Nagoya:Qatar's participation in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, concluded positively and achieved its intended goals, according to HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC). This participation was significant both on the sporting front, with impressive results from national teams, and on the promotional and cultural fronts through the notable presence of the House of Qatar in Nagoya.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Buenain emphasized that the primary aim was not merely to secure medals but to prepare the national teams for future competitions, particularly the Doha 2030 Asian Games. The participation marked a strategic effort to strengthen the teams' capabilities for future contests and to blend experienced athletes with young talent.
Qatar achieved a milestone by winning medals in 10 different sports for the first time since 2010, totaling 18 medals. Notably, Qatar won medals in new sports like padel and returned to the podium in karate, wrestling, and weightlifting. Al Buenain credited the support of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, and the close collaboration between the QOC and national sports federations for these achievements.
The Games also highlighted Qatar's strength in team sports, with national teams in handball, beach volleyball, and 3x3 basketball winning medals. Al Buenain noted the widespread acclaim received by Bayt Qatar, which showcased Qatar's culture and heritage to nearly 5,000 visitors during the event.
The QOC Secretary-General lauded the efforts of all QOC delegation members, who faced formidable challenges but worked diligently to support Qatari athletes. The Bayt Qatar delegation played a crucial role in presenting a positive image of Qatar, while the Doha 2030 delegation observed the event's organization to aid future planning.
Al Buenain concluded by stating that the assessment of Qatar's participation should not focus solely on the medal tally but also on the experience gained, the emergence of promising talent, and the development of Qatar's sporting and cultural presence in Asia as part of preparations for the Doha 2030 Asian Games.