Category: TOP 10 in the WORLD

QATAR : Individual honours, struggles, and mega events: Qatar’s 2024 in sports

A year that started with a sporting success in the form of an Asian Cup win at home ended in mixed results.

Titles, goodbyes, the highs and low: 2024 was anything but a boring year for Qatari sports as the country continued hosting mega events, yet similarly took a few stumbles on the pitch.

While the likes of Mutaz Barshim and Akram Afif dominated the headlines with their glories, the other side saw Qatari sides struggle to keep up their good form, whether in World Cup qualification or the Olympics.

Let’s take a look at some of the standout themes that defined Qatar’s 2024.

Barshim bags bronze in Paris Olympics 2024

Mutaz Barshim defied odds once again to win bronze at the Men’s high jump event, securing Qatar’s only medal of the Paris Olympics 2024.

While it was an underwhelming campaign for the Qatari contingent that had defied expectations to clinch two golds in Tokyo, Barshim’s win became a highlight. It was his fourth Olympic medal — a fitting end to a tournament that the high jumper had termed to be his last before the trip to Paris.

However, the 33-year-old multiple-time world champion hinted at the possibility of competing in the next Olympics, upon his return to Doha. “Never say never,” he said, in an exclusive chat with Doha News.

‘Sporting DNA : Mutaz Barshim keeps raising the bar and it all starts with his family

The year 2024 was also Aspire Academy’s 20th anniversary, which the country’s premier athletic scouting and training centre celebrated in style, hosting multiple seminars and events, such as the Aspire Global Summit as well as giving home to FIFA’s The Best Football Awards during its Gala Dinner in December.

Asian Cup triumph, Al-Haydos’ farewell and Afif’s ascent

The year ends in uncertainty for Qatar just like it started for Qatari football.

However, there were significant achievements in between. Much like the sport itself, it was a game of two halves for Qatari football — a perfect first half, followed by a tough second.

Qatar hosted and ultimately defended the Asian Cup crown in February as Akram Afif became the difference maker yet again. The tournament drew record attendance number as well as record engagement figures, underscoring yet another successful tournament in Qatar.

Al Annabi’s longstanding two-time Asian Cup-winning captain Hassan Al-Haydos retired from international football after the tournament, putting an end to the most capped Qatari career ever.

Qatar continued their good run under Bartolome Marquez Lopez at the World Cup Qualifiers thereafter, ending the second round unbeaten. The AFC U-23 Asian Cup was also hosted by the country in between, where Japan were crowned the champions.

It started going downhill with the loss against UAE at home with the start of the third round of the Asian Qualifiers to the FIFA World Cup 2026. While Afif clinched his second AFC Player of the Year title, Qatar’s hopes of making it to the tournament in North America hangs in balance with just two wins and three losses from the first six games. The team also crashed out of the group stages of the Arabian Gulf Cup following two draws and a defeat.

In the meantime, Qatar also hosted two of the Palestine national team’s qualifying games, the former of which in June saw Al Fida’i make it to the last round of World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in history with a 0-0 draw against Lebanon. Similarly, the Qatar U-20 team seamlessly qualified, at home, for the U-20 Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next year.

Qatar was also the home to FIFA’s new club competition, the Intercontinental Cup, which saw European champions Real Madrid win in Lusail Stadium. The Stadium 974 was put to use for the first time since the 2022 World Cup for two of the tournament’s matches.

A good year for racket sports

The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex was a busy venue this year as it hosted multiple tournaments throughout the year, including the Qatar Open tennis event in February, the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash event in September and October, followed by the World Padel Championship in November.

Russian player Karen Kachanov won the men’s Qatar Exxonmobil Open, while Polish Iga Swiatek claimed the women’s event held in February. Qatar Exxonmobil Open will now return as an ATP 500 event and was also voted the best ATP 250 event on calendar for 2024.

