Hanan Hussein – Women in Development and Peace
Yemeni women have long faced significant challenges in pursuing sports, from societal restrictions to a lack of support and facilities. However, many young women have defied these obstacles, fighting for their athletic passions and becoming shining stars in the Yemeni sports scene. They have achieved a prestigious athletic status, placing them among the best players in Yemen.
There are many examples of girls who have competed strongly on various levels, locally and internationally. They are pointed to with pride, and their success stories have become inspiring tales written in gold in the Yemeni sports sector.
In this report, we will present a number of them, as success stories that have facilitated giving women a place in the sports field in Yemen. They have proven their ability to overcome difficulties and achieve exceptional achievements, becoming role models and a milestone in the successes of the sports sector in Yemen.
Hadeel Al-Reemi: The Karate Player
Hadeel Adnan Al-Reemi, a karate captain and player, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. She embarked on her athletic journey at a young age, practicing martial arts with the encouragement and supervision of her father, Captain Adnan Al-Reemi, the founder and veteran coach of karate in Yemen.
From the outset of her athletic career, Hadeel encountered a narrow societal view that confined sports to men. However, this did not deter her from pursuing her passion. She diligently worked hard to achieve accomplishments that proved women’s worth in the field of sports.
Hadeel participated in numerous local and international championships, earning multiple medals and certificates of appreciation. Not content with this, she sought to further develop her skills by participating in training courses with international experts.
Her perseverance and determination bore fruit. Hadeel was awarded the Best Yemeni Karate Player Cup and became the first female player to earn a black belt in karate in Yemen, after participating in several matches and competitions.
Hadeel transcended the boundaries of excellence to become an exceptional sports icon. Not only did she hold the titles of “Star of the Yemeni National Karate Team” and “Champion of the Yemeni Republic in Karate” for ten consecutive years, but she also challenged herself, society, and its limited perspective. She ventured into new competitive arenas in other sports, earning several titles and accolades. She achieved the title of “Champion of the Republic in Volleyball” for two consecutive years, “Champion of the Republic in Basketball” for two consecutive years, and “Champion of the Republic in Gymnastics” for eight years.
Hadeel’s aspirations extended beyond individual achievements. She sought to contribute to the development of women’s sports in Yemen. She assumed the position of Head of the Women’s Sector in Sana’a branch of the Yemeni General Karate Federation in 2005, a role she continues to fulfill to this day. She also serves as a coach for the children’s and women’s sections at Sana’a Karate Institute.
Regarding her perspective on the current state of sports, Hadeel observes disparities: “Women’s sports had begun to expand a few years ago, but they have now returned to square one with the suspension of championships and the closure of government women’s centers.”
Hadeel acknowledges the challenges facing women’s sports in Yemen due to the current circumstances. She recognizes the lack of support for the sports sector due to the prevailing situation. However, her belief in the importance of sports remains unwavering. She states, “Despite all the challenges, I encourage sports for women because it is a form of treatment, health, and strength for the body, in addition to being one of the fundamentals of life, no matter how unaccepting our society may be of this aspect.”
Hadeel believes that sports are essential for women’s health and for building a strong society. They boost self-confidence, help develop skills, and stimulate creativity, in addition to being a means of entertainment and recreation.
Reem Al-Masri: The Judo Player
Reem Abdullah Atiq Al-Masri, from Dhamar Governorate, is a player on the national judo team and the first female player to win a gold medal in judo at the Arab level, becoming the first Yemeni female athlete to be crowned with this prestigious title.
Reem was born into a family with a rich sporting heritage. Her father, Captain Abdullah Atiq, is a renowned football coach who has led numerous clubs and national teams. Reem grew up with a love for sports and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, graduating top of her class. She began practicing sports at the age of 13.
Reem recounts her beginnings: “My journey began with volleyball on the school team at Al-Hamza Educational Complex in Taiz Governorate. We later moved to Sana’a Governorate, where my athletic path took a drastic turn.”
Reem found herself drawn to judo after accompanying her older sister, Ghada, to her training sessions. She was captivated by the Russian coach’s style and passion for the sport. Without hesitation, Reem joined the General Union for Women’s Sports, embarking on a journey filled with achievements and challenges.
“Despite my young age,” Reem shares, “I was chosen to participate in the Women’s Judo Championship in Syria and won the award for Best and Youngest Player in the tournament.”
Reem’s accomplishments didn’t stop there. In the Arab Judo Championship held in Yemen, she made history by securing first place and becoming the first Yemeni female athlete to win a gold medal in an Arab championship. She continues her success story, proudly recalling the honors and accolades she has received, a testament to her determination and perseverance in achieving her athletic goals.
Reem speaks fondly of her family’s unwavering support, especially her father’s, who has been her biggest advocate. This fostered her self-confidence and prevented her from succumbing to societal pressures, even though she comes from a very conservative and closed-off Yemeni tribe, as she describes it. Nonetheless, Reem faced all obstacles with self-assurance and a deep belief that her athletic pursuits were not a mistake but an accomplishment to be proud of.
Reem embarked on a professional athletic journey, participating in twelve international judo championships and garnering numerous awards, medals, and accolades. She proved her ability to excel and shine in this field.
Among her most notable achievements throughout her athletic career are five silver medals and five bronze medals. She was also recognized as the Best and Youngest Player in the Women’s Judo Championship in Syria and holds the title of the first Yemeni woman to win a gold medal in judo at the Arab level.
Reem’s talents extended beyond judo. She also participated in various local championships in diverse sports such as tennis, chess, and handball, demonstrating her capacity for success across different athletic domains.
Reem encountered numerous obstacles during her athletic journey. Most notably, she sustained a shoulder injury that forced her to stop competing. However, Reem refused to surrender to this setback. She made a courageous decision to transform her passion for sports into a new career path. She enrolled in the Faculty of Physical Education at Sana’a University, completed her studies, and worked there as a teaching assistant.
Reem has held several significant positions in the field of sports, including Secretary-General of the Secretariat Branch of the General Union for Women’s Sports, Head of Women’s Activities at the General Union for Jujitsu, Supervisor and Coach of the Women’s Athletics Team, and administrator for numerous women’s sports teams. Currently, she works as a teaching assistant at the university and as a physical education teacher at a school.
In 2023, Reem earned her Master’s degree with honors for her thesis titled “The Impact of a Sports Program on the Personal Traits of Juvenile Delinquents at the Social Guidance Home in Sana’a Governorate.”
Reem believes that women possess numerous dreams and aspirations. She encourages every girl to pursue her dreams relentlessly while maintaining her modesty, faith, and values.
Yemeni Sports Leaders
Yemeni equestrian Ahlam Al-Siyaghi emerged as one of the brightest stars in equestrian sports in Yemen, reaping numerous achievements and championships that placed her at the forefront of female equestrians in the Arab world.
However, Ahlam’s journey was not without its challenges. While preparing to participate in a championship, she suffered a horrific accident, falling from her horse. This resulted in a fractured pelvis and damage to two vertebrae in her spine. Unfortunately, she did not receive any official support, leading her to permanently step away from the sport and pursue a career in media.
Many other talented young female athletes have made their mark, such as Siham Aamir, Nada Al-Ahdal, Arwa Adam, and many other professional players in the Yemeni sports arena across various disciplines.
These stories represent just a few examples of inspiring Yemeni women in sports. Despite their challenges, they have achieved great accomplishments, proving that their determination and passion for sports inspire future generations of Yemeni girls to pursue their dreams without limitations. Their journeys contribute to changing the stereotypical image of women in Yemeni society and actively participate in building a brighter future for Yemen.
