Doha, Qatar: The Aspire Female Hall in Doha is set to host the Qatar Cup IWF Grand Prix II 2023 Weightlifting Championships, featuring a remarkable lineup of nine Olympic gold medallists, nine current world champions, and 13 world record holders. This prestigious event, running from today until December 14, holds significant importance as an Olympic qualifying competition.
With participants from 108 countries and over 400 athletes, including Qatar's Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Fares Ibrahim, the Qatar Cup reaches the standards of World Championships. Athletes are vying for coveted spots at the upcoming Paris Games.
Qatar's own Fares Ibrahim, who has already secured a place at the 2024 Olympics with an impressive performance at the 2023 World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, is expected to shine once again in front of his home crowd. Competing in the 102kg weight category, Fares, 25, made history in Riyadh by becoming the first weightlifter from the Gulf region to win a medal at the World Championships.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Fares claimed Qatar's first-ever Olympic gold by breaking two Games records in the 96kg weight category. The Championships, inaugurated with a simple ceremony, are open to the public free of charge, emphasizing the inclusivity and accessibility of the event.