What’s happening
Israel’s women’s goalball team triumphed over China with a 2-1 victory in the semifinals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Wednesday. This outstanding performance guarantees the team a silver or gold medal. They will face either Brazil or Turkey in the final on Thursday, ensuring at least the eighth medal for Israel at this year’s Paralympics.
Why it matters
This achievement marks Israel’s strong presence in the paralympic world and embodies the resilience and ambition of Israeli athletes. Winning either silver or gold will mean Israel’s first-ever Paralympic medal in a team sport since 1988, reaffirming its status on the global stage.
The team
The six-woman team comprises: Lihi Ben David, 28, Elham Mahamid, 34, Noa Malka, 21, Gal Hamrani, 31, Or Mizrahi, 31, and Roni Ohayon. They moved past Canada in the quarterfinals before facing and defeating China. Emerging stronger in the semifinals, they allowed only one goal, a significant improvement from their previous loss to China.
What they’re saying
“I think it’s a huge honor,” Malka told Israel’s Sport5 broadcaster after the team’s win. “The situation in Israel is always on our minds throughout the tournament. I’m so proud of the team and of the girls, I’m proud to be a part of this thing… We knew the whole time what we were capable of, and today we proved it.”
Background
Israel made its Paralympic goalball debut in 2016 but had not previously advanced to a medal match. Their efforts in Paris represent a historic step for Israel’s Paralympic accomplishments.
Solidarity and resilience
During the match, team members wore yellow ribbons in their hair to show solidarity with the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. Their victory thus stands as both a sports and symbolic triumph.
Other Israeli Paralympians in action
Handcyclist Amit Hasdai finished fourth in the men’s H2 individual time trial event and will compete again in the men’s road race. Swimmer Mark Malyar ranked 12th overall in the men’s 400m freestyle S8 heats and has one more race on Friday. Tennis player Guy Sasson and shooter Yulia Chernoy are also striving for additional medals.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.