Doha, Qatar, March 9, 2021: The Qatar Olympic Committee marked International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8 by launching a week-long campaign dedicated to championing women in sport in Qatar. A series of videos which share the inspiring stories and experiences of female athletes will be broadcast on Al Kass channels and on the QOC’s social media channels.
It will feature influential women from the world of sport including: Hannah Al Bader, Team Qatar handball player; Reem Al Sharshani, Team Qatar skeet shooter; Maryam Al-Thani, Qatar Museum Curator who is also a mountain climber and a triathlete; Al Anood Al Misnad, Head of Events at Aspire Logistics; Fatima Al Ghanim, Director of Marketing and Communications at Doha Film Institute; and Fatima Al Naimi, Communications Director at the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy 2022.
QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani commented: “Women have, and continue to play, a central role in the development of sport and society in Qatar. It is important that we champion the role they play and promote their stories to inspire others. While great progress has been made, we must always be looking to do more and analyse where we can improve.
“The QOC is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women and men and to promoting greater women’s participation in sport. Women in Qatari sport have achieved at many levels in recent decades. Continuing development, starting with grassroots all the way up to the elite, is an important factor that will ensure a bright future for all women athletes in Qatar.”
West Asian Games handball gold medallist and 2014 Youth Olympic Games young ambassador Hannah Al Bader, who kick-started the video series, said: “Women’s sport in Qatar has come a long way in recent decades. The development of world-class facilities and the plethora of top international events taking place in the country has opened a lot of opportunities for me and my fellow women athletes to thrive and progress. My message to all women participating in sport is to continue what you’re doing, keep putting in the effort and keep being optimistic. As long as you’re putting in the hard work eventually you will be rewarded.”
The Head of Events at Aspire Logistics, Al Anood Al Misnad, said: “I grew up in a sporting family and I had the chance to participate in multiple sports like football, volleyball and padel. My passion for sport pushed me to pursue a career in sport administration as head of events at Aspire Logistics. I would like to encourage all women in the sport sector to believe in yourself, be confident and maximise all opportunities that are provided to you.”