Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) made a significant announcement today, revealing that a formidable contingent of 180 athletes will proudly represent Team Qatar in the 19th edition of the Asian Games. This prestigious sporting event is scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023, in the vibrant Chinese city of Hangzhou.
Team Qatar's talented athletes are set to participate in a wide array of 27 sporting disciplines, encompassing everything from shooting and athletics to basketball, boxing, chess, cycling, esports, equestrian events, football, fencing, gymnastics, golf, handball, Juji Karate, sailing, squash, swimming, tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, table tennis, volleyball, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, weightlifting, and archery.
The action-packed journey for Team Qatar begins even before the official opening ceremony, with the Qatar beach volleyball team launching their campaign on September 19, a remarkable four days prior to the commencement of the event. The Qatar football and volleyball teams will soon follow suit, commencing their quest for top honors on September 20.
Qatar's Fares Ibrahim in action during the 2018 Asian Games men's weightlifting 94kg event in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this August 25, 2018 file photo.
Qatar's sporting contingent is gearing up for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, with Team Qatar eagerly anticipating their participation in various disciplines. The draw placed the Qatar U23 football team in Group A, where they will compete against formidable opponents Japan and Palestine. Meanwhile, the Qatar Volleyball team finds itself in Group E, preparing to face off against Thailand and Hong Kong.
Action during the men's handball final between Qatar and Bahrain at the 2018 Asian Games.
Defending champions, Qatar's handball team, is slated to begin their campaign in Group B on September 24, alongside South Korea and Hong Kong. Notably, Qatar's handball team clinched gold medals at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, and successfully defended their title at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang by defeating Bahrain.
Team Qatar is embarking on a new chapter of sporting achievements at the Hangzhou Asian Games, propelled by the unwavering support of the country's visionary leadership.
Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, recently convened with the secretaries of Qatari sports federations participating in the Asian Games. He commended the federations for their efforts in preparing and equipping Qatari athletes for the event, extending his best wishes for their success. Al Buainain expressed optimism that Qatar would continue to excel in Asian sports, leaving a positive impression on the continental stage.
The Qatari administrative delegation also presented updates on preparations and developments related to Qatar's participation in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Qatar won two medals in equestrian events.
Al Buainain emphasized Qatar's significant presence at the forthcoming edition of the Asian Games, with 180 athletes poised to deliver outstanding performances and strive for podium finishes. He highlighted the inclusion of numerous promising young Qatari athletes, aligning with the strategy to prepare teams for the Doha 2030 Asian Games.
Cherif Younousse (left) and Ahmed Tijan clinched the gold medal in men's beach volleyball in Indonesia.
The Secretary-General expressed confidence in the success of the nineteenth edition of the Asian Games, citing China's strong track record in organizing major sporting events, including the recent 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.
Rashid Saeed Adiba, the Chef de mission, affirmed that preparations for Qatar's participation in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games were in their final stages. He pledged unwavering support for all federations and athletes, aiming to overcome any challenges they might face to deliver performances befitting Qatar's sporting prowess.
Abubaker Haydar Abdalla won bronze in the men's 800m.
Reflecting on the 18th edition of the Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang in 2018, Team Qatar closed out the competition with an impressive haul of 13 medals, including 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals. The achievements spanned various disciplines, with standout performances by athletes such as Abdelelah Haroon in the 400m event, Ashraf El Seify in Hammer throw, and Abdulrahman Samba in the 400m hurdles. Qatar's beach volleyball and handball teams also claimed gold medals during the event, contributing to the nation's success on the Asian stage.
Ashraf El Seify won the men's hammer throw at the 2018 Games.
Qatar defeated Bahrain 32–27 in the final to win the gold medal in men's handball at the 2018 Asian Games.
Qatar won the men's 4×400 metres relay gold at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium five years ago.