Doha: Qatari weightlifter Fares Ahmed Jaber shone on the final day of the three combined championships: the 10th Qatar International Weightlifting Cup, the Arab Championships for youth, junior, and senior categories, and the West Asian Championships for the same age groups. The seven-day event was organized by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation.
According to Qatar News Agency, Fares won a total of 15 medals: 12 gold and 3 silver, competing in the over 94 kg and 110 kg weight classes. He secured 6 gold and 1 silver medals at the Arab Championships, 6 gold and 1 silver medals at the West Asian Championships, and 1 silver medal at the Qatar International Cup.
Fares delivered a strong performance, lifting 151 kg in the snatch, 201 kg in the clean and jerk, and achieving a total weight of 352 kg. In the Arab Weightlifting Championships, competing in the over 94 kg and 110 kg weight categories, he secured three gold medals in the over 94 kg junior category, outperforming competitors from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Morocco.
In the 110 kg youth category, Fares claimed three more gold medals, surpassing Syrian and Moroccan weightlifters. He also earned a silver medal in the clean and jerk in the 110 kg men's category, lifting 201 kg. At the West Asian Championships, he mirrored his success with a similar medal haul, and finally, he claimed a silver medal at the 10th Qatar International Cup in the 110 kg men's category.
Fares expressed his immense joy at achieving this milestone in his sporting career, marking his first official appearance with the national team with such success. He noted that the achievement represents a significant milestone, especially given the fierce competition in his weight class with top weightlifters at both the Asian and Arab levels.
He attributed his success to considerable work and effort, supervised by coach Ibrahim Hassouna and supported by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation. Fares highlighted the benefits of participating in the championships, emphasizing the exposure to different weightlifting styles and acquiring new experiences that will enhance his performance in future competitions.
The Qatari weightlifter mentioned that his participation in these championships is part of his training program in preparation for the Asian World Championships and the Asian U17 Championships, as well as his attempt to achieve qualifying times for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.