The Lebanese Taekwondo delegation returned to Beirut after participating in the final qualifying rounds for the upcoming Summer Olympics to be held in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. During the qualifiers, Lebanese national team player and "Mon La Salle" club member Leticia Aoun (under 57 kg category) successfully qualified for the upcoming Summer Olympics, marking a new achievement for Lebanese Taekwondo.
In the same qualifiers, Lebanon secured two bronze medals: one by player Ray Al-Ra'i (over 80 kg category) and another by player Ward Salman (over 67 kg category). The delegation was welcomed at the VIP lounge of Rafik Hariri International Airport by the President of the Fencing Federation and President of the Mon La Salle club, Jihad Salama, the Treasurer of the Taekwondo Federation Omar Al-Masri, representing Federation President Dr. Habib Zreifeh, who is currently outside Lebanon, and members of the federation Grand Masters Joe Khoury and Hussein Zaiter, along with the families of the athletes and media personnel. The delegation entered the lounge amidst the applause of the attendees.
Al-Masri delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Zreifeh, congratulating the delegation on their achievements in the qualifiers, specifically Aoun's qualification for the Paris Olympics and the two bronze medals won by Al-Ra'i and Salman. He highlighted the federation's efforts under Dr. Zreifeh in advancing the sport of Taekwondo, asserting that the remarkable results achieved in international competitions were a testament to this progress, wishing Aoun success in winning a medal at the upcoming Olympics.
For his part, Salama praised the Taekwondo Federation and its president for their diligent efforts in promoting the sport and considered Mon La Salle club as a breeding ground for champions in Taekwondo and other sports, adding that champion Leticia Aoun persevered in training to reach her goal, wishing her success in her preparations and participation in the Olympics to achieve her aspirations.
The final words came from champion Aoun, who stated that she is still living the joy of qualification, and that she will strive to win a medal for Lebanon at the long-awaited Paris Olympics, which has been 44 years in the making. She expressed her gratitude to Federation President Dr. Zreifeh and federation members for their strategies to nurture champions who elevate Lebanon's name in international arenas, as well as for the intensive preparations that ensure athletes are fully ready. She also thanked her club, Mon La Salle, and its president Jihad Salama for their support and encouragement.
