The Qatari national team concluded its participation in the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a total of 11 medals. The delegation secured 3 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals across a variety of sports, demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to athletic excellence within the Islamic world. The Games, which featured over 3,000 athletes from 57 nations, wrapped up with a closing ceremony on Tuesday evening.
Qatar’s medal count began with a silver in swimming, and saw successes in weightlifting, equestrian, fencing, basketball, wrestling, and athletics. Turkiye dominated the overall medal standings, followed by Uzbekistan and Iran, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt rounding out the top five. This event highlights the growing sporting infrastructure and talent development within member states of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF).
Qatar’s Performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games
Weightlifter Wissal Khalef was the standout performer for Qatar, achieving a remarkable three gold medals in the women’s over-86 kg category. This success underscores Qatar’s investment in women’s sports and its potential for international recognition. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al-Thani added to the tally with a silver medal in equestrian show jumping, a traditionally strong sport for the nation.
Medal Breakdown
The Qatari delegation’s medals were distributed as follows: Ali Tamer (swimming) – silver; Wissal Khalef (weightlifting) – 3 gold; Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al-Thani (equestrian) – silver; Khalid Al Yafei (fencing) – bronze; Shaheen Mohammed (wrestling) – bronze; Qatari basketball team (3×3 basketball) – bronze; fencing team (men’s team foil) – silver; handball team – bronze; Abubaker Haydar (athletics) – bronze. The diverse range of sports contributing to the medal count demonstrates the breadth of Qatar’s athletic program.
The 6th Islamic Solidarity Games saw competition in 23 different sports, including athletics, fencing, swimming, and several martial arts. The event aims to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among Islamic nations through sport, fostering a spirit of fair play and mutual respect. Qatar participated in 16 of these sports, sending a delegation of 82 athletes.
While Turkiye’s impressive performance with 72 gold medals secured their top position, the Games provided a valuable platform for all participating nations to showcase their athletic prowess. Uzbekistan’s strong showing with 29 gold medals indicates a rising force in Islamic sports, while Iran and Saudi Arabia also demonstrated significant progress. The competition in 3×3 basketball, a relatively new Olympic sport, was particularly notable, with Qatar securing a bronze medal.
The Islamic Solidarity Games are held every four years, organized by the ISSF. According to the ISSF website, the event seeks to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation among Islamic countries through athletic competition. The games also serve as a qualifying event for some athletes hoping to compete in larger international competitions, such as the Olympics.
Looking ahead, the ISSF will begin planning for the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. The host nation and specific dates have not yet been announced, but officials are expected to make a decision within the next year. The continued growth and success of these Games will likely depend on securing adequate funding and attracting top-tier athletes from across the Islamic world.
The performance of the Qatari team at the recent Islamic Solidarity Games provides a positive indicator for the nation’s sports development. Further investment in training facilities and athlete support programs will be crucial to maintaining and improving Qatar’s competitive edge in future international events. The success of athletes like Wissal Khalef also serves as an inspiration for future generations of Qatari sports enthusiasts.