The QTerminals Qatar Classic saw Diego Elias and Nour Al-Sherbini come out on top of the men’s and women’s events, marking a thrilling end to the squash event.

Argentina’s men’s team and Spain’s women’s team maintained their dominance by lifting the World Championship in Padel, which saw some of the world’s finest compete in Doha.

Qatar’s squash ace Abdullah Al-Tamimi capped the year off in style, winning the Cape Town Squash Open 2024 his first title away from Qatar since 2022.

Glory in motorsports and skydiving

Qatar won four gold medals at the World Air Sports Federation (FAI)’s World Championships which was hosted by Czechia’s Prostejov in the first week of September.

Qatar won three golds in events across the Canopy Formation category and bagged solitary gold in male Style and Accuracy landing in the six-day tournament.

It was yet another year of glory for Qatari rally driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, who clinched his third FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (WR2C) in October after winning the 2024 Rallye du Maroc with his French co-driver Edouard Boulanger for the Dacia Sandriders.

Al-Attiyah’s decorated racing career now boasts seven Rallye Du Maroc titles, in addition to five wins in the Dakar Rally and 13 Middle East Rally wins.

What also stood out, however, was Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari’s victory in the Middle East Rally Championship as well as the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation’s triumph in the Baja Middle East Teams Championship — all of whom were awarded in December at the annual FIA Awards.

Qatar also hosted the pinnacle of motorbike and motor racing, the MotoGP and the F1 Grand Prix – the latter of which saw record-breaking attendance at the Lusail International Circuit.

Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia won the MotoGP event held in March, whereas Max Verstappen rose against the odds to win his second Qatar Grand Prix on December 1, despite starting away from the front of the grid.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI motorcycle stunt rider Mohammed Ibrahim Scotch sets new world record on ice

Riding on one wheel of his Kawasaki ZX-6R, he completed 14 circles in one minute.

 Saudi stunt rider Mohammed Ibrahim Scotch kept his cool to set a new world record for a motorcycle wheelie — on ice.

Riding on one wheel of his Kawasaki ZX-6R, he completed 14 circles in one minute, a feat that has earned him entry into the Guinness World Records 2023 edition.

Scotch, 39, told Arab News that he had been preparing for around two years for the record attempt, which took place at an ice hall in Jeddah.

He said: “I’m proud of achieving this new record because it carries the name of Saudi Arabia, my country. I didn’t break the record, but I achieved a new world record that no one had done before.

“In 2017, to deviate from the norm and at the same time to have fun, the idea stuck in my mind, and I tried it first in a skating rink in Makkah.

“(In 2022), after researching and communicating with officials (from Guinness World Records), they informed me that no one in the world had achieved this record, so I decided to do it.

“I began the journey of rebuilding the project from scratch after obtaining approval from Guinness World Records. I searched for a private ice rink to execute this experiment,” he added.

Scotch designed studded tires and worked out the variables for his motorbike.

“When I received the official email from Guinness World Records congratulating me as a new world record holder, I could not believe it or comprehend it.

“I read the email more than once, and I told my mother, my family, and all my friends who stood with me in obtaining this record, and their joy was unbelievable,” he said.

Scotch has been riding and doing stunts since the age of 16 and turned professional in 2013. He has participated in several international stunt competitions including in Bulgaria, Egypt, and the UAE.

At the beginning of last year, he became a certified trainer with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

“I am glad that I could raise the name of Saudi Arabia to new levels with my latest achievement and my international appearances,” he added.

Scotch, whose achievements were recently acknowledged by the federation’s chairman, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, aims to set more records.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Saudi stunt rider in Jeddah recently set new world record as he popped a wheelie on his motorcycle then drove in 14 circles on ice for one minute. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCAN Nezha Bidouane Secures New Term on International Sport for All Board

Nezha Bidouane has been granted a new four-year term on the governing board of the International Sport for All Federation (FISPT) following elections held during the organization’s general congress in central Italy.

