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Under the eyes of continental authorities and Minister Nora Bayrakdarian, the 3rd edition of the West Asia U20 Athletics Championships was launched on Thursday at the Camille Chamoun Sports City and at the Collège du Jamhour club. Nine delegations, a packed lineup and the desire to put Lebanon on the regional map… next stop: Oregon next year.
Flags draped across the stands, lively crowds and meticulous protocol: the opening looked like a major athletics meeting. On the track, the delegations from Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon marched in step, carried by applause and music that set the tone: competition, but also a celebration of sports.
The ceremony, sponsored by Minister of Youth and Sports Nora Bayrakdarian, was held in the presence of President of the Asian Athletics Association General Dahlan Al-Hamad, Jihad Salameh (COL), President of the West Asia Athletics Federation Sayyar Al-Anzi and President of the Lebanese Athletics Federation (and head of the organizing committee) Roland Saade. On the institutional and athletic front, Brigadier General Mikhail Moussa (head of the military sports center), several ambassadors, federation officials, coaches, athletes, media and fans all gathered for a “grand-scale” launch.
Lebanon Renovates the Stadium
On the microphone, Roland Saade set the scene: hosting the event despite current turbulence was a choice. He praised the renovation of the Camille Chamoun Sports City — now “wearing a new look” — with the support of Minister Bayrakdarian and the Director General of Sports and Scouts Facilities, Naji Hammoud. He thanked Asia, West Asia, the delegations, the Lebanese athletics family and the press “which follows the sport all year.” He gave a special nod to Jihad Salameh, and sent a clear message to decision-makers: for sport to grow, resources are needed. Saade also made an appeal to President Joseph Aoun to help unblock the sports file.
‘Lebanese Athletics Is Active:’ The Asian Seal
Sayyar Al-Anzi praised “a Lebanese federation among the most active in the region,” capable of organizing and delivering. Dahlan Al-Hamad, for his part, recalled his attachment to Lebanon and its tracks, “Happy to be back to support these U20.” He paid tribute to the minister “who has brought light back to the event,” and gave a warm handshake to Saade, his long-time partner in major athletics events.
A solemn moment followed: Mahmoud Abou Zeid delivered the athletes’ oath, Juliette Bajjani that of the officials. The machinery was set in motion.
Bayrakdarian Opens the Way
The final highlight at the podium: Nora Bayrakdarian. “Being here, in this landmark of Lebanese sport, is sending a signal,” she summed up. In front of Asian and Arab leaders, the minister emphasized the symbolic value of this presence in Lebanon: a boost of momentum to rise again, and confirmation that local athletics has found its place on the regional and international map. The competition was then officially declared open. The curtain came down with a folkloric performance by “Shams Baalbek,” a Lebanese signature to close the ceremony.
Heading to Oregon 2026
On the sports side, the objective is clear: achieve the qualifying standards and tickets for the U20 World Athletics Championships, scheduled next year in Eugene, Oregon (USA). Between Camille Chamoun Sports City and Jamhour, the events will continue until Sunday, with the standards in sight, precise management of heats, and finals where everything is decided “shoulder to shoulder.”
The Lebanese Team in Sync
At the controls: Secretary General and Competition Director Wassim Howli, Vice-President and Event Director Naamatallah Bejjani and the full federation team. Security measures, technical officials, protocol: Asia’s requirements are met. It’s now up to the young athletes to put on their spikes and let the track do the talking.
There are days when a stadium does more than host a competition: it reignites the flame. In Beirut, athletics has found its second wind. Time for performances. Time for dreams.
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