This is Beirut met with athletes whose activities have been brought to a halt by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Today, Bryan Mansour, a talented basketball player, shares his thoughts on the challenges he faces and how he is adapting to this difficult period.

1. How are you experiencing this period of war, and what impact does it have on your daily life as an athlete?

This period has been a real challenge for me, as basketball is a passion and an integral part of my life. Seeing the season interrupted was a shock, but I tried to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the aspects I could control. I held on to my ultimate goal, which is to become the best player in Lebanon. This has helped me stay motivated and keep a champion's mindset. Despite the uncertainty, I trained with determination, either alone or by improvising spaces, to work on my skills and weaknesses.

I am grateful to have found creative ways to train and stay in shape. I set up a muscle-strengthening program at home, which allowed me to maintain my physical condition. I also went outside for cardio sessions, taking advantage of the available outdoor spaces. Dribbling and shooting, essential aspects of basketball, were practiced in improvised spaces, helping me keep my skills sharp. Discipline and perseverance, key values in sports, have helped me stay consistent in my efforts.

I’m considering the possibility of going outside Lebanon, maybe not immediately, as I want to gain more experience here first. I feel good and enjoy my current playing time. However, in two to three years, it's very likely that I will make that move, as my vision is to become much stronger and train relentlessly to eventually travel and play in the Euro League, NBL, or even the NBA. While this may seem like a distant dream, or even almost impossible, I believe in my abilities. My advice to the younger generation is to always give their best in everything they do and never settle for less.

2. How do you think sport can play a role in reconciliation and reconstruction in Lebanon after the war?

Basketball has an incredible power to bring people together and create a sense of unity. It’s a sport that teaches cooperation, discipline, and resilience—essential values for overcoming crises. I firmly believe that basketball can be a powerful tool to rebuild social ties in Lebanon. It can give purpose and motivation to the youth, showing them that they can overcome challenges together and support each other. Sport can be a way to bring hope and positivity in dark times, and I think basketball has a crucial role to play in the healing and reconstruction of our country.

3. How do you envision the future of sport in Lebanon once the situation stabilizes?

The future of sport in Lebanon, and more specifically basketball, is closely tied to the country’s stability. Before the war, Lebanese basketball was thriving, with strong teams and talented players. Fans were eager to see an explosive season with new players and high-quality recruits.

Once stability is restored, Lebanese basketball will be able to reconnect with its past glory and even go further. Teams will be able to regroup in areas unaffected by the conflict and offer fans spectacular matches. Players will shine on the courts again, bringing life back to this sport that is so dear to the Lebanese.

Preserving the spirit of healthy competition and promoting the values of sport—such as fair play, respect, teamwork, and self-improvement—is essential for the development of Lebanese basketball. When these values are embodied, they can propel the sport to new heights and make it shine even brighter.