Latest news with #AlFadala
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar quartret's qualification for Tokyo Worlds is historic: Al Fadala
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala on Thursday hailed the men's 4x400m relay team for securing qualification to the World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo this September. The quartet of Abderrahman Samba, Bassem Hemeida, Ashraf Hussen Osman and Ammar Ismail Yahia Ibrahim clocked a new national record of 3:00.29 minutes at the World Relays in Guangzhou last Sunday, which guaranteed Qatar's place at the global showpiece for the first time in history. Calling the achievement 'historic,'Al Fadala expressed pride in the team's milestone.'We've tried five times to reach the final — at the World Championships and the Olympic Games — and last year, India took that qualification spot. But this year, we finally did it. We're truly happy because we've built a strong team, and we promise to reach the finals consistently from now on,' the QAF president said. 'This moment is historic for us — qualifying in the 4x400m relay is part of our 2030 vision. You'll see how strong our team is at the Asian Championships in South Korea later this month. Competing with India is a great challenge for us, and we're excited to see how we perform,' Al Fadala added. Meanwhile, Doha is set to host the third leg of the Diamond League today — one of the most highly attended annual sporting events in Qatar. Al Fadala acknowledged the strong turnout from local fans and communities, including Africa and the Indian diasporas – who have turned out in large numbers due to the presence of javelin star Neeraj Chopra 'There's a real passion for athletics here. I meet Neeraj every year in South Africa, and he always promises to come to Doha. He feels at home here, and he's aiming to throw really far tomorrow. The support he's received from the Indian community here is amazing. He visited local schools, and the kids were thrilled to take photos with him. That's what sport is about — inspiring the next generation' he said. Al Fadala noted that this year holds particular significance for Indian athletics. 'This year is particularly special for India, with four Indian athletes competing in the Diamond League in Doha. That's a big deal — not every athlete qualifies for this level. They're all ranked around the level of World Championship or Olympic finalists — positions 11 or 12 in the world. We hope the community will continue supporting them,' he said. He also praised the passionate fan base from across Africa, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. 'As always we're also expecting a huge turnout from the African community — supporting athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Algeria — they love this sport. We're committed to offering a world-class experience, both for athletes and the fans. The stadium will likely be sold out, so I urge everyone to arrive early. Tomorrow is going to be a huge day — we have four major events lined up, and it's going to be tough, but we love the challenge,' the QAF president concluded.
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QAF reveals comprehensive plans for Jetour Doha Diamond League meeting
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) has revealed the comprehensive plans for the much-anticipated Doha Meeting 2025, the third stop on this year's Diamond League calendar. The event will be held on Friday at Suhaim Bin Hamad showcasing 128 elite athletes, including 45 Olympic and World Championship medalists. During the official press conference on Wednesday, QAF President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasised the significance of the event. 'Everyone has been working tirelessly to ensure this edition of the Jetour Doha Meeting is a success and continues to reflect Qatar's organizational excellence. Everything is ready to host an unforgettable event,' said Al Fadala. 'We have also renewed our commitment to sustainability this year, building on our federation's ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management obtained in 2023. This responsibility pushes us to deliver an event that lives up to Qatar's reputation. 'The presence of so many world and Olympic medalists is proof of the athletes' desire to compete at the highest level as they prepare for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Many are aiming to break personal bests or set new records to test their readiness.' He added that this year's edition will be exceptional, as four major events will be held on the same day:The Diamond League Meeting; The newly approved West Asia One-Day Championship; The National Teams Championship; and The Schools Championship. Record prize For the first time in the competition's history, a $5,000 bonus will be awarded to any athlete who breaks a record in their discipline, on top of the $9.24m prize pool spread across the Diamond League season. 'The presence of so many world and Olympic medalists is proof of the athletes' desire to compete at the highest level,' Al Fadala noted, adding that many will use the meet to test their form ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo this September. This year's edition is particularly noteworthy, as four major events will be held on the same day: the Doha Meeting, the West Asia One-Day Championship, the National Teams Championship, and the Schools Championship. 'This year's edition will be exceptional,' Al Fadala added. QAF Secretary General and Tournament Director Essa Al Harami underlined the event's competitive depth. 'The participation of 45 Olympic and World Champions highlights the caliber of the event. We are expecting unprecedented levels of competition.' Sustainability is also at the heart of this year's planning. Sheikha Al Sahli, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, said: 'Receiving the sustainability certification has increased our responsibility to uphold these international standards. The organizing committee has been fully committed to implementing sustainable practices throughout the event. 'These initiatives include using Jetour electric vehicles for transport, metro trips, tree planting at schools and the athlete hotel, and recycling paper used during the event. We also aim to recycle 50,000 plastic bottles and raise student awareness about the importance of sustainability and its role in protecting the environment.' Initiatives include tree planting, use of electric vehicles, and the recycling of 50,000 plastic bottles. Salah Al Saadi, Chair of Venues and Operations Committee, said, 'The Suhail bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar SC is fully prepared to host the Jetour Doha Meeting and the three additional championships. Qatar SC has become the preferred venue for world-class athletes. We've completed all preparations, including dedicated entrances for spectators, VIPs, VVIPs, and media, and held several meetings with security authorities to refine crowd control plans. As part of the experience, surrounding restaurants will be converted into a fan zone, offering a complete entertainment package for spectators.'
Daily Tribune
11-05-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Artist Al Fadala explores Bahraini heritage through contemporary visual dialogue
In a striking exhibition that bridges the past with the present, Bahraini artist Hajar Nasser Al Fadala presents a contemporary reinterpretation of the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. Titled 'Allow Popular Heritage', the exhibition was held last April at the Safia Ali Kanoo Art Centre, and attended by Shaikha Dawa bint Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, a member of the National Council for Arts. Drawing inspiration from Bahrain's deep civilisational roots — from the ancient Dilmun era to the symbols of popular heritage — Al Fadala reconstructs cultural elements through artworks that combine technical simplicity with semantic richness. Visual dialogue Her pieces invite viewers into a visual dialogue between cultural memory and modern identity, raising questions about the evolving place of heritage in contemporary life. Rather than presenting heritage as a fixed narrative, Al Fadala's work transforms it into an interactive concept, encouraging viewers to engage critically with their cultural surroundings. Central to her artistic vision is the traffic sign, particularly the red triangle meaning 'allow passage,' which she uses as a metaphor for societal attitudes toward heritage. Symbolic tool In this context, the sign becomes a symbolic tool, suggesting either the integration or exclusion of heritage from everyday life. 'The works aren't nostalgic or documentary,' Al Fadala explains, 'but rather symbolic structures offering a new reading of place and identity.' Her compositions evoke collective memory, while the background colours — earthy browns, beiges, and the texture of palm fronds — reflect architectural traditions and domestic spaces of old Bahraini homes. These tones root the viewer in the physical and emotional geography of the past.
