Fares Ahmed wins 15 medals for Qatar

Doha: Qatar’s Fares Ahmed Jaber yesterday stunned weightlifting fans by winning a staggering tally of 15 medals - 12 gold and 3 silver - on the final day of the 10th Qatar International Cup, an event that also included the Arab and the West Asian Championships.Overall the Qatari weightlifting team concluded its memorable participation in the combined championships, which included the 10th Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship for Youth, Junior, and Senior categories, and the West Asian Championship, held at the Ezdan Palace Hotel.The event saw wide participation from over 25 countries and more than 250 athletes.The Qatari weightlifting team achieved a remarkable feat by winning 24 medals, including 21 gold and 3 silver medals, distributed between the team’s stars Fares and Ouissal Ikhlef.Fares yesterday excelled in various age categories, cementing his status as one of the most promising rising talents regionally and internationally.In the Qatar International Cup, the 110kg weight class witnessed fierce competition, with Fares securing the silver medal in the clean and jerk by lifting 201kg in a thrilling battle against a field of elite international weightlifters.Uzbek weightlifter Hasanbayev Davranbek won gold in both the snatch and total, while Saudi Arabia’s Ali Ahmed Alkhazal claimed gold in the clean and jerk.Fares continued his impressive performance in the Arab Championships, winning silver in the men’s clean and jerk, in addition to three gold medals in the youth and junior categories, dominating the snatch, clean and jerk, and total, achieving remarkable results.In the West Asian Championships, Fares won three gold medals in the youth category, in addition to new gold medals in the junior category, making him one of the most decorated weightlifters and leading Qatar’s participation successfully.Earlier on Thursday, Qatar’s Ikhlef achieved a historic feat by winning nine gold medals in the same combined championships.Ikhlef delivered an outstanding performance, lifting 116kg in the snatch, 161kg in the clean and jerk, and a total weight of 277kg, reflecting her development and technical prowess.Fares said yesterday: “I look forward to winning more laurels for the country in the coming months, raising Qatar’s name high in regional and international arenas. I will continue to work hard to achieve my ambitions and the ambitions of the sport in the future.”Mohammed bin Yousef al-Mana, President of the Qatar Weightlifting Federation (QWF), praised the support of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC).Al-Mana told reporters the QOC president is the main driving force behind Qatar achieving the ‘amazing results’.Al-Mana said: “We dedicate this great achievement to our wise leadership, in appreciation of their continuous support and keen interest in developing Qatari sports, which has enabled our champions to achieve the best results.This achievement reflects the development of weightlifting in Qatar and the success of our training programs and the technical and administrative support we provide.”Al-Mana added: “We will continue to support and develop Qatari weightlifters and work on preparing future champions. Doing this will enhance Qatar’s position on the international sports map.”We are delighted with the performances of Qatari lifters: Al-MansouriJassim Ibrahim al-Mansouri, Secretary-General of QWF, praised the achievement of weightlifter Fares and Ikhlef, emphasising that their success reflects the systematic approach adopted by the Federation.Al-Mansouri said: “Fares Jaber’s achievement of winning 15 medals in the combined championships is a great accomplishment for Qatari weightlifting and shows we possess promising talent capable of competing internationally.”He added: “The results achieved by our athletes in the Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship, and the West Asian Championship are the fruit of sound planning and comprehensive preparation programs of the Federation, with the support and follow-up of the Board of Directors, chaired by His Excellency Mohammed bin Yousef al-Mana.”He continued: “At the Federation, we place great importance on developing youth categories as they are the foundation for building future champions for Qatar.Fares is a shining example of a disciplined and ambitious player, capable of representing Qatar in the best possible way in upcoming competitions, in the region and internationally.” 

Team Qatar Weightlifter Ouisal Ikhlef shines with 9 gold medals

Doha: Team Qatar weightlifter Ouisal Ikhlef delivered an outstanding performance on the sixth day of competition at the combined championships, which include the 10th Qatar International Weightlifting Cup 2025, the Arab Weightlifting Championship for Youth, Juniors and Seniors, and the West Asian Championship for the same age categories. The events are organized by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation and conclude tomorrow, Friday.Ikhlef claimed an impressive nine gold medals in the +86kg category, securing three golds at each of the three championships: the Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship, and the West Asian Championship.In the Qatar International Cup, the Qatari weightlifter produced a remarkable showing across all lifts, recording 116kg in the snatch, 161kg in the clean and jerk, and a total of 277kg.Ikhlef topped the +86kg category ahead of Thailand’s Supatchanin Khamheng, who collected three silver medals with lifts of 111kg (snatch), 146kg (clean and jerk), and a total of 257kg, while South Korea’s Lee Hyun claimed three bronze medals after lifting 101kg, 125kg, and a total of 226kg.At the Arab Championship, Ikhlef outperformed Algeria’s Amina Mamoun Yahya, who earned three silver medals with lifts of 102kg (snatch), 129kg (clean and jerk), and a total of 231kg, as well as Egypt’s Shams Mohamed Ahmed, who secured three bronze medals with lifts of 101kg, 128kg, and a total of 229kg.In the West Asian Championship, the Qatari lifter completed a clean sweep of three gold medals, facing no serious challenge after delivering outstanding numbers—most notably in the clean and jerk, where she lifted 161kg, surpassing her previous personal best of 160kg. 

