Qatar has been a key member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), playing a crucial role in the Olympic Movement that aims to foster international unity and peace through sports, particularly in recent years. In a recent meeting that involved the Olympic Family on the sidelines of Olympics Games in Paris, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) led by its President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani reaffirmed its commitment to serving the Olympic Movement and using the power of sport to make a valuable contribution to social development around the world.
The QOC hosted the IOC members and other officials at the Team Qatar reception with the Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, and Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson and CEO H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani also addressing the guests. Qatar has been playing a significant role in Olympic Movement through various initiatives including the tremendous support for Olympic Refuge Foundation.
H E Sheikh Joaan said shared values and spirit define the Olympic Games besides outstanding achievements by the athletes. “The world’s best athletes coming together in peaceful competition reminds us that we are connected by a shared humanity. In these days of competition, we have seen how sport transcends boundaries, breaks down barriers, and builds bridges between people of different cultures and backgrounds. This message is needed in today’s world more than ever,” the QOC President added.
IOC Vice President John Coates hailed Qatar’s role, saying: “Your passion for sport and hospitality shines through. Your partnership with the Olympic Refuge Foundation has helped 400,000 displaced young people access safe sport.” Speaking on the occasion, H E Sheikha Hind announced the inclusive sports programme as part of Qatar Foundation’s collaboration with the IOC and Education Above All. “This program aims to support women and girls, people with disabilities, and people from marginalised socio-economic backgrounds through sports and education.”
Meanwhile, Qatar athletes continue their participation in the Olympics with the beach volleyball pair of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan – the Tokyo Games bronze medalists – showing a perfect record in the group stage to reach the knockouts. Qatar has sent a total of 14 athletes to Paris including eight track and field stars. In her debut appearance at the Games, Qatar sprinter Shahd Mohamed recorded a personal best to finish seventh in the third preliminary heats of women’s 100m at the Stade de France on Friday. Apart from Younousse and Tijan, Tokyo gold medalists Mutaz Barshim (high jump) and Fares Ibrahim (weightlifting) are Team Qatar’s main hopes for a medal in the ongoing Olympics.
