Category: TOP 10 in MENA

SOMALI -born athlete Abdihamid Nur makes USA Olympics team

Somali-born athlete Abdihamid Nur has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Team after finishing second in the men’s 5 000 metres with a time of 13:09.01 at the 2024 Team USA Olympic Trials held on Sunday at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon State.

Nur’s performance was a significant improvement on the time he posted in the first round of qualifying, a race he completed in 13:24.14.

Before confirming his place, Nur engaged in an entertaining duel with Grant Fisher, who won the race with a meet record of 13:08.85.

The duo broke away from the rest with four laps to go and exchanged the lead several times before Fisher surged past Nur in the final stretch to win the race.

At the moment the two will be Team USA’s only representatives in the 5 000 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as, Parker Wolfe, who finished third in 13:10.75, will still have to negotiate more qualifying hurdles based on world rankings to seal a spot.

Epic finish between Grant Fisher and Abdihamid Nur.

Intense one between Parker Wolfe and Graham Blanks for the third and final spot. pic.twitter.com/1FLIiSUfwy— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) July 1, 2024

Until Wolfe’s qualification is confirmed, Fisher and Nur will be tasked with ensuring that USA gets a medal in the 5 000 metres for the third consecutive Olympic Games.

Kenyan-born Paul Chelimo, who won silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, ensured that USA had a place on the medal winners’ podium at the last two Olympic Games.

Other American Olympic medallists in the 5 000 metres are: Ralph Hill (silver at Los Angeles 1932), Bob Schul (gold at Tokyo 1964), and Bill Dellinger (bronze at Tokyo 1964).

Nur was born in Mogadishu on October 14, 1998. His family emigrated to Kenya briefly before moving to Egypt when Nur was four years old. Nur’s family later relocated to the USA in 2006, first living in New Mexico, before moving to Minnesota, and later settling in Phoenix, Arizona, where Nur nurtured his athletics talent as High School student at North High School and later at the Northern Arizona University.

At Northern Arizona University, Nur featured in the NCAA Championships winning several races across the 1 500 metres, 3 000 metres, and 5 000 metres.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be the first of Nur’s career.

However, that does not mean he lacks international experience as he has represented USA in the 5 000 metres at the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships held in Eugene and Budapest respectively.

source/content: eastleighvoice.co.ke (headline edited)

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Abdihamid Nur celebrates after finishing second at the US trials (C) Courtesy

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AMERICAN / SOMALIA

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

ALGERIAN Kaylia Nemour Won 1st place in the 41st Arthur Gander Tournament, Chiasso, Switzerland

The Algerian Olympic gymnastics champion, Kaylia Nemour, won the first place in the 41st prestigious “Arthur Gander” tournament, held on Wednesday in Chiasso, Switzerland.

After her triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Kaylia Nemour repeated the feat with an exceptional performance, scoring a total of 41.350 points – an impressive score that demonstrates her level of preparation and talent.

She earned 14.900 points on the uneven bars, 13.750 points on the balance beam, and 12.700 points on the vault.

source/content: al24news.com (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

QATAR : Historic AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 wins several awards

The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organising Committee (LOC) has received several awards for a historic edition of the continental championship.

Both Qatar Tourism and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recognised the achievements made by Qatar in hosting the tournament earlier this year.

The LOC received two Qatar Tourism Awards for Premier Sports Events of the Year and Accessibility Initiative of the Year.

The awards were presented to the LOC by Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar Chairman Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona, and Regional Director (Middle East) Basma al-Mayman.


At the AFC Annual Awards, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) received the AFC Asian Cup Host Appreciation Award for the tremendous role they played in delivering a memorable tournament.

The Award was presented by Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah, AFC President, to Jassim Rashid al-Buenain, QFA President.


The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 was hosted by Qatar in the beginning of 2024, having previously organised the competition twice before, in 1988 and 2011. The tournament, which saw Qatar defend its title on home soil, broke records for overall attendance, digital engagement and press coverage.

A total of 86,492 spectators made their way to the iconic Lusail Stadium for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 final.

With that, a record-breaking attendance of 1,509,496 fans was registered for the tournament, surpassing the previous attendance record of 1.04mn set during the 2004 edition hosted by China.

source/content: gulf-times.com (headline edited)

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The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organising Committee received two Qatar Tourism Awards for Premier Sports Events of the Year and Accessibility Initiative of the Year. The awards were presented to the LOC by Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar Chairman Saad bin Ali al-Kharji.

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QATAR

QATARI mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani becomes ‘First Arab woman & Qatari to complete Explorer’s Grand Slam’

Qatari Mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani made history as she posed atop the Castensz Pyramid in Central Papua, two days back on October 11, 2024, becoming the first Arab woman and Qatari to complete the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam.    

“The Explorers Grand Slam is one of the world’s most prestigious adventure challenges, involving climbing the highest peak on each continent and skiing to the North and South Poles. Fewer than 75 people in history have completed this incredible feat,” she wrote on her social media account, adding that she was honoured to be the first Arab woman and Qatari national to achieve this milestone.

