Arab Sibghatullah (born 4 July 2001) is an Afghan judoka who competed for the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He is known for his athletic achievements as well as his extensive refugee journey after fleeing the Taliban‑controlled regions of Afghanistan.
Early life and education
Arab Sibghatullah was born in Kunduz, Afghanistan. Encouraged by his older brother, he began practicing judo at the age of eight. By his late teens he had joined Afghanistan’s national youth judo team, representing his country in domestic competitions.
Refugee experience
In 2021, following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, Sibghatullah was forced to leave his home. Over the course of several months he trekked approximately 6,000 km on foot, passing through Iran, Turkey, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia before arriving in Germany in November 2022. He was granted asylum and placed in a refugee centre in Kamen, North Rhine‑Westphalia.
Judo career in exile
While in Germany, Sibghatullah joined the 1. Judo‑Club in Mönchengladbach and later trained at a camp in Cologne. He continued competing internationally, placing seventh at the Madrid European Open on 10 June 2023. His performance earned him selection to the Refugee Olympic Team.
2024 Summer Olympics
On 2 May 2024 the International Olympic Committee announced Sibghatullah as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Games, competing in the men’s 81 kg weight class. He was eliminated in the round of 32, losing 11–1 to Belgian judoka Matthias Casse on 30 July 2024.
Other competitions
Sibghatullah has also participated in the World Judo Championships (reaching the round of 32 in 2025) and the European Judo Championships (round of 32 in 2023).
Recognition
His story has been highlighted by the International Judo Federation and various media outlets as an example of resilience and the role of sport in providing hope for displaced athletes.
Personal details
- Date of birth: 4 July 2001
- Place of birth: Kunduz, Afghanistan
- Weight class: –81 kg
- Current club: 1. Judo‑Club Mönchengladbach (Germany)
This entry reflects information available from publicly verifiable sources as of 2025.
