Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s reigning Olympic and world high jump champion Mutaz Barshim was named the '2023 Best Asian Male Athlete' at the 50th anniversary of the Asian Athletics Association held in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.
It is the second time that three-time Qatari Olympic medalist has clinched the award after winning the accolade in 2018. Barshim’s award was received by his father Essa Barshim, also a former athlete.
Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala praised country’s most decorated athlete for yet another achievement.
“I want to congratulate His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad, President of the Olympic Committee, on the occasion of Qatari athlete Mutaz Barshim being named the Best Male Athlete in Asia for the second time,” the QAF President said in a statement.
“This achievement reflects the consistent level of performance by Mutaz Barshim and showcases the continuous presence of Qatari athletics on the celebration podiums. Furthermore, we celebrate the presence of five Qatari champions: Mohammed Suleiman, Ibrahim Ismail, Talal Mansoor, Mutaz Barshim, Ismail Abkar. This demonstrates the stability and excellence of Qatari athletics,” Al Fadala added.
Barshim, who started his season with West Asia Athletics Championships in April and also took part in the Doha Diamond League the following month, is eyeing more victories this year.
Among his major targets this year is winning the fourth consecutive world title in next month’s World Championships in Budapest after completing a golden hat-trick in Eugene last year.
The 32-year-old also aims to compete in the Asian Games that is scheduled to be held in Chinese city of Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8, 2023. He has won two gold medals in the multi-sport event – the Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014 Games.