The Moroccan sports official, who serves as President of the Royal Moroccan Federation for Sport for All, retained her seat as delegates from dozens of countries convened on January 24 and 25 to determine the federation’s future leadership.

Bidouane’s renewed mandate reinforces Morocco’s representation within global sports governance at a time when the country continues to expand its engagement on the international sports stage. Her role reflects sustained efforts to promote wider access to sport, emphasizing community participation and inclusivity beyond elite-level competition.

A former world-class athlete, Bidouane built a distinguished career in athletics, securing multiple international titles in the 400-meter hurdles and earning a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She has since transitioned into sports administration, where she remains actively involved in advancing inclusive and developmental sporting initiatives worldwide.

source/content: thegulfobserver.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

SAUDI ARABIA : Hail sets world record for largest off-road convoy

501 vehicles drive through the dunes of scenic Tuwaren.

Hail entered the Guinness World Records at the weekend after producing the largest-ever off-road production car convoy.

The previous record, some 449 vehicles in Australia, was smashed with 501 vehicles driving through the dunes of the scenic Tuwaren area, 42 km northwest of Hail and a location surrounded by the Aja Mountains.

A large number of people from various regions of the Kingdom, Gulf and Arab countries gathered to navigate an unpaved desert trail of 7 km, showcasing their spirit of adventure and the diversity of the region’s terrain.

The event was open to both seasoned off-road drivers and newcomers looking for a unique winter entertainment. This made it suitable for individuals, groups of friends, and families.

The convoy was accompanied by a variety of cultural and entertainment activities that contributed to enhancing the experience for visitors and participants.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Hail Province and the chairman of the board of the Development Authority, thanked the Saudi leadership for supporting the development of the Kingdom’s regions. He also praised Hail’s youngsters for taking part in breaking the world record.

Omar Abdullah Al-Abdul-Jabbar, the CEO of Hail Region Development Authority, told Arab News that Hail’s entry into the Guinness World Records was a national achievement.

He said: “Hail’s achievement of this Guinness world record for organizing the largest off-road rally further solidifies its position as a leading destination for desert adventures and activities, and strengthens its presence on the local and regional tourism map.”

The event was organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority and Hail Region Development Authority, with sponsorship from the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, and Culture House.

In addition, 14 government entities supported the event, including the Principality of Hail Region, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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501 vehicles took part in an off-road drive in Hail over the weekend, smashing the previous world record. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

QATAR : BOMA – the Desert Owl – takes flight as official mascot of FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025

Mascot pays tribute to legendary coach Velibor “Bora” Milutinović for his role in advancing football in Qatar and beyond

Doha, Qatar: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA today unveiled BOMA – the Desert Owl as the official tournament mascot – a character inspired by the legendary Serbian coach Velibor “Bora” Milutinović, the only manager in football history to lead five different national teams in five consecutive FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.

The name “Boma,” is derived from the Arabic word for owl – regarded as a symbol of wisdom, vision, and mentorship, and is a playful nod to Bora, whose career as both coach and talent scout has profoundly influenced football development in Qatar and across the world.

For a tournament that celebrates the emergence of new talent, BOMA embodies the pivotal role of a football scout – one who sees potential where others may not and helps young players spread their wings on the global stage.

Known affectionately as Coach Bora, Milutinović guided Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Nigeria, and China at five successive World Cups between 1986 and 2002 – a unique achievement unmatched in football history. He went on to coach Al Sadd SC of the Qatar Stars League in 2004,leading them to win the Amir Cup in the same year, and contributed to the country’s football development programmes, making him a fitting inspiration for this tournament’smascot.

Speaking to the LOC, Bora highlights the passion he holds for nurturing future footballers and the importance of the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in celebrating tomorrow’s stars.

