Fares Ibrahim, the Olympic star from Qatar, showcased his exceptional form by winning all gold medals in the men’s 102kg category at the Qatar Cup and Arab Championships held in Doha. Following his historic gold win at the Tokyo Games in the 96kg category, Fares continued his winning streak by topping the snatch event with a lift of 166kg and the clean and jerk with a lift of 200kg. His total lift of 366kg was the highest among all weightlifters, earning him a clean sweep of gold medals in the 102kg category and six gold medals overall in the championships.
The 26-year-old weightlifter’s outstanding performance comes on the heels of his recent success at the 2024 IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Bahrain, where he claimed two silver medals. Fares’ dominance in the men’s 102kg category was further highlighted by Albania’s Ertjan Kofsha and Saudi Arabia’s Ali Yousef Al Othman, who won silver and bronze medals in various events. Oman’s Amer Al Khanjari also stood out in the men’s 89kg category, securing three gold medals with impressive lifts.
The Qatar Cup and Arab Championships attracted a total of 163 athletes, including 98 men and 65 women, from 29 countries. The event showcased strong performances from Arab weightlifters, with notable achievements such as Saudi Arabia’s Jala Al Ghamdi and Algeria’s Amina Yahia Mahmoud both securing gold medal sweeps in their respective weight categories. Qatar’s commitment to weightlifting was further highlighted by its recent hosting of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, demonstrating the country’s dedication to promoting the sport internationally.
Fares Ibrahim’s success at the Qatar Cup and Arab Championships not only solidified his status as a top weightlifter but also showcased Qatar’s growing presence in the world of weightlifting. With his consistent performance and impressive medal haul, Fares has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. His total lift of 366kg in the men’s 102kg category was particularly noteworthy, making him the standout athlete of the championships.
The Qatar Cup and Arab Championships served as a platform for athletes from various countries to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The event’s impressive turnout of 163 athletes from 29 countries highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of weightlifting in the region. The strong performances by Arab weightlifters further underscored the talent and potential present in the sport, paving the way for future successes on the international stage.
In conclusion, Fares Ibrahim’s remarkable performance at the Qatar Cup and Arab Championships has solidified his position as an elite weightlifter and Olympic champion. His success, along with the achievements of other athletes at the event, highlights the growing talent and interest in weightlifting within the Arab region. With Qatar’s continued support and commitment to hosting world-class events, the future looks bright for weightlifting in the country and the region as a whole.
