Zunyi, China, June 20 (QNA) - Qatar's artistic gymnastics team continued to make its mark on the continental stage as athletes Rakan Al Harith and Mehrdad Qadimi delivered impressive performances at the 2026 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships, currently underway in Zunyi, China.

Competing against some of Asia's and the world's most accomplished gymnasts, the two Qatari athletes showcased the significant progress of artistic gymnastics in Qatar, holding their own against Olympic and world championship medalists in one of the strongest continental competitions on the international calendar.

Al Harith produced a standout display in the Pommel Horse final, finishing fifth among the eight finalists to cement his status among Asia's top five athletes in the apparatus at this year's championship.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy given the strength of the field, which included several world and Olympic champions, highlighting Al Harith's technical development and ability to compete with the continent's elite performers.

Meanwhile, Qadimi secured eighth place in the Rings final, earning a place among Asia's top eight gymnasts in the apparatus. The result carries added significance as it came during his first appearance at an Asian championship of this level, featuring many of the sport's leading international stars. His performance underlined his considerable potential and promising future in the sport.

The championship marks a notable milestone for Qatari gymnastics, with two athletes reaching apparatus finals and earning top continental rankings on different events. Al Harith finished among Asia's top five on the Pommel Horse, while Qadimi secured a place among the top eight on the Rings, reflecting the continued development and growing competitiveness of Qatari gymnastics.

The qualification of two Qatari gymnasts for Asian Championship finals highlights the sustained progress of the sport in Qatar and underscores the success of the development and preparation programs implemented by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation to nurture athletes capable of competing at the highest regional and international levels.

Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali Al Hitmi praised the achievements of both athletes, describing the results as the product of the federation's long-term efforts, as well as the dedication of the technical and administrative staff and the athletes themselves.

"We are proud of what Rakan Al Harith and Mehrdad Qadimi achieved in this highly competitive championship," Al Hitmi said. "They demonstrated that they can compete on equal terms with world and Olympic-level athletes, which confirms that Qatari gymnastics is moving in the right direction and continuing to make significant progress on the continental stage."

He also expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by the Qatar Olympic Committee, noting that its backing has played a key role in helping the federation achieve such encouraging results.

Al Hitmi concluded by emphasizing that the achievements in Zunyi represent an important step in the ongoing development of Qatari gymnastics, while stressing that the federation's ambitions remain much higher, with a new generation of talented athletes capable of delivering further success and elevating Qatar's profile on the international stage. (QNA)