Saudi Taekwondo Athlete Sabah Asiri Vows Comeback After Hand Injury in Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport

Attack and Injury

Asiri said in an interview published by the Saudi Ministry of Health on its official X account that she has vowed to return to competition after suffering a serious hand injury in the Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

She said in the same interview that she was waiting to board a flight to Jeddah with her father when the situation at the airport suddenly changed.

Asiri recounted in the interview that in the confusion she discovered her hand had been injured and her phone was missing, describing shock and fear as passengers attempted to leave the area and reach safety.

She added that she initially struggled to understand what had happened before joining others in evacuating the airport.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

According to the interview, following the attack she was transferred to King Fahd Hospital where she underwent surgery to stabilize fractured bones and stitch her wounds.

Asiri revealed in the interview that she still faces two additional operations as part of her treatment and recovery.

Despite the severity of her injuries, she expressed determination to return to taekwondo as soon as her medical condition allows, as stated in the interview.

Athletic Background and Motivation

The interview noted that the attack came shortly after Asiri had won a gold medal in a qualifying competition for the Minister’s Cup, and that she and her father were returning to Jeddah from the event when the airport was attacked.

Asiri said in the interview that she represents the Saudi national team and Al Shabab Club and has competed in several international, Gulf and Arab competitions, including the Gulf Games where she secured a silver medal.

She also told the interview that she competed in the Arab Cup in Fujairah and has earned several medals during her career with the Saudi national team.

Asiri said her previous achievements remain a source of motivation as she faces the challenges of rehabilitation and recovery, according to the interview.

Family Thanks and Future Goals

She thanked the medical team at King Fahd Hospital for the care and attention she has received since her admission, as stated in the interview.

Her father, Mahmoud Asiri, expressed appreciation to the hospital staff and Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel for their support, according to the same interview.

He said, “We came for the training camp, then competed in the championship and won gold. We were on our way back to Jeddah, but what happened happened, and alhamdullelah in all circumstances.”

He praised the medical team’s efforts, saying the family had received comprehensive care and attention throughout the treatment process, as noted in the interview.

Asiri remained focused on her recovery and her ambition to represent Saudi Arabia again on the international stage, as mentioned in the interview.

She said, “We Saudis always have high ambitions, and nothing can break us.”