Rawabi Bids Farewell to Palestine’s Asian Games Delegation

Palestinian athletes set off for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 carrying a message of determination, hope and national pride.

Rawabi was proud to host a farewell ceremony for the Palestinian delegation preparing to compete at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

The delegation brings together 108 athletes who will represent Palestine across 19 team and individual sports. Their participation is about more than competition: it is a powerful expression of Palestinian resilience, ambition and belief in the future.

The ceremony was attended by Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Olympic Committee; Araike Katsuhiko, Representative of Japan to Palestine; and members of the travelling delegation.

Rajoub said each athlete carries a national responsibility beyond sporting competition. By taking part under exceptionally difficult circumstances, the delegation will show the world a Palestine defined not only by hardship, but by talent, perseverance and the determination to achieve.

He thanked Rawabi and Bashar Masri for hosting the ceremony, noting the significance of giving the delegation a send-off from a Palestinian city built around possibility and progress.

Japan’s representative welcomed Palestine’s participation and wished the athletes success. He encouraged them to compete at their best and said the Games offered another opportunity to strengthen friendship and understanding between Palestine and Japan.

“You are winners before you leave”

Moataz Khudair welcomed the delegation to Rawabi and shared a message from Bashar Masri:

“You are winners before you go. By carrying the Palestinian flag to this important international stage, you represent the strength, talent and spirit of our people. All of us in Rawabi are proud of you.”

Rawabi was created as a place that reflects confidence in what Palestinians can build and achieve. Hosting the delegation was a natural extension of that purpose and a chance to celebrate young people whose commitment gives the whole country reason for pride.

As the athletes leave for Japan, they carry with them the hopes of Palestinians everywhere. Whatever the final results, reaching the Games and representing Palestine with dignity is already an achievement.