“When it comes to discovering young talent, my greatest satisfaction as a coach has always been to promote emerging players – to show them that they must have the right attitude, believe in their dreams, and aim for the national team,” said Coach Bora. “I really like the idea behind the mascot and want to thank everyone who came up with it.” he added.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 marks a historic milestone as the first edition to feature 48 national teams, underscoring the tournament’s growing global reach.

“The World Cup is something truly special. When you’re young, you dream of playing at the highest level – and the U-17 team is the first step on that journey. It’s very important for young players to face the best in the world and see where they stand,” said Coach Bora.

“The team that scores more goals will win – it is as simple as that. But with young players, the outcome of matches often depends on inspiration, talent, and spirit. Most importantly, I hope everyone enjoys this World Cup. Enjoying the game is what truly matters, especially at the U-17 level, because that experience helps you grow both as a person and as an athlete,” he added.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. The final will take place on November 27, 7pm local time, at Khalifa International Stadium.

“Aspire Zone is incredible – it has some of the best facilities in the world. The U-17 World Cup will be played on perfect pitches, in perfect conditions. Qatar has a distinguished track record in hosting major events, and I’m sure we’ll see high-quality football once again. I still remember the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – it was unforgettable,” said Coach Bora.

Fans can purchase tickets at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Tickets are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.

Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.

All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time.

Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1-18. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

EGYPT : Fencing star Abdel-Rahman Tolba claims Bronze at Foil World Cup, Canada, May 2025

Egyptian foil fencer Abdel-Rahman Tolba continued his impressive international trajectory by capturing the bronze medal at the Foil World Cup in Canada, held from 1-4 May.

Tolba’s journey to the podium was a standout performance, marked by a series of remarkable victories over several top-ranked opponents.

Tolba, from Al-Zohour Club, claimed the bronze after a narrow semi-final defeat to world No 9 Alexander Massialas of the US, falling by the slimmest of margins, 15-14, in a golden touch decider.

His campaign commenced in the Round of 64 with a confident 15-11 win over Brazil’s Guilherme Toledo, followed by a hard-fought 15-13 victory against Spain’s Mario Díaz in the Round of 32.

Tolba then produced one of the tournament’s most notable upsets in the Round of 16, dismantling Czech Republic’s Alexander Choupenitch, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist and world No 6, by a commanding 15-7 scoreline.

In the quarter-finals, he delivered another standout performance, overpowering American star Nick Itkin, the bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics and silver medalist at the 2023 World Championships in Milan, and currently ranked No 4 globally, with a decisive 15-9 victory.

Tolba’s semi-final clash with the experienced Massialas proved a thrilling contest, as both fencers exchanged points in a high-calibre bout. Ultimately, Massialas edged past Tolba in sudden death.

The latest medal adds to Tolba’s rapidly expanding list of accolades, including a bronze at the Grand Prix in Italy earlier this year, and a gold medal at the Junior World Championships in China last month.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 8 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT

EGYPTIAN Ashraf Mahrous (Kabonga) sets 03 World Records while fasting, including pulling train with teeth

Ashraf Mahrous, known also as Kabonga, pulled a 279-ton train using only his teeth, while also observing the Ramadan fast.

An Egyptian wrestler has received recognition in three categories by Guinness World Records , including for breaking the world record for heaviest rail pull using only his teeth.

Ashraf Mahrous, known by his nickname Kabonga, also received certificates for the heaviest locomotive pull and fastest 100-metre road vehicle pull.

The successful world record attempts took place at Cairo’s Ramses train station on Wednesday and Thursday, where Kabonga pulled a 279-ton train using a rope held by his teeth. The wrestler pulled the train for a distance of close to 11 metres.

“On the first day, I was able to pull a two-ton cart, while fasting, for a distance of 107 meters in 37 seconds, breaking another record by pulling a one-ton cart for 100 meters and surpassing the 60-second barrier,” Kabonga told Anadolu, highlighting that he had been abstaining from eating and drinking due to the Ramadan fast, which lasts from pre-dawn to sunset.

