No less than 177 athletes (126 boys and 51 girls) are taking part in these long-awaited games after their postponement to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has turned the world sports calendar upside down. Moroccan athletes involved in 16 disciplines are supervised by 48 people divided between coaches, doctors, physical trainers and physiotherapists, to offer them the optimal conditions to carry the national colors high.
With this presence, Morocco intends to distinguish itself during these “Olympic Games” of the Muslim world, in particular in the football, athletics, basketball, volleyball, fencing, cycling, judo , karate, kick boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, petanque, shooting, handball and disabled sports.
With a strong contingent of 36 athletes, Moroccan athletics will be the spearhead of Moroccan participation, especially in the presence of names that have been experienced in high-level international competitions, like Soufiyan Bouqantar in the 5,000m, gold medalist at the Mediterranean Games in Oran and Mohcine Outalha, also holder of the precious metal in the half-marathon in Oran.
Cycling is also represented at these Islamic Solidarity Games by riders who have recently performed well in continental and international competitions, in particular Achraf Ed-Doghmi crowned African champion in track cycling, Mohcine Elkouraji, medalist of silver in team pursuit during this championship which was held in Abuja last July, and Adil El Arbaoui ranked 5th at the Grand Prix Kayseri de Cyclisme in Turkey.
Moroccan fencer Houssam El Kord, who won a historic silver medal at the world championship, Morocco’s first, last May in Heidenheim, Germany, is also present in Konya to defend his chances. Kickboxing, with 22 athletes, signs a sizeable participation for the first time during this high mass of sport in the Muslim world.
The editorial staff /Le7tv
