Qatar surpassed several milestones in the field of sports in 2021, making it one of the best years for the country in terms of achievements. From Olympic success to hosting of international competitions, Qatar earned glory despite the continued challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Team Qatar made history in Tokyo Games, winning two gold medals and a silver medal becoming the best Arab nation at Olympics earlier this year. Qatar never won a gold medal in its previous nine appearances and hence was bestowed the National Olympic Committees’ (NOC) Breakthrough Award by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), which the Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani received in Crete, Greece.
Fares Ibrahim became the first athlete in history to win a gold medal for Qatar after sealing the victory in 96kg category weightlifting event before Qatar’s high jump hero Mutaz Barshim shared the title with his friend Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy. Qatar’s beach volleyball duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan wrapped up the memorable performance by securing a bronze medal.
Qatari athletes continued to excel in other global, continental and regional events, with Fares also claiming a silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships in Uzbek capital Tashkent in December.
Qatar football team also showed good progress culminating the year with a bronze medal at the FIFA Arab Cup after defeating Egypt in a third place play-off.
After winning four consecutive matches, Qatar reached the semi-finals where they lost to eventual champions Algeria after a thrilling battle. Al Annabi’s achievement in 2021 also includes their brilliant run in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. The team finished the year with a 48th spot in the FIFA world rankings.
The Gulf state also lived up to its top billing as host of world class events hosting many global, continental and regional events with success. The FIFA Arab Cup was also a huge success as Qatar checked its infrastructure and organisational readiness for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The country achieved many milestones during the 16-team event and showed the world that it is ready to host the FIFA showpiece. Qatar also hosted its first ever Formula One race at the iconic Losail International Circuit in November.
The year also marked the inauguration of three more stadiums – Al Thumama, Al Bayt and Stadium 974 with only Lusail Stadium left to be launched out of eight World Cup venues.
