Tokyo 2020 - The Refugee Olympic Team will have 29 athletes over 12 different sports in Japan

Updated 22/06/2021 at 16:29 GMT

Four years after making an historic debut at the Rio games, the Refugee Olympic team has grown immensely as they are officially welcomed to Tokyo 2020. The first team took 10 participants to Brazil but now it has 29 athletes taking part in 12 sports and coming from 13 host nations across the world to produce one united group.

IOC confirm approval for refugee team at 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

A 29-strong Refugee Olympic team will take part in Tokyo 2020.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved their involvement four years after they made history by competing in Rio.

There was just 10 history-making athletes back in 2016 but two of them, Popole Misenga and Yusra Mardini, will lead the team again.

Tokyo 2020

'To save the best til last was fantastic' - Wiggins in awe of record-breaker Jason Kenny

00:03:36

24/02/2022 at 09:02

Misenga, a judoka who originates from Democratic Republic of Congo with Brazil as his host nation, was a flag-bearer at the closing ceremony four years ago.

Mardini, the German-based Syrian swimmer, was just 19 when she starred in Rio.

Suppoted by the Olympic Scholarships for Refugee Athletes programme, 29 athletes will take part in 12 sports over the three weeks, representing 13 host nations across the world.

Swimmer Yusra Mardini will be part of the Olympic Refugee team again

Image credit: Getty Images

IOC President Thomas Bach, welcomed them to the games in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday.

“Congratulations to all of you," he said.

I speak on behalf of the entire Olympic Movement when I say that we cannot wait to meet you in person and to see you compete in Tokyo.

“When you, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team and the athletes from the National Olympic Committees from all over the globe, finally come together in Tokyo on 23 July, it will send a powerful message of solidarity, resilience and hope to the world.

“You are an integral part of our Olympic community, and we welcome you with open arms.”

Full Refugee team

Abdullah Sediqi (Taekwondo)
Ahmad Alikaj (Judo)
Ahmad Badreddin Wais (Cycling)
Aker Al Obaidi (Wrestling)
Alaa Maso (Swimming)
Anjelina Nadai Lohalith (Athletics)
Aram Mahmoud (Badminton)
Cyrille Fagat Tchatchet II (Weightlifting)
Dina Pouryounes
Dorian Keletela (Athletics)
Eldric Samuel Sella Rodriguez (Boxing)
Hamoon Derafshipour (Karate)
Jamal Abdelmaji Eisa Mohammed (Athletics)
James Chiengjiek Nyang (Athletics)
Javad Mahjoub (Judo)
Kimia Alizadeh Zenozi (Taekwondo)
Luna Solomon (Shooting)
Masomah Ali Zada (Cycling)
Muna Dahouk (Judo)
Nigara Shaheen (Judo)
Paulo Amotun Lokoro (Athletics)
Popole Misenga (Judo)
Rose Nathike Likonyen (Athletics)
Saeid Fazloula (Canoeing)
Sanda Aldass (Judo)
Tachlowini Gabriyesos (Athletics)
Wael Shueb (Karate)
Wessam Salamana (Boxing)
Yusra Mardini (Swimming)

Tokyo 2020

BMX, skateboarding and 3x3 basketball - how the Olympics are moving with the time

01/01/2022 at 17:54

Tokyo 2020

Biles made us feel normal to discuss our mental health - the heartwarming moments of Tokyo 2020

23/12/2021 at 10:05

Tokyo 2020

How Daley provided Team GB’s feel-good moment in Tokyo - and proved the old guard are not done yet

22/12/2021 at 18:56

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me