“The next day, on Thursday afternoon, I pulled a train weighing 279 tons with my shoulders, while fasting, for a distance of 10 metres and 66 centimeters,” he added.

Kabonga, who is the president of the Egyptian Federation for Professional Wrestlers, previously pulled a 15,730-kilogram truck with his teeth in 2021. In February 2024, he cracked and ate 30 raw eggs in 30 seconds in a feat that was also recognised by Guinness World Records.

Dawlet Elnakeb, an organiser of Thursday’s event in Cairo, said Kabonga had trained for just 20 days prior to the record breaking event.

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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Ashraf Mahrous, known as Kabonga, is president of the Egyptian Federation for Professional Wrestlers [Getty]

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EGYPT

MOROCCO’s Widad Bertal Crowned Women’s World Boxing Champion

Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal was crowned world champion in the women’s bantamweight, showcasing the country’s surging talent in the combat sport.

Widad Bertal, one of Morocco’s rising boxing stars, is a world champion after winning the women’s bantamweight category at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships in Serbia. Meanwhile, the Palestinian squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to be held this month has been revealed through a touching video, showcasing life in the devastated Gaza Strip.

Also in Morocco, underdogs RS Berkane were crowned league champions after a near-undefeated run in the 2024/2025  soccer season.

Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal crowned world champion at Women’s World Boxing Championships

Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal has claimed the World Champion title in the 52-54 kg weight category at the Women’s World Boxing Championships, held in Nis, Serbia, from 9 to 16 March 2025, after defeating Turkish competitor Hatice Bektas.

Bertal’s victory cements her status as one of the sport’s rising stars. She previously secured gold medals at the African Championships in Yaoundé in 2023 and Kinshasa in 2024, establishing herself as a dominant force in the ring.

Her latest triumph represents a major achievement for Moroccan boxing on the global stage.

Morocco’s success in Serbia did not end there. Fellow Moroccan boxer Hasnae Larti added to the country’s medal haul by winning bronze in the 75-81 kg weight category, further highlighting Morocco’s growing strength in women’s boxing.

The achievements of Bertal and Larti reflect Morocco’s rising prominence in international boxing competitions . Their success has drawn praise from sports officials and fans alike, who see them as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

In recognition of her remarkable victory, King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to Bertal, celebrating her world title triumph.

“We share with you, with great joy, feelings of pride in this well-deserved victory that crowned your perseverance and ambition to raise your country’s flag high on the podium and inscribe your name in the register of champions,” the King’s message read.

“We pray to God to grant you continued success and brilliance in your upcoming competitions.”

Palestinian World Cup qualifier squad revealed in touching Gaza video

The Palestinian Football Association unveiled their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers via a video highlighting Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, and Palestinians’ love for the sport.

The players are revealed bit by bit in the 3-minute, 11-second clip showcasing life in the destroyed enclave.

The clip starts with a young boy by wearing a Palestinian football shirt playing on the seashores of Gaza. He then spots a portrait of Musab al-Battat, the team’s captain, among rubble.

The child then walks into the city’s ruins clutching the portrait, as we see Gaza’s population living in makeshift tents, queuing for water and selling what they can to make a living .

The boy then meets with a friend, who also reveals a portrait of another player. The two boys are joined by a third friend, who also pulls out a picture. The trio continue to be joined by more friends, as more Palestinian players are revealed.

Some of the players are revealed in during a segment where we see a young man selling snacks, other members of the Palestinian team are shown during a makeshift classroom as children attend a lessson amid war .

The clip also shows Gaza City’s emblematic Yarmouk Stadium. The venue is one of the oldest stadiums in Palestine, and was turned into a internment camp by Israeli forces during the early months of the war in Gaza. It has since become a place of refuge for the territory’s displaced Palestinians.

The video ends by showing children playing football in the stadium.

The Palestinian side will face Jordan in an away game on Thursday as part of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers . They will also play against Iraq on 25 March at Amman’s International Stadium.

