Mai Al Mohammedi, a board member of the Qatar Athletics Federation and manager of our national team at the Arab Championships, is attending the Arab federation’s meeting on the sidelines of the championships as a representative of the federation’s women’s committee.
Al Mohammedi travelled with our national team’s delegation on the same flight and stressed the importance of the team’s participation in the championship, especially the girls’ team, even with just one player taking part. Mai Al Mohammedi said: “Participation is undoubtedly important because it removes any nervousness from our athletes through strong competitive exposure and helps prepare them for Asian events. Our participation is limited in our case due to exam commitments, but we hope to achieve some positive points and gain experience for the future.”
Saleh Hassan, our team official: we’re aiming for personal bests
Saleh Hassan, an official with Qatar’s team, stressed that the main goal of our team’s participation in the 5th Arab Athletics Championships was to aim for personal bests and gain experience for the future.
Saleh Hassan said: “We’re suffering from numerous absences due to school and exam commitments for a number of promising athletes, but despite that, the championship is a good opportunity to gauge some players’ levels and select the best for summer camps.” He added: “We would have liked a bigger presence in this championship, but unfortunately exam commitments deprived us of that. We generally wish our champions success, especially given their young age and their ambition to perform well and achieve outstanding results.”
Abdulrahman Jamal Khaseef: we’re ready to compete strongly
Abdulrahman Jamal Khaseef, our national team’s discus and hammer throw champion, confirmed that he and his team-mates were ready to compete in the Arab Championships for the first time.
Khaseef said: “With a large number of champions absent, this championship is a good opportunity for us to gain competitive exposure and experience for the future. We hope to live up to expectations and deliver the best level possible.”
He added: “The Arab Championships are strong, with many countries taking part, and that’s good for us. We will do our utmost, and personally I hope to set a new personal best at this championship.”
Australia’s Brendan Teemo: the atmosphere in Tunisia is outstanding
Australia’s Brendan Teemo, our national team and Aspire Academy coach, said the Arab Championships were a huge gain for our team’s champions because they help athletes gain experience and strong competitive exposure, stressing that the atmosphere in Tunisia was outstanding and that this was a good opportunity to achieve the greatest technical gains and prepare for upcoming championships. He added: “Strong competition undoubtedly helps with learning and improving standards, and I hope we come out of this championship with the greatest possible gains.”
