MEET OUR CHAMP, HUDA JABER

Being a better athlete than she was the day before is what drives Jordan national team star, Huda Jaber, forward in Karate. Her dream to reach the very top of the sport has turned her into a talented fighter and one of Jordan’s top sportswomen. We met Huda, 26, in the fourth episode of ‘Meet Our Champ’ to find out more.

When and how did you start playing Karate?

I started way back in 2001 when I was just 11 years old. I had watched my brother fight and he was a major reason why I joined a club. I actually asked my father to be able to join him because I felt a little jealous and from that moment my interest was grabbed.

Why Karate and not other sports?

I've played a lot of sports, including basketball, for six years, but I loved Karate more than any other. Perhaps because it is an individual sport and you depend on yourself and the effort you make.

When was your first international tournament?

It was in Greece in 2012 with the national team when I won the bronze medal. It was a very beautiful and difficult experience at the same time, but this success encouraged me to continue my Karate journey and develop my level of performance.

What do you hope to achieve in Karate?

I have a lot of dreams, but the most important of which is to participate in the Olympic Games. With the inclusion of Karate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the dream has become even greater and, like any other athlete, I want to perform at the biggest sports event against the best players in the world at the Olympics.

Last advice?

A segment of society still thinks that Karate is not suitable for girls. But, on the contrary, Karate is a sport that teaches confidence, self-defence and respect, and these are very important things in the lives of both genders.