The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has confirmed that it will field a delegation of 82 athletes at the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 21. This year’s event will see over 3,000 athletes from 57 countries competing in a diverse range of sports.
Qatar will participate in 16 sports, including Athletics, Duathlon, 3×3 Basketball, Karate, Equestrian, Wrestling, Volleyball, Handball, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Judo, Weightlifting, Camel Racing, Swimming, Fencing, and Para Athletics. The country’s teams have been preparing through intensive training programs coordinated by their respective federations in partnership with the QOC.
Qatar’s Commitment to Regional Sporting Events
Khalifa Jabor Al-Naimi, Deputy Head of the Qatari Administrative Delegation, highlighted that Qatar’s involvement in the Islamic Solidarity Games aligns with its broader commitment to being an active participant in sporting events across the Islamic, Arab, and Asian worlds. This participation also strengthens Qatar’s sporting ties with other nations.
Al-Naimi expressed confidence in the delegation’s readiness, especially in key sports like athletics, weightlifting, handball, and volleyball, where Qatar expects strong performances. The objective is not just to compete but to secure podium finishes in these disciplines.
Aiming for Strong Performances
While acknowledging the high level of competition due to the large number of participating countries, Al-Naimi noted that the games provide a valuable opportunity for both youth athletes and elite competitors. These events allow emerging talent to gain experience ahead of the Doha 2030 Asian Games, while established athletes aim to add to Qatar’s medal tally.
Qatar has a proud history in the Islamic Solidarity Games, beginning with its first gold medal in Mecca in 2005. Since then, the country has consistently improved its performances. At the 2013 games in Palembang, Qatar secured five medals. The 2017 edition in Baku marked a significant milestone, with Qatar earning 12 medals two gold, three silver, and seven bronze. At Konya 2022, Qatar maintained this level of success, with four gold, three silver, and five bronze medals. These achievements brought Qatar’s total medal count in the Games to 30: eight gold, eight silver, and 14 bronze.
Focus on Future Success
With a strong legacy behind them, Qatar’s athletes are looking ahead to building on past successes at the upcoming Riyadh Games. The event provides a platform not only to achieve individual and team success but also to promote regional sporting unity and growth. As the QOC prepares for the Games, the overarching goal remains clear: to showcase Qatar’s athletic prowess while nurturing the next generation of champions.
For more information about Qatar’s investment in sports development, read about the recent Qatari Businesswomen Association meeting. The country’s commitment to strengthening its performance across various sectors, including sports, continues to grow with initiatives like the partnership with WHOOP to create a performance lab.
