Palestinian weightlifter heartbroken over sister's death

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AFP Jakarta
Last Updated : Aug 26 2018 | 2:00 PM IST

A Palestinian weightlifter wept as he belatedly learned of his young sister's tragic death from illness -- a day after he competed in the Asian Games.

Hani al-Qassas's family and team kept the news from him until after his appearance at the Games, the first international competition he had permission to attend.

His five-year-old sister, who had fallen into a coma, died in Gaza three days before he was due to take his turn in the 77kg class.

"They did not tell me until a day after my participation," a tearful Qassas told AFP.

His coach Hossam Hamada, crying too, said he was the first to find out.

"The news had a big impact on me because I had a similar situation with my sister," said Hamada, who also comes from Gaza, where medical facilities are generally poor.

"I tried to hide the news from Hani, as far as I could."

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First Published: Aug 26 2018 | 2:00 PM IST

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