Refugee Athletes Chase Dreams at Tokyo World Championships
Six-Member Team to Showcase Resilience at Global Athletics Event
Six athletes, including returning Olympians, will represent millions displaced worldwide at the upcoming World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25. This marks a significant moment for the Athlete Refugee Team (ART), providing a powerful platform for athletes overcoming immense adversity.
Champions of Resilience
The roster features seasoned Olympians Farida Abaroge, Perina Lokure Nakang, and Musa Suliman, who will compete across various disciplines. Their participation highlights the transformative power of sport and the unwavering spirit of refugees globally.
Farida Abaroge, who sought refuge in France in 2016, will compete in the 5000m event. Perina Lokure Nakang, based in Kenya, has battled personal and health challenges to reach the 800m race. The youngest member, 21-year-old Musa Suliman, makes his World Championships debut following his representation of the Refugee Olympic Team in Paris.
New Faces and Determined Returnees
Joining this inspiring trio are marathon runners Omar Hassan and Emmanuel Kiruhura Ntagunga. Additionally, 5000m runner Jamal Abdelmaji Eisa Mohammed is set to compete, marking his return to the international stage after missing the previous year’s event in Budapest.
The team’s journey is supported by a vital partnership between the Olympic Refugee Foundation, World Athletics, and national federations through the Refugee Athlete Scholarship programme. This initiative offers displaced athletes a chance to find purpose and pursue excellence in sports.
Global Stage Awaits in Tokyo
The World Athletics Championships are scheduled to take place in Tokyo from September 13th to 21st, 2025. The Athlete Refugee Team’s presence serves as a potent reminder of the millions of individuals seeking safety and opportunity worldwide.
In 2023, over 110 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced, according to the UNHCR. The inclusion of the ART at major sporting events offers visibility and inspiration to this significant global population.
