PARIS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- In a moment filled with emotion and pride, Dorsa Yavarivafa, a 21-year-old refugee athlete, stepped into the mixed interview zone at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena with a beaming smile. Reporters from around the world eagerly awaited her remarks after her first match at the Paris Olympics.
Born in Iran and currently residing in the UK, Yavarivafa was selected to represent the IOC's Refugee Olympic Team, a symbol of hope and resilience at these Games.
She made her Olympic debut in the women's singles badminton group stage, facing off against Singapore's Yeo Jia Min, the 13th seed, and was defeated 21-7, 21-8.
Reflecting on her performance, Yavarivafa expressed pride in her effort and the quality of some of her shots. "The game was so good. I enjoyed it a lot," she said. "Every point counts, so I fought for every single one."
Yavarivafa's journey to the Olympics has been marked by significant challenges. She discovered badminton as a child and left Iran at the age of 15 with her mother, settling in England.
The transition was not easy. "It's been a very long journey with a lot of ups and downs," Yavarivafa said. "But I prepared myself for this big stage, I never gave up as well as that's a message to everybody."
Since its inception at the Rio 2016 Olympics, the Refugee Olympic Team has grown, with the Paris Games featuring 36 athletes from 11 countries and regions, the largest contingent yet.
IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the team's significance, stating, "With your participation in the Olympic Games, you will demonstrate the human potential of resilience and excellence. This will send a message of hope to the more than 100 million displaced people around the world."
Yavarivafa, proud to be part of this inspiring team, acknowledged the support she felt during her match. "It's an honor to represent refugees globally. Seeing my teammates in the crowd today gave me the motivation to keep going," she said.
In her message to others facing similar hardships, Yavarivafa encouraged perseverance. "Just keep playing, keep doing what you're doing, and never give up," she said.
