ALEXANDRIA, Egypt — Ever since the security situation in Syria began to deteriorate with the eruption of the war in 2011, many sports players were killed while others fled the country. Those who escaped abroad have found it difficult to relaunch their careers in their new homes.
Abdul Razzaq al-Hallak, 29, was on Syria's taekwondo national team in 2006. Originally from Damascus, he arrived in Egypt in 2012, where he settled in Alexandria and now makes a living decorating ceilings. He also works as a sports trainer for UNICEF.