Sports in NE Syria: From Ba'ath rule to Autonomous Administration

Sports are not merely a field of competition for societies; they are also an important part of cultural identity, social cohesion, and youth development. However, under the Ba'ath regime in Syria, sports ceased to be simply a social activity and instead became a tool of political control.

In particular, in the predominantly Kurdish regions of North and East Syria, the sports sector was subjected for many years to the marginalization policies and security measures imposed by the Ba'ath regime. Kurdish athletes and clubs faced systematic discrimination, while the development of sports in the region was deliberately obstructed.

Hasakah, one of the most important cities in North and East Syria, remained for years under the regime's strict centralized administration of the sports sector. Although the city produced many outstanding athletes in football, athletics, wrestling, and martial arts, local sports clubs operated for a long time under centralized management, limited investment, and stringent security policies. With the launch of the Rojava Revolution on July 19, a new era began for sports and its future in the region.

Sports Under Ba'ath Control

After the Ba'ath Party came to power in 1963, sports became part of the state's centralized institutions. Although sports clubs were affiliated with the General Sports Federation, decisions regarding club administration, budgets, and league organization were made in Damascus, significantly limiting the ability of local clubs to manage their own affairs according to local needs.

The regime's sports policy was aimed less at developing society or empowering young people than at maintaining political control and surveillance. Clubs with a Kurdish identity were not allowed to be established, while those bearing Kurdish names were either banned or forced to change their names.

The selection of Kurdish athletes for Syria's national teams was often based not on merit or sporting achievements, but on political loyalty, security evaluations, and ties to state institutions.

Many Kurdish athletes were also denied the opportunity to represent Syria because they lacked official identity documents, despite their talent and sporting success. In many cases, athletes from other communities were only considered when no alternative candidates were available.

Neglect of Sports Infrastructure

The Ba'ath regime's policies had a direct impact on sports infrastructure. Limited investment and the neglect of stadiums and sports halls, particularly in the Jazira region, deprived many sports disciplines of opportunities for growth, causing many young people to lose hope and abandon sports altogether.

Historical Marginalization of Kurdish Athletes

Available evidence indicates that the discrimination faced by Kurdish athletes was not limited to the years of conflict but stemmed from centralized policies implemented since the establishment of the Syrian state.

According to information shared by the Youth and Sports Authority, that period was characterized by the following:

Kurdish athletes were subjected to systematic marginalization.

They were deprived of their basic rights in the field of sports.

They were repeatedly prevented from joining Syria's national teams.

Political considerations and security assessments took precedence over merit and sporting achievement.

Clubs operating under a Kurdish identity were not allowed to be established.

Historic Clubs with Limited Resources

Despite limited resources, clubs such as Al-Jihad, Al-Jazira, Al-Khabour, and others produced a large number of outstanding athletes who contributed to Syrian football and many other sports.

Sports Under Security Domination

In Rojava, sporting activities were not treated merely as athletic events but were placed under strict security surveillance, especially major matches.

During official games, the authorities imposed restrictions on the use of the Kurdish language inside stadiums and prohibited the display of flags and symbols expressing Kurdish identity. These measures, combined with heavy security restrictions, have remained one of the most enduring memories of that period for many athletes.

2004: Turning Point in History of Sports

In March 2004, during a football match between Al-Jihad of Qamishlo and Al-Fotuwa of Deir ez-Zor, the Ba'ath regime allegedly sought to provoke unrest by allowing a number of agitators among Al-Fotuwa supporters. They attacked Al-Jihad fans while chanting racist slogans, after which regime forces opened live fire on Al-Jihad supporters, killing at least nine people inside the stadium.

The events that followed exposed the extent to which sports had become subject to the regime's security and political control.

In the aftermath of the match, widespread protests and clashes erupted, followed by even tighter security measures in stadiums. As a result, sporting activities remained under heavy security pressure for many years.

Autonomous Administration and Development of a Local Sports Model

With the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the sports sector, like many other sectors, suffered severe damage. Many competitions were suspended, sports facilities were damaged, and a large number of athletes and coaches were forced to leave the region.

One of the first steps taken during this period was the establishment of the Kurdish Athletes Union in Syria in 2012. Following the creation of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, the sports sector underwent a process of reorganization. Youth and Sports Authorities were established, decision-making mechanisms were restructured, decisions began to be made locally, and sports clubs were reorganized.

During this period, local leagues were revived, many stadiums and sports halls were renovated, age-group tournaments were launched, and clubs that had previously suspended their activities resumed sporting competitions.

Following the July 19 Revolution, sports came to be viewed not only as a field of competition but also as a means of helping young people overcome the effects of war, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting future generations.

Expanding Women's Participation in Sports

One of the most significant developments after July 19 was the remarkable growth of women's sports.

Women's teams were established in football, basketball, and volleyball, while tournaments dedicated to women were organized. Participation by young women also increased significantly in individual sports such as karate, taekwondo, judo, athletics, and chess.

Women also became increasingly involved in coaching, refereeing, and sports administration, taking on more visible and influential roles within sports institutions.

Sports as Gateway to Youth Development

According to the Youth and Sports Authority, one of the main objectives of the Autonomous Administration's sports institutions is to increase young people's participation in sporting activities.

To achieve this, school tournaments, summer sports activities, and programs aimed at improving sports infrastructure are organized to encourage youth participation and identify a new generation of athletes.

The Authority also organizes tournaments that bring together teams from different communities as part of efforts to strengthen social cohesion and promote coexistence.

Despite economic challenges and limited sports infrastructure, sports in North and East Syria continue to be one of the region's vital sectors, contributing to community development and empowering young people.

ANHA