A gymnast in action yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship concluded last night at Aspire Academy, following two days of intense competition featuring 225 young gymnasts from six countries - Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Divided into 16 teams, the athletes delivered exceptional performances that impressed both the audience and officials. The tournament witnessed fierce competition among all participants, creating an exciting atmosphere that was enjoyed by fans in attendance.
The Organising Committee, led by Ali Al Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF), crowned the winning gymnasts at the closing ceremony, held in an electric atmosphere with a large turnout of gymnastics enthusiasts.
President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation Ali Al Hitmi poses with the officials.
Samira Said, Tournament Director, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, highlighting the high level of competition and the exceptional atmosphere throughout the championship.
“We were confident from the start that this would be a highly competitive tournament, given the caliber of participating nations, and the performances exceeded our expectations,” she stated.
“This tournament served as a fantastic experience and a strong launchpad for future editions. The event provided valuable learning experiences for both young and senior gymnasts, refining their skills and preparing them for higher levels of competition. The performances were remarkable, promising even better levels in the future,” she added.
Discussing the Qatari gymnasts’ performances, Said noted, “The championship featured 60 gymnasts from academies affiliated with teh QGF, and they delivered outstanding performances, achieving commendable results. We are pleased with how Qatar’s gymnasts performed in this strong competitive environment, which provided them with a valuable opportunity to gain experience and exposure.”
For his part, Abdulrahman Al Muftah, QGF Board Member, emphasized the tournament’s role in identifying emerging talents.
“Over the two days, we observed several promising young gymnasts who have the potential for a bright future in the sport. Championships like this serve as a launching pad for future stars, and that was one of our key objectives in organizing the event,” he said.
Essa Al Hitmi, QGF Board Member, expressed his satisfaction with the championship’s success across all aspects, including competition level, results, and organization.
“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this edition, both in terms of the technical level and the exceptional organizational standards. The tournament was executed in an outstanding manner and received praise from all participants, particularly from our fellow Arab nations, who recognized the great benefits their gymnasts gained from the experience,” he stated.
"There was also widespread appreciation for Aspire Academy’s world-class facilities and Qatar’s state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. Such positive feedback is a testament to the championship’s success and the nation’s capability in hosting top-tier sporting events,” he added.
