'I'm representing them': Meet Palestinian karate champion Mariam Bsharat

Deutsche Welle · Matt Pearson · 2026-11-04 15:40 UTC

The occupied West Bank is not an obvious breeding ground for sporting success. But Mariam Bsharat, 17, has beaten the odds to become a karate world champion and is making a new life in Germany.

Gold for the West Bank: Meet Palestinian karate champ Mariam Bsharat

November 4, 2026

"After the referee lifted my hand to show I'm now a two-time world champion, it was a very overwhelming feeling," Mariam Bsharat said. "Making history once is something, but making it twice is really something else. I felt very happy and I felt a big relief. Only I know how many sacrifices I made and how many hardships I needed to overcome."

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