Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation (QBWF) concluded its inaugural Golden Belt Boxing Championship on January 10, 2026, at the Ladies Sports Hall in Aspire Academy. The three-day tournament showcased promising talent from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan, with 87 boxers competing across Junior, Youth, and Men’s divisions. The event signals a growing commitment to developing boxing within the region and preparing athletes for future international competitions.
The championship featured intense bouts and a high level of organization, drawing positive feedback from attendees. Participants represented 15 sports clubs, contributing to a diverse and competitive atmosphere. The QBWF aimed to provide a platform for both established and emerging boxers to demonstrate their skills.
Golden Belt Boxing Championship Highlights Competitive Spirit
The competition was divided into three age categories, allowing for a focused assessment of skill levels. In the Juniors category (Under 17), Abdullah Al-Faqih secured a gold medal in the 54kg division. Tamim Louay Ali and Hamad Al-Shaibi each earned silver medals in the 75kg and over 80kg divisions, respectively.
The Youth category (Under 19) saw several gold medal performances. Abdulaziz Abdul Latif triumphed in the 55kg division, while Yahya Jamal Ali won the 65kg class. Mousa Rattamah and Abdulrahman Wael also claimed gold in the 75kg and 80kg divisions, respectively. Sheikh Fares Ali Al Thani rounded out the Youth gold medalists with a victory in the over 90kg category. Hashem Daniel secured a silver medal in the 75kg division.
Regional Participation and Development
The inclusion of athletes from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan underscores the QBWF’s ambition to foster regional collaboration in boxing. This participation provides valuable competitive experience for Qatari boxers and helps elevate the overall standard of the sport in the Gulf region. The event also served as a scouting opportunity for identifying potential national team members.
According to the QBWF, the championship is a crucial step in their long-term development plan. The federation intends to use events like the Golden Belt Championship to broaden the base of talented boxers within Qatar. This initiative is particularly important as the nation prepares to host the 2030 Asian Games.
His Excellency Sheikh Fahd bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the QBWF, expressed his satisfaction with the tournament’s success. He highlighted the high technical proficiency displayed by the boxers and emphasized the importance of such competitions in nurturing talent. Sheikh Fahd stated the event is a cornerstone in the technical development of the sport.
The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Sultan Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary General of the QBWF; Ghanem Saleh Al Kuwari, Head of the Boxing and Wrestling Department; Mohammed Ali Al Marri, President of Al Sailiya Club; and Sultan Al Sheikh, Executive Director of the Saudi Mike Tyson Club. This high-level attendance demonstrates the growing recognition of boxing as a significant sport in Qatar and the wider region. The event’s success is expected to encourage further investment in amateur boxing and related infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the QBWF plans to build on the momentum generated by the Golden Belt Boxing Championship. The federation is currently evaluating feedback from participants and spectators to refine the tournament format for future editions. A key focus will be on increasing the number of international participants and attracting greater media coverage to further promote the sport of competitive boxing. The next major step involves finalizing the training schedule and selection criteria for the national team in preparation for upcoming international qualifiers and, ultimately, the 2030 Asian Games. The timeline for announcing these details is expected within the next quarter, though adjustments may occur based on logistical considerations and athlete performance assessments.
Further information about the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation and its initiatives can be found on their official website: https://www.qbwf.qa/. Updates on future events and athlete profiles are also available through their social media channels. The development of youth boxing programs will also be a priority.
