Several athletes from developing countries suffering from war and poverty are training in Japan in gymnastics, judo and other sports for the Tokyo Olympics. They are studying here on scholarships from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Though they may wrestle with cultural differences, they have devoted themselves to their sport.
"Japan is safe, so I can sleep well and practice a lot," said Yazan Al Souliman, a 19-year-old athlete from Syria training in gymnastics at Tokai University's Shonan campus in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Damascus, the capital of Syria, has been mired in a prolonged civil war. Many of Al Souliman's friends have been killed and even his training gym was bombed. From his home in the mountains, he would watch the area around the gymnasium every day, and if he heard gunshots, he didn't go to practice.
Al Souliman, a leading Syrian gymnast, came to Japan in March 2018. While studying Japanese and culture at Tokai University, he spends six days a week practicing with other students.
He will be entered in several competitions this year, vying for his chance to compete in the Olympics. "I will become Syria's first Olympian in gymnastics," he said.
Damiella Nomenjanahary, 22, and Ellana Tessia Tsiorinirina, 20, both from Madagascar, began training at a judo club at International Budo University in Chiba Prefecture in spring 2018. Both got through their first matches at the World Championships in August last year.
The dojo training room in their home country was old, tatami-mats were worn out, and they had hardly anyone to practice with. In Japan, about 20 high-level female members of the club have been involved in regular practice matches.
Nomenjanahary said that while Japanese may be difficult to master: "I've gained the ability to think for myself about practices and points that should be improved. I want to continue judo in Japan after the Tokyo Olympics and bring Japanese techniques back to my country."
Sally Yee, 18, attends Chinzei Gakuin High School, where she is a member of the strong women's table tennis team, in Nagasaki Prefecture. Hailing from Fiji, 2020 will be her second Olympics.
At first, she felt it was strange that in the club activities the juniors are tasked with preparing the equipment. But now she feels that this regimen "builds a team with strong discipline and tradition."
She doesn't remember how she played when she was eliminated in her first match at the Rio Olympics, because she was so nervous. She came to Japan in summer 2018 to train hard with strong players and acclimate to the country where the Olympics will be held. "By living in Japan, I will be able to play as usual at the Olympics. I want to win one game at the Olympics for my friends who encourage me," she said.
24 athletes from 17 countries
The IOC supports athletes and coaches from economically disadvantaged countries with the aim of improving their technical skills and fostering human resources. This "Olympic solidarity" activity is enshrined in the Olympic Charter.
For the 2020 Tokyo Games, the IOC Olympic Solidarity Tokyo 2020 Special Program started in 2017. To encourage athletes from developing countries to participate in the Games and play an active role, it provides financial assistance for their education and living expenses, which are accepted by Japanese universities and high schools.
The participants are leading athletes recommended by international federations. According to the Japanese Olympic Committee, 24 athletes from 17 countries are currently on long-term stays. Although they are not among the top athletes in the world rankings or world championships, many of them are hoping to participate in the Olympics under continental qualifications.
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