Fighting obstacles, Lebanon surfing team looks to clinch Asian Games 2026 berth

CHENNAI: In recent years, Lebanon has endured hardships due to the conflict in West Asia, which has had a significant impact on the country. The unrest has also severely impacted the growing surfing community and slowed down the progress of a sport that is still in its early stages.Surfing has encountered numerous challenges, with surfers finding it difficult to train amid the turmoil.Despite the obstacles, the community remains deeply connected to surfing, not just as a sport, but as a vital part of their identity. Alfred Badr, who is the most experienced surfer in Lebanon’s men’s team in the upcoming Asian Surfing Championships here, shared how the country is coping with the challenges and keeping the sport relevant.“Unfortunately, this (challenge) is part of our culture, so we always deal with it in a way by surfing. There were restrictions on certain places where we could not go but at the end of the day, we keep on pushing and always find a way to keep surfing. We are here to show our skills and to show people that no matter what, we can do good in the water,” the 40-year-old Badr, a graffiti artist, told TOI .“The way you behave in the water sets the example for others to follow. We have the responsibility to perform well and to behave in a way that pushes the culture in the right direction. During tough times, I remain confident and determined, which in turn gives confidence to the coming generations.”After securing a quota for the Asian Games last year, Lebanon were unable to participate in any competitions due to inadequate funding. However, the team members made sure to stay fit by training whenever possible. Christopher Dirany, who has over a decade of experience in surfing, described what the sport means to him and his compatriots.“Surfing is like my escape route and therapy from daily life, the stress of the daily life that we have. So, whenever you are in the water, you disconnect and all you think about is where the next wave is, where I am going to do the next turn.“With the tough situation that we have in Lebanon, the surfers have to go to work and travel. In our country, we have to pay to enter the beach and this is something which is not practical for all. So, imagine you have to pay every single time you want to go and surf,” Dirany said.Badr chipped in, saying, “The ocean is supposed to be free for everyone. So, that is part of the challenge that we kind of face.”While it is difficult to find a good beach and surf, Badr feels that it is not the main issue as there are other problems which need to be looked after.With the Asian Championships offering a quota for the Asian Games, Lebanon will want to seize the opportunity.