Doha: Praising the national athletes for their brilliant show in the 2016 indoor season, the Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Major General Dahlan Al Hamad said clinching medals in this year’s Rio Olympics will be a realistic target.
The indoor season culminated with the World Indoor Championships in Portland earlier this month where Qatari athletes put up an unprecedented show.
After topping the Asian Indoor Championships in Doha in February, all the Qatari athletes finished inside top 5 in Portland, the best-ever show by the country since its made debut in the event back in 1993.
“ Another glorious chapter in Qatar Athletics book with the federation’s most illustrious moments was written (in Portland),” the QFA President said at a press conference yesterday.
Dahlan heaped special praise on the 19-year-old Abdalelah Haroun who clinched silver medal in 400m race, during the global event in Portland.
“ Haroun deserves all the credit as he emerged strong psychologically and physically, overcoming his lack of experience at major events and fatigue caused by his two previous demanding and challenging races in qualifying rounds,” he said before hailing Mutaz Barshim’s show.
“ Barshim was in terrific form, but unfortunately he suffered a minor cramp at the most crucial moment of the final, which pushed him back and forced him to pass a height and gamble instead of the following initial plan,” the QAF chief said.
Dahlan said the Qatari athletes were continuing their preparation for Rio Olympics overseas.
“ All our athletes form a team capable of delivering great things in Rio. I am very optimistic about this young squad and I believe a medal or two along with finals seems like a realistic target. These athletes have been seriously tested on numerous occasions over the last 4-5 years and have succeeded at global and continental competitions from youth to senior,” the QAF chief said. The Peninsula
