Palestine’s amputee women athletes eye world stage

Young women in Gaza Strip who lost their limbs during the conflict with Israel have formed Palestine's first amputee women's football team, with hopes of competing on the global stage next ear.

On a football field in central Gaza, the young women train on crutches. For them, football has become a path to recovery and a way to reclaim part of their normal lives.

Among them is 24-year-old Rozan Khaira. A former runner, she lost her leg during the war but refused to give up her passion for sports.

"I joined the team because I was already an athlete. Sports have been part of my life since childhood, and my family is also very at hletic. Losing my leg will not stop me from pursuing my dreams and favorite hobbies. On the contrary, I will continue," she said.

The team brings together young women rebuilding their lives after life-changing injuries. For many, the field has become a place to regain confidence and purpose.

"My injury changed my life completely. I used to work as a photographer and moved around freely, but today I cannot because of my injury. I saw the team online and decided to join. It encouraged me to prove that my life did not end because of my injury," said Kefah Al-Fakhouri, another amputee athlete.

The road has not been easy. Local sports activities and competitions have come to a halt during the war. Yet these players continue to train, hoping to build a new future.

"Our goal is not only to provide psychological support. We are also preparing for the Women's Amputee Football World Cup in Europe in 2027. We are racing against time to develop these players and help them compete at a level that represents Palestine with pride," said Fouad Abu Ghalyoun, coach of Palestine Women's Amputee Football Team.

According to the Palestinian Olympic Committee, the Palestinian sports community has lost nearly 1,000 athletes during the war, and more than 265 sports facilities have been destroyed across Gaza.

Gaza's sports sector has been hit hard by the war. Many facilities have been destroyed, while others now shelter displaced families. Yet Palestinian athletes, including those who have lost limbs, continue to pursue their dreams.

Palestine’s amputee women athletes eye world stage

As an amateur football tournament heats up in northeast China, numerous off-site viewing venues have been set up across Dalian City in Liaoning Province, giving a strong boost to local nighttime consumption.

Last year, the Jiangsu Super League, an amateur competition featuring 13 city teams from east China's Jiangsu Province, became a nationwide sensation and ignited a grassroots football fever, prompting the establishment of similar events in other regions, such as the ongoing Northeast China City Football League.

Popularly dubbed the "Northeast Super League," the tournament has drawn fans from across the region, driving a sharp rise in tourism revenues.

Thanks to the football fever, the off-site viewing venues and bazaars in Dalian's business districts, shopping streets and landmark surroundings are enjoying a boom in summer night economy.

"I'm from Panjin City in Liaoning [province]. I didn't manage to get a ticket for the Northeast Super League, but the atmosphere at the off-site viewing venue is just as electric. I'm going to explore the market later to see what Liaoning-themed creative cultural goods are on offer and to taste some local cuisine," said a tourist.

"I'm from Inner Mongolia. I don't know much about football, but the merchandise such as flush toys and souvenirs really caught my eye. And sports gear is on sale, boosting economy in the vicinity. I think that's excellent," said another tourist. On game days, the influx of football fans would translate into substantial revenue growth for catering businesses and retailers in areas surrounding off-site viewing venues, bringing tangible benefits to local economy.

"Thanks to the games, we've seen significant growth across the board. For example, the catering sector has posted a sales increase of 180 percent during the tournament, and our foot traffic has more than doubled," said Liu Dan, director of planning of Dalian Shanshan Outlet, a shopping plaza.

Football fever fuels nighttime consumption boom in northeast China