Among the players selected are forward Oday Dabbagh, midfielder Mahmoud Abu Warda and defenders Yaser Hamed and Mohamed Saleh.

RS Berkane make Moroccan football history after being crowned league champions

Moroccan football team RS Berkane made history in the country this week, winning their first-ever league title, locally known as Botola.

Their crowning came as they  drew 1-1 in a home game against Rabat side Union de Touarga on Saturday.

The team, located in northeastern Morocco, have had their strongest-ever runs in the Moroccan championship, having only lost one game so far, winning 18 and drawing six – putting them in a comfortable lead against competition favourites Wydad Casablanca and Rabat-based AS FAR.

The squad sits comfortably at the top of the Botola table, having gathered 60 points, while second-place AS FAR trail behind with 45 points.

Their coach, Tunisian Mouine Chaabani, has been instrumental to their success, having joined in February of last year following his success with Tunisian club Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

Chaabani’s coaching skills propelled the team from their sixth-position finish two seasons ago to third last year, before winning the title this season.

RS Berkane’s winning ways have also secured them a place in the CAF African Champions League for the first time ever.

Their win has made headlines across Morocco, with celebrations held in the city of Berkane among fans and locals.

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also extended their congratulations to the club.

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

QATAR: The Story of a Ball – World’s Largest Art Canvas unveiled – awarded by Guinness Book of Records

The Ministry of Culture unveiled the largest painting on canvas in the world by the artist Emad Al Salehi, at Qatar University yesterday. 

The 9,652 sq metre artwork, equivalent to the size of a football field, is titled The Story of a Ball and was adjudged as the largest art canvas by the Guinness Book of Records officials. 

The 9,652 sq metre artwork, equivalent to the size of a football field, is titled The Story of a Ball and was adjudged as the largest art canvas by the Guinness Book of Records officials. 

The painting tells the history of the World Cup from its inception in 1930 until the World Cup 2022, which combines culture, history and sports and embodies the landmarks and icons of all the World Cup tournaments in Qatar.

The unveiling of the artwork comes at a time when the country is in the midst of the FIFA World Cup Qatar and as it readies to celebrate its National Day on December 18, 2022. 

At the inaugural ceremony, a video was shown about the stages of completion of the huge artwork, after which the Guinness Book of Records certificate was handed over, marking its entry into the record book, in the presence of the Ministry of Culture officials and media.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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Artist Emad Salehi receives Guinness World Record Award from the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani during the inauguration Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed

Artist Emad Salehi receives Guinness World Record Award from the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani during the inauguration Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed

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QATAR

LEBANON : Étienne Chaer Just Broke The Powerlifting World Record, Druskininkai, Lithuania

Lebanese athlete Étienne Chaer has made headlines in the world of powerlifting after breaking the IPF Raw Deadlift world record by lifting an impressive 396 kg at the IPF Classic Powerlifting World Championships 2024 in Druskininkai, Lithuania, from June 15 to 23.

At the beginning of the 2024 season, Étienne el-Chaer, a prominent competitor in the junior category, became ineligible to compete in that division.

Undeterred, the young Lebanese athlete moved up to the 120 kg category. He showcased his determination and strength by setting a new IPF Raw Deadlift world record with an astounding 396 kg lift.

His journey during the competition had its challenges. Despite a solid start with a successful 370 kg lift in his initial attempt, he faced technical difficulties in his second attempt at 396 kg, resulting in a disallowed lift due to minor form adjustments post-lift.

However, he showed resilience and determination, regrouping swiftly and securing the record on his third attempt, completing the lift in under five minutes.

His performance highlighted his raw strength, technical skills, and competitive spirit among some of the sport’s top athletes.

Following his achievement, Étienne shared a video of the moment on Instagram, expressing satisfaction with his standing record.

source/content: the961.com (headline edited)

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LEBANON