Yemeni Kung Fu Champion Drowns Attempting Illegal Entry into Spain

Yemeni Kung Fu champion, Hilal al-Haj nurtured the ambition to make a name for himself in Europe. Born in Sanaa and passionate about martial arts, he has posted many photos on Instagram where he is seen by his followers, proudly displaying the national flag.

Upon his return from Azerbaijan where he won a bronze medal at the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, he hoped to be decorated by the Houthi rebels who control the capital. But very quickly, he will be disappointed.

"They told him that no one had asked him to carry the flag there," explains his brother, who denounces an attitude of "contempt" and "injustice," reports El Correo.

In Sanaa, the authorities attach little value to sports in general, and to martial arts in particular. According to Saïd, his brother "did not like politics" and was not part of any of the parties in conflict in Yemen.

Already champion of Yemen in 2011 and after winning medals in Arab and Asian tournaments, Hilal "dreamed of participating in international competitions and becoming a great champion," confides Saïd.

Also champion in several Arab and Asian tournaments, his death will be confirmed by the Yemeni Embassy in Madrid which reported that "the athlete drowned near the coast of Melilla on September 16".

According to his brother Saïd al-Haj, the young athlete had tried on September 16 to reach Melilla by sea from Morocco.

After several failures to cross the barrier protecting Melilla, Hilal decided to cross the sea. "The distance is short. Many people have tried before him. For my brother, an athlete, it must be easy. But he took a wave that was too big," hence his drowning, explains Saïd al-Haj.