What do our athletes do in times of war? Here Beirut went to meet these athletes whose activities have been stopped by the conflict raging in Lebanon. Today, talented basketball player Bryan Mansour shares with us the challenges he faces and how he is adapting to these difficult times.
1- How are you experiencing this period of war and what impact does it have on your daily life as an athlete?
This period was a real challenge for me, because basketball is a passion and an integral part of my life. Having the season interrupted was a shock, but I tried to keep a positive attitude and focus on the aspects I could control. I stuck to my ultimate goal, which is to become the best player in Lebanon. It helped me stay motivated and maintain a champion mentality. Despite the uncertainty, I trained with determination, alone or by improvising spaces, to work on my skills and weaknesses.
I’m grateful to have found creative ways to workout. I implemented a muscle-strengthening exercise program at home, which helped me stay in shape. I also went out for cardio sessions, taking advantage of the outdoor spaces available. Dribbling and shooting, essential aspects of basketball, were worked on in improvised spaces, allowing me to keep my skills sharp. Discipline and perseverance, essential values in sport, have helped me remain consistent in my efforts.
I am considering the possibility of playing outside Lebanon, maybe not immediately, because I want to gain more experience here first. I feel good and am enjoying my current playing time. However, in two to three years, it is very likely that I will take this step, because my vision is to become much stronger and train tirelessly to be able to travel and one day play in the Euro League, NBL, or even in the NBA. Although it may seem like a distant, almost impossible dream, I believe in my abilities. My advice to younger people is to always give their all in everything they do and never settle for less.
2- How do you think sport can play a role in the reconciliation and reconstruction of Lebanon after the war?
Basketball has an incredible power to bring people together and create a sense of unity. It is a sport that teaches cooperation, discipline and resilience, essential values for overcoming crises. I firmly believe that basketball can be a powerful tool to rebuild social ties in Lebanon. It can give young people purpose and motivation, showing them that they can overcome challenges together and support each other. Sports can be a way to bring hope and positivity in dark times and I believe basketball has a crucial role to play in healing and rebuilding our country.
3- How do you see the future of sport in Lebanon once the situation stabilizes?
The future of sport in Lebanon, and more particularly basketball, is strongly linked to the stability of the country. Before the war, Lebanese basketball was booming, with strong teams and very talented players. Fans were eager to see an explosive season, with the arrival of new players and quality recruits.
Once stability is regained, Lebanese basketball will be able to reconnect with its past glory and even go further. Teams will be able to gather in areas untouched by the conflict and offer fans spectacular matches. The players will once again be able to shine on the courts and breathe new life into this sport so dear to the Lebanese.
Preserving the spirit of healthy competition and promoting the values of sport, such as fair play, respect, teamwork and surpassing oneself, is essential for the development of Lebanese basketball. These values, when embodied, can propel sport to new heights and make it shine even more.
