Paris, July 13 (QNA) - Qatari national team athlete Ismail Abakar has officially qualified for the World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo this September, after meeting the qualifying time in the 400m hurdles during the Marseille International Athletics Meeting held today.

Abakar completed the race in 48.49 seconds, achieving the qualifying standard required for participation in the upcoming World Championships. This marks a new achievement for Qatari athletics, which is expected to be represented by a large contingent of athletes at the global event, thereby enhancing the nation’s prospects for winning additional medals on the world stage.

The Marseille International Athletics Meeting is classified as a Bronzelevel event under the World Athletics Continental Tour. The competition offers athletes from around the world the opportunity to secure qualifying marks for the World Championships in both track and field events, in accordance with World Athletics standards.

World Athletics had earlier announced stricter qualification criteria for the World Championships, requiring athletes either to win their respective events at the continental level or achieve the qualifying mark at Diamond League or other accredited competitions. This marks a departure from previous years, when federations could secure a greater number of invitation slots to increase participation. (QNA)