Citizens and residents laud Qatar’s Olympic feat

With the ending of the London 2012 Summer Olympics just days ago and the arrival of the two Qatari medalists, skeet shooter Nasser al Attiyah and high jumper Mutaz Barshim, on Monday evening to a hero’s welcome, the attention of Qatar and the GCC region has turned in no small measure to celebrating this success and receiving inspiration from it for future international competitions.

Qatar Tribune spoke with both citizens and residents in Doha with an interest in sport, to gauge their response on this important event. Faisal al Mohannadi, a Qatari, was forthright in his praise.

“Congratulations to Qatar! This is really good news and I am sure we will win many more medals in the years to come. We all believe that Qatar will become a global sports hub. It is also hoped that this will further sports and fitness in general, and in addition to the national sports day, encourage everyone to highly value physical fitness,” he said.

Ahmed al Harthy, an Omani national and avid follower of sports, was excited about the team’s success and congratulated them. “Our sister nation Qatar is the highest-placed GCC country now. Mabrook (congratulations) to Mutaz Barshim and Qatar! The added glory is him ending Qatar’s 20-year wait for a trackand- field Olympic medal,” he said.

Mohammed Ibrahimi, a long-time resident in the country hailing from Algeria and the coach of a local sports team, was similarly happy for Qatar.

“Well done this time. We wish for Gold next time! Qatar should draw inspiration from London, the first Olympic Games that Qatar brought home two medals from, and go full steam ahead to further boost its image as a sporting nation,” he said.

Rashid al Kubaisi, another Qatari national, emphasised that while the historic medals are certainly a success, they are only a part of Qatar’s London 2012 story. “We are so proud of Team Qatar and an inspired a generation of Qatari athletes. The unprecedented participation of female athletes, such as Noor al Malki, Nada Arkaji and many others, signals a sea change that will have an impact on sports in the country.” Thus, while interpretations vary, all are agreed that Qatar’s performance at London 2012 is to be lauded.

This is especially true given that this year’s Olympics were, for Qatar, the best performance since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

source: Qatar Tribune

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