Qatar shooters wrap Arab Championship campaign with 12 medals

Muscat: Qatar shooters ended their campaign at the Arab Pistol and Rifle Championship in Muscat with a haul of 12 medals - two gold, three silver, and seven bronze.The championship held over seven days, featured 141 male and female shooters representing 14 countries.On Thursday, Qatar won a bronze medal in the men’s team event for the 25-meter center-fire pistol with Mohammed Abdul Mohsen, Abdullah Al Obaidli, and Mohammed Al Yafai excelling.The Qatar shooting team participated with a delegation of 17 shooters (men, women, juniors, and junior women) competing in both rifle and pistol events.The delegation was headed by Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Aji, Executive Director of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA) and Head of the Rifle and Pistol Department within the Federation.Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti, Secretary-General of QSAA, expressed his delight at the achievement of Qatari shooters at the championship.“Today we are experiencing a moment of pride and honour with the results achieved by our champion shooters, both men and women, who raised Qatar’s name high in a prestigious Arab event by winning 12 medals. These are not just numbers; they are a testament to the sound planning and strong will of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, headed by Dr. Meshaal Ibrahim Al Nasr.” He said.He added: “These honourable results are the culmination of a journey of development and preparation, and confirm that Qatari shooting is on the right path towards achieving its regional and international goals. They are also the fruit of the shooters’ hard work and dedication, the unlimited support of the Federation, and a testament to the advancement of Qatari shooting and its ability to compete honorably in Arab, continental, and international arenas. 

Thrilling Day Five Action Sees 69kg and 88kg Weightlifting Winners Crowned

DOHA -  The fifth day of competition at the 10th Qatar International Weightlifting Cup, held alongside the Arab Championship for Youth, Juniors, and Seniors and the West Asia Championship, delivered another thrilling chapter of elite lifting action. Organized by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, the event continues to showcase exceptional strength, depth, and regional excellence on the platform.The spotlight today fell on the men’s 88kg and women’s 69kg categories, where intense rivalries unfolded across all three championships, culminating in the crowning of outstanding male and female champions.In the Arab Championship, 17 lifters contested the men’s 88kg division in a fiercely fought battle. Oman’s Amer Al Khangari dominated the senior category, sweeping three gold medals after lifting 156kg in the snatch, 195kg in the clean and jerk, and posting a commanding total of 351kg.Egypt’s Mostafa Mahmoud Bakry delivered a strong showing to secure two silver medals (snatch 149kg, total 324kg) and a bronze in the clean and jerk (175kg). Syria’s Mohammad Al Khattab added a silver in the clean and jerk (176kg) and a bronze in the total (315kg), while Lebanon’s Ali Al Khalil claimed bronze in the snatch with 141kg.In the youth division, Bakry reaffirmed his class with two gold medals (snatch 149kg, total 324kg) and a silver in the clean and jerk. Al Khattab answered with gold in the clean and jerk (176kg), silver in the total, and bronze in the snatch. Saudi Arabia’s Youssef Fakhri Al Mudrahim earned silver in the snatch (142kg) and bronze in the total, while Algeria’s Qassoum Abdulrahman secured bronze in the clean and jerk (158kg).The junior category saw Morocco’s Zahid Abdulrahim deliver a flawless performance, capturing three gold medals (snatch 112kg, clean and jerk 140kg, total 252kg). Yemen’s Mohammed Adel followed with three silver medals, while Saudi lifter Ali Hassan Al Sada completed the podium with three bronzes.The women’s 69kg contests were marked by razor-thin margins and outstanding performances. In the senior women’s division, Tunisia’s Jawaher Jasmi claimed gold in the clean and jerk (120kg) and the total (205kg), alongside a silver in the snatch. Egypt’s Abeer Mohamed impressed with gold in the snatch (90kg), silver in the total (193kg), and bronze in the clean and jerk. Morocco’s Shadia Chachoui added silver in the clean and jerk (104kg) and two bronzes.In the young women’s category, Abeer Mohamed continued her dominance, securing two gold medals (snatch and total) and a silver in the clean and jerk. Chachoui answered with gold in the clean and jerk and two silvers, while Saudi Arabia’s Nahid Mohammed earned three bronze medals.The girls’ junior division belonged entirely to Abeer Mohamed, who completed a remarkable sweep of three gold medals (snatch 90kg, clean and jerk 103kg, total 193kg). Syria’s Lujain Zarqaa took three silvers, and Nahid Mohammed once again collected three bronzes.As the championships progress, the Doha platforms continue to witness inspiring performances, rising talents, and memorable triumphs—affirming Qatar’s growing stature as a premier host of international weightlifting events. 

