Konstantin Yakauleu: Thoughts on Hope and Freedom on his Birthday

Despite the ongoing war, Konstantin Yakauleu remains in Ukraine by choice, providing support to both young Ukrainian athletes and people in need. As a former professional handball player and coach in Belarus, Konstantin’s career was marked by his skill and dedication to the sport. Now, as an ambassador for the Athletes for Freedom Foundation (AFF), he continues to advocate for human rights and democratic values. On his 39th birthday, we had the opportunity to speak with Konstantin about his journey, his commitment to freedom, and his hopes for the future.

Athletes for Freedom: Happy birthday, Konstantin! How are you celebrating today?

Konstantin Yakauleu: Thank you! I’m spending the day at the gym, training as usual, and doing some work. The time isn’t right for celebrating here in Ukraine, as the war is raging. It’s a bit different from what I would have imagined a few years ago, but I am still grateful for what I have.

AFF: Your journey from being a professional handball player and coach in Belarus to becoming a human rights advocate in exile is quite remarkable. Can you share a bit about that transition?

K.Y.: It has certainly been a challenging journey. Back in August 2020, like many Belarusians, I joined the peaceful protests demanding free and fair elections. The regime’s response was brutal, and like hundreds of other athletes, I faced political persecution. It became impossible to stay in Belarus, so I was forced into exile. Moving to Ukraine has given me a place to continue my work and my training.

AFF: You train every day promoting the slogan «We will play again.» Can you explain what that means to you?

K.Y.: «We will play again» is more than just a slogan. It’s a symbol of hope and resilience. It means that despite the hardships and the obstacles, we will persevere and eventually return to a sense of normalcy. It’s about the belief that one day, we will be able to live and play freely in our own country again.

AFF: As an ambassador for the Athletes for Freedom Foundation, what message do you aim to convey?

K.Y.: The core message is that equality and freedom are the utmost values of human civilization. No one should have control over these fundamental rights. Every individual deserves to live in a society where they can express themselves freely and participate in fair elections without fear of repression.

AFF: What keeps you motivated to continue your advocacy work despite the challenges?

K.Y.: The hope for a better future for Belarus and the unwavering belief in human rights keep me going. Seeing the strength and courage of fellow Belarusians, both inside the country and in exile, is incredibly inspiring. We all share the same dream of a free and democratic Belarus.

AFF: What are your hopes for the future, both personally and for Belarus?

K.Y.: Personally, I hope to continue growing in my role as an advocate for human rights and one day return to Belarus to help rebuild our sports community and society as a whole. For Belarus, I dream of a free and democratic nation where everyone’s rights are respected, and we can live without fear. I believe in the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit.

AFF: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Konstantin. Your strength and dedication are truly inspiring.

K.Y.: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to share this journey, and I hope it inspires others to continue fighting for freedom and equality.