Tokyo, Japan, August 1, 2021: The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, has dedicated the historic achievement of weightlifter Fares Ibrahim to the Emir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and to the Emir's father, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and to all the Qatari people.
Soon after Ibrahim won Qatar’s first-ever gold medal at the Olympics, Sheikh Joaan said: “This unprecedented accomplishment is a result of the joint efforts made by Team Qatar’s golden weightlifter Fares Ibrahim, his coaching staff and the Qatar Weightlifting and Fencing Federation.”
The QOC President also lauded the huge efforts made by everyone to make this achievement possible and to raise Qatar’s flag at the Olympic Games.
Sheikh Joaan pointed out that the 23-year-old Ibrahim’s achievement in winning the historic gold in the men’s 96kg category had been embellished by the fact that he had also set two Olympic records in the process underscoring the “amazing talent” of the youngster.
Sheikh Joaan wished greater achievement for Ibrahim in the future and stressed that this medal was the sixth in Qatar’s Olympics history, and first ever gold medal.
Qatar first sent athletes to the Olympics in 1984 in Los Angeles. The first medal came eight years later in Barcelona 1992 when track and field athlete Mohamed Suleiman took bronze in the 1,500m race.
The QOC President wished the rest of the Qatar contingent at the Tokyo Games all the best in their upcoming competitions.