Team Qatar Shines on Day Five with Gold and Two Bronze Medals at Arab Shooting Championship

Muscat -  Team Qatar continued its impressive showing at the Arab Pistol and Rifle Championship, claiming one gold and two bronze medals on the fifth day of competition in Muscat. The championship, currently underway in the Omani capital, features 141 male and female shooters from 14 countries and will conclude on Friday.Qatar’s medals on Wednesday came in the 25m rapid-fire pistol event. In the women’s team competition, shooters Salma Al Mass, Doaa Rahmatallah, and Aisha Al Abdullah delivered an outstanding performance to secure the gold medal.In the men’s team event, Mohammed Abdulmohsen, Abdullah Al-Obaidly, and Mohammed Al Yafei captured the bronze medal, while Salma Al Mass added another honor with a bronze medal in the women’s individual competition.With these results, Qatar’s medal tally at the championship has now risen to 11 medals since the start of the event two gold, three silver, and six bronze highlighting the team’s consistency and competitive strength.Team Qatar is competing with a delegation of 17 shooters, including men, women, boys, and girls, across both rifle and pistol events. The delegation is headed by Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Ajji, Executive Director of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation and Head of the Rifle and Pistol Committee.The championship resumes on Thursday with the 25m central-fire pistol competitions for men, women, and teams. Qatar’s shooters are aiming to maintain their positive momentum, add further medals to their tally, and continue their presence on the podiums as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

Ri Chong-song produces commanding show in Doha

Doha: In a commanding performance, North Korea’s Ri Chong-song Tuesday lifted 366kg in the 79kg weight class, surpassing the previous record held by Indonesia’s Rizki Juniansyah by one kilogram on day four of the Qatar International Cup - part of the combined 10th Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship and the West Asian Championships.|With this new record, Chung-song solidified his status as one of the greatest weightlifters in the world. Ri Chong-song won all three gold medals in the snatch (162kg), clean and jerk (204kg) for a total of 366kg, setting a new world record. This achievement aligns him with fellow North Korean, Oh Kwang-ok, who holds a women’s record in the 58kg weight class.Despite his strong performance, he was unable to break the individual snatch and clean and jerk records, which remain with Egypt’s Abdelrahman Younes (166kg, snatch) and Indonesia’s Rizki Junyansah (205kg in the clean and jerk).The silver medals in the snatch and total went to Tunisian weightlifter Karim Ben Hnia (151kg and 336kg, respectively), while he also secured the bronze medal in the clean and jerk (185kg). Turkmen Gaygysyz Torayev won a silver medal in the clean and jerk (190kg) and a bronze medal in the total (330kg), while Saudi weightlifter Mohammed Bassam al-Marzouq won a bronze medal in the snatch (150kg).In the men’s competitions at the Arab Weightlifting Championships, which saw fierce competition as Tunisian weightlifter Karim Ben Hnia won three gold medals in the snatch (151kg), clean and jerk (185kg), for a of total (363kg).Saudi lifter al-Marzouq finished in second place, winning three silver medals in the snatch (150kg), clean and jerk (178kg), and total (328kg). Algerian lifter Farajallah Samir won two bronze medals in the snatch (140kg) and total (310kg), while Egyptian weightlifter Ali Abdel-Radi won a bronze medal in the clean and jerk with a lift of 175kg.The West Asian Weightlifting Championships were marked by strong participation, with Saudi weightlifter al-Marzouq winning three gold medals in the snatch (150kg), clean and jerk (178kg), and total (328kg).Bahraini weightlifter Abdullah Yahya al-Majdami came in second place, winning two silver medals in the clean and jerk (156kg) and total (286kg), and a bronze medal in the snatch (130kg). Emirati weightlifter Issa Rajab al-Balushi won a silver medal in the snatch (131kg), and Omani weightlifter Mahmoud al-Batashi won two bronze medals in the clean and jerk (155kg) and total (274kg).In the women’s competitions at the Arab Championship witnessed fierce competition in the 63kg weight class. Tunisian weightlifter Chaima Rahoumi won three gold medals in the snatch (89kg), clean and jerk (110kg), and total (199kg).Egyptian Hagar Rashdi came in second with three silver medals in the snatch (79kg), clean and jerk (98kg), and total (177kg), while Emirati Mai Madani won three bronze medals in the snatch (76kg), clean and jerk (97kg), and total (173kg).Also Tuesday. UAE’s Mai al-Madani won three gold medals in the snatch (76 kg), clean and jerk (97 kg), and total (173 kg) at the West Asian Championships in the women’s 63 kg category. Saudi Arabia’s Jana Mohammed al-Ammari won three silver medals, while Iraq’s Lujain Hazem earned two bronze medals. Saudi Arabia’s Rafif Mutlaq Jair and Jordan’s Rahima Ammar Ibrahim also won multiple gold and silver medals in the junior and youth categories.