Tunisia Faces Challenges Ahead of Paris Olympics

Tunisia will send its smallest Olympic delegation in two decades to the Paris Games, affected by financial difficulties and health issues of top athletes Ahmed Hafnaoui and Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian Olympic Committee highlights economic challenges and tougher qualifications as reasons for the reduced team size.

Tunisia will dispatch its smallest delegation in two decades to the Paris Olympics, facing setbacks including the absence of star athletes Ahmed Hafnaoui and Ons Jabeur due to health concerns.

The Tunisian Olympic Committee president, Mehrez Boussiane, cited financial difficulties and stricter qualification requirements as key factors behind the reduced team of 26 athletes, compared to 63 at Tokyo. He mentioned the economic challenges impacting the nation's sports infrastructure and training programs.

Despite these hurdles, optimism remains as Boussiane expressed faith in young talents like Hafnaoui, predicting their return to form in future events, including the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. The lifting of anti-doping sanctions in May was a relief, allowing Tunisia's athletes to compete under their flag in Paris.

(With inputs from agencies.)