Ralph Hneineh, dental student and taekwondo medalist

Enrolled in his fifth year of dental studies at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, the young man returned victorious from his participation in the Arab Taekwondo Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where he represented Lebanon in the senior category last February. “I'm capable of showing unfailing motivation to achieve my goals and, despite the difficult university studies I've embarked upon, I'm fully committed to taking on new sporting challenges and representing Lebanon to the best of my ability,” announced the man who discovered this traditional Korean martial art at the age of five. Ralph Hneineh was quickly seduced by the practice of this sporting activity, which helps to harmonize body and mind and to acquire optimal reflexes and movements, and he does not count the hours he spends training. “In 2013, I was able to take part, for the first time, in the Lebanese championship, junior category, with the national taekwondo team and I obtained the black belt. It was a great moment for me and the beginning of a new chapter in my life as a young athlete, as the practice of this activity became more serious and competitive," he explained.

An exemplary career

In 2019, at the age of 18, Hneineh became a member of the national senior taekwondo team and represented Lebanon at the World Taekwondo Championships in the UK, winning a gold medal in the G1 tournament. Since then, the athlete has won a series of selections and competitions. In 2021, he was part of the national team representing his country at the Arab and Asian Taekwondo Championships held in Lebanon, and in 2022, he was a member of the Lebanese national team taking part in the World Taekwondo Championships in Azerbaijan. In 2023, he took part in the Asian Taekwondo Games in Lebanon, finishing fufth in the senior category. “Like any athlete, I spend countless hours training, especially when it comes to preparing for competitions, and since I was a teenager I've been paying attention to my diet and lifestyle. It's not easy on a day-to-day basis, especially as I'm also a student, but practicing sport allows me to blossom and lead a healthy life,” stated the 23-year-old.

Pushing your limits

All Hneineh's efforts to master this martial art have forged his personality and helped him develop his sporting spirit. “Taekwondo teaches discipline, concentration and self-control. This activity, which I no longer practice as an amateur, always encourages me to push back my physical and mental limits, which strengthens my resilience in the face of the challenges I encounter both during competitions and in my daily life," he explained, adding that he likes challenges. He noted, however, that being an athlete in Lebanon presents many challenges. “Locally, sport often takes a back seat. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find the financial resources and support necessary for athletes to train and compete at the highest level,” lamented Hneineh. Yet, despite the obstacles, he remains determined to work hard to proudly represent Lebanon on the international stage. "My dream,” he said, ”is to be able to take part in the Olympic Games one day. No Lebanese taekwondist has been able to do so to date, and I'd like to be able to defend my country's colors and prove to young people that with determination and hard work, it is possible to achieve one's goals.” As he awaits the next competition in which he will be able to take part, Hneineh sees every training session as an opportunity for him to develop his skills.

This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.