Doha, December 21 (QNA) - The Qatari national weightlifting team continues their intensive preparations ahead of the combined competitions of the 10th Qatar International Weightlifting Cup 2025, the Arab Weightlifting Championship for youth, juniors and seniors, and the West Asian Weightlifting Championship for the same age categories. The events are organized by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation and will run until December 27.

Qatar will be represented in the three championships by six male and female lifters, competing across six different weight categories. The squad includes Fares Ibrahim, Fares Ahmed Jaber, Nader Mohammed Bakr, Abdullah Al Hashemi, Wissal Khalaf, and Sara Al Qassibi.

The national team members are undergoing daily training sessions under the supervision of head coach Ibrahim Hassouna, who has implemented a comprehensive preparation program focusing on physical readiness and technical performance to ensure strong showings and positive results.

Weightlifter Sara Al Qassibi is scheduled to begin her participation on Wednesday in the women's 77kg category. The following day will see Nader Mohammed Bakr compete in the 94kg category, Wissal Khalaf in the +86kg category, and Fares Ahmed Jaber in the 110kg category for both the under-20 and senior divisions, in addition to the +94kg category for under-17 competitors.

Olympic champion Fares Ibrahim, who is also preparing for the Asian Weightlifting Championships for men, scheduled to be held in India next April, will make his first appearance in the newly adopted 94kg weight category following the recent amendments approved by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

This strategic shift in Fares Ibrahim's weight category comes as part of an early preparation plan for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, which will feature new weight categories. The 94kg division has been identified as the most suitable option for the Qatari lifter from both a technical and physical standpoint, particularly after the cancellation of the 102kg category, in which he previously competed, under recent IWF decisions.

Fares Ibrahim is also set to participate in the 2026 Asian Games (Asiad 2026), which will be held in Japan, specifically in Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Head coach Ibrahim Hassouna confirmed that the team's preparations are progressing according to the established plan for participation in the three combined championships, emphasizing that the technical staff is placing strong emphasis on both physical and technical readiness for all lifters.

In press statements, Hassouna noted that fielding six male and female lifters across six different weight categories reflects the continued development and expansion of weightlifting in Qatar. He added that these championships provide a valuable opportunity for high-level competition and experience, particularly given the wide participation and strong technical standards.

Hassouna explained that all lifters are following tailored training programs that take into account the specific demands of each weight category and age group, with close attention to fine technical details that can make a decisive difference in competition.

He also highlighted that Olympic champion Fares Ibrahim's move to the 94kg category is a carefully planned step within a long-term preparation strategy, aimed initially at the upcoming Asian Championships in India, followed by major future events, foremost among them the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The national team coach concluded by expressing confidence that Fares Ibrahim possesses the technical and physical capabilities needed to adapt quickly to the new weight category and compete strongly, reiterating his ambition to build a powerful national team capable of representing Qatar with distinction at upcoming continental and international events. (QNA)