(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula/QNA
Doha: Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation (QBWF) President sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani has emphasised the commitment to developing all aspects of boxing and wrestling in Qatar, with an eye on securing qualifications for the 2024 Paris olympics and winning gold medals at the Asian Games Doha 2030.
During an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sheikh Fahad stated that the Federation will be committed towards the growth of boxers, wrestlers, coaches, clubs, academies, and private centers, with the goal of expanding the talent pool and attracting young individuals capable of representing Qatar at all levels.
He highlighted the significance of nurturing local talent and activating the local sports scene as essential components of the Federation's plans to develop boxing and wrestling. These efforts are crucial for the Qatari teams to remain competitive, particularly given the strong competition from Asian teams in both boxing and wrestling. He said camps are not enough to prepare players for competitions.
The QBWF President added that, in terms of wrestling, the Federation contained the sport into the school Olympic program, which achieved great success and produced some talents that the Federation is working on developing and rehabilitating through special camps and programs. In terms of Boxing, the Federation organised courses for trainers and programs for the development of clubs, academies and youth centers, and launched a tournament to classify boxers, as well as some local tournaments that contribute to producing and making champions, including Katara Open Championship, Qatar Tour, and Qatar Championship scheduled for next December.
Sheikh Fahad also mentioned that the Federation is eagerly anticipating several upcoming events, including the Arab Games in Algeria from July 5 to 15. This competition will mark the first participation of Qatari female boxer Dana Al Jabr, while the men's team will include Abdul-Hadi Al Marri and Saeed Al Samikh.
Sheikh Fahad believes that the Arab Games will serve as a crucial milestone for the psychological and physical readiness of the boxers as they prepare for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled between September 23 and October 8. The Asian Games present the first opportunity for Qatari boxers and wrestlers to secure qualifying spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
When asked about the possibility of Qatari boxers and wrestlers participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sheikh Fahad expressed optimism and a desire for an honorable participation to secure qualification for the Games.
He acknowledged that this qualification is part of the Federation's short-term plan, which focuses on physically and mentally preparing the boxers and wrestlers through the Arab Games and the Asian Games. It is worth noting that Asia is home to some of the strongest teams in the world, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
However, he stressed that the most important and long-term goal of the Federation is to achieve medals and win at Doha 2030 Asian Games.