Qatar Secures Two Bronze at Islamic Solidarity Games

Post by : Mara Rahim

Qatar has continued to demonstrate its athletic prowess at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, clinching two bronze medals in fencing and wrestling. Running until November 21, this grand event features over 3,000 athletes from 57 nations competing across a spectrum of sports, fostering unity and showcasing talent within the Islamic community.

Khalid Al Yafei secured Qatar's first bronze of the day in the men's foil fencing event, exhibiting remarkable skill and confidence against strong international competitors. This achievement underscores Qatar's development in fencing and the nation’s endeavor to bolster its presence in individual sports.

The second bronze medal was earned by wrestler Shaheen Mohammad in the 77kg weight class. Displaying impressive stamina and technique, he triumphed after enduring challenging matches. This victory marks a significant milestone for Qatar's wrestling team as the country builds a competitive contingent for regional and global events.

With these latest wins, Qatar has amassed a total of seven medals at the Games—including three gold, two silver, and two bronze. This overall performance highlights Qatar's high-level competition across various sports.

In handball, the national team maintained its flawless record by defeating the Maldives with an astounding score of 44-6. This victory allowed the team to complete the first round at the top of Group A, with wins against Iran (39-23) and the UAE (41-24) as well.

Looking ahead, Qatar is set to face Bahrain in the semifinals, who was the runner-up in Group B. The other semifinal will pit Saudi Arabia, the top team in Group B, against the UAE, the second from Group A. Qatar is determined to defend the gold medal it claimed in the previous edition of the Games held in Konya, Türkiye, in 2022.

Additionally, Qatar's success was evident in camel racing, a key traditional sport in the region. Hazem Abdullah Al Nudailah qualified for the men’s 2000-meter final after an impressive second-place finish in his heat at Al-Janadriyah Racecourse. This sets the stage for another medal opportunity.

In athletics, runner Abubaker Haidar also reached the 800-meter final by winning his heat with an outstanding time of 1:50.09, aiming for another medal for Qatar.

Shot put competitor Ahmed Jibril finished fourth in his event with a throw of 18.51 meters, narrowly missing a medal but showcasing fierce competitiveness against top athletes.

Qatar’s athletes have exhibited remarkable performances, displaying strong teamwork and high spirits throughout the Islamic Solidarity Games. With numerous events remaining, the nation is hopeful for additional medals, reflecting its ongoing dedication to sports and athlete development across diverse disciplines.