One-legged Syrian footballer defies disability

Abu Hamza emerged from under the rubble of Homs, which for two years remained under siege by the Syrian regime. He considers football his favorite hobby, even though he lost a leg during the siege. The 25-year-old footballer now plays in tournaments with his local team in northern Homs' Al-Waer district, where he plays the position of goalkeeper. While he aspires to play a leading position, his disability prevents him from doing so. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Abu Hamza said he had initially been forced to stop playing football after losing his leg. Later, however, he took up his hobby again, despite his considerable disability. "Being handicapped shouldn't affect a man's life," he said. "I've got used to life with only one leg." Homs' northern Al-Waer district is home to some 70,000 people, many of whom were displaced from other parts of the city due to Syria's ongoing conflict.