Sheikha Asma began her Explorer’s Grand Slam journey with Kilimanjaro in 2014, after which she reached the North Pole in 2018, she then conquered the Aconcagua in 2019. In 2021, Sheikha Asma summitted Elbrus and then began the following year with Mount Vinson in January, from where she skied to the South Pole Last Degree. Then in May 2022, she was at the top of her dream destination – the mighty Everest. In June 2022, she conquered Mt Denali, then leaving her one summit away from the Grand Slam. 

Writing about her journey so far, Sheikha Asma stated, “A journey that began in 2014 with a dream and a determination to break boundaries. Along the way, I’ve learned that persistence, no matter how challenging the road, always pays off. Each summit represents a step closer to realizing my potential, but more importantly, it’s a testament to staying true to your dreams, even when the path ahead seems impossible.”

Sheikha Asma has also successfully summited Mount Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu, and Labuche Peak. 

Sheikha Asma dedicated her most recent victory to every young girl with big dreams, as she encouraged them to keep dreaming big, “there are no limits to what we can achieve if we remain persistent and believe in ourselves. Keep climbing, keep dreaming, and know that the summit is always within reach.”

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

EGYPT: Dominant Egypt seal title at the 08th CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball 2024 Championship, Mahdia, Tunisia

For the eighth time in history and for the third consecutive time, Egypt secured the title at the CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship, displaying a flawless performance in Mahdia, Tunisia, taking six wins in six matches to secure yet another gold medal, the eighth in 10 editions of the competition.

The eight participating teams at the 2024 CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship were divided into two groups of four teams each, with all teams progressing to the quarter-finals, but Egypt and hosts Tunisia taking three wins in three matches in the preliminary round.

Egypt clearly outplayed their opponents in their group, taking wins against Guinea (46:22), Burundi (66:15) and Algeria (42:22) to secure the first place, being followed by Guinea, Algeria and Burundi in the final standings.

In the other group, hosts Tunisia took wins against Libya (30:17), Kenya (44:16) and Morocco (26:17), to set up a path towards a final against Egypt, with Morocco, Libya and Kenya finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

The reigning champions, the big favourites to take another gold medal, had no issues against Kenya in the quarter-finals, 55:14, while Tunisia also easily disposed of Burundi, 48:27, to progress to the semi-finals.

The closest match in the quarter-finals was the one between Morocco and Algeria, with Morocco taking a 25:20 win, while Guinea dominated Libya, 34:22, as the top two sides in each group went into the semi-finals.

The semi-finals saw the two big favourites take control again, with Egypt sealing their fifth double-digits win in a row, this time against Morocco, 40:15, while Tunisia slowly followed suit, setting up the final against Egypt, with a 31:22 over Guinea.

However, in the last act of the competition, Egypt did not have an easy mission. After the first half, the hosts had a 16:15 lead, which morphed into a two-goal lead after 35 minutes, 19:17. But in the next 25 minutes, Egypt doubled the number of goals scored, adding another 17, to cruise to yet another win.

With their sixth win in the competition, 34:29, Egypt, the future hosts of thr 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, secured the eighth title in 10 editions of the CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship, delivering a pitch perfect performance, to consolidate their status as a powerhouse of the continent, as Tunisia secured the fifth silver medal in the continental competition at this age category.

The bronze medal was sealed by Guinea, with a 20:11 win over Morocco, their maiden medal in the history of the competition, after their best performance was the fifth place in 2018.

2024 CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship – final standings

1. Egypt
2. Tunisia
3. Guinea
4. Morocco, 5. Algeria, 6. Libya, 7. Kenya, 8. Burundi

Credit photo: Egyptian Handball Federation

source/content: ihf.info (headline edited)

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Credit photo: Egyptian Handball Federation

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA : Khalid Al-Harbi, Majid Binsuaiger Win Silver in Table Tennis Doubles at ‘ITTF World Masters Championship Rome 2024’

Saudi Arabia’s Majid Binsuaiger and Khalid Al-Harbi achieved a remarkable feat on Sunday by winning the silver medal in table tennis doubles at the ITTF World Masters Championships Rome 2024.

Competing in the 45-49 years age category, the Saudi duo showcased their skills and defeated teams from Sweden, Germany, and France on their way to the podium, SPA reported. Their exceptional performance earned them a well-deserved spot in the finals, where they secured the silver medal.

They narrowly finished behind the duo of Giovanni Maria from Italy and Cédric Merchez from Belgium, highlighting their strong performance throughout the championship.

source/content: english.aawsat.com (headline edited)

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Saudi Arabia’s Majid Binsuaiger and Khalid Al-Harbi win the silver medal in table tennis doubles at the ITTF World Masters Championships Rome 2024. SPA

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SAUDI ARABIA

TUNISIA : World Athletics U20 Championships 2024: Tunisia’s Rayen Cherni wins gold in men’s 10,000m race walk, sets Championship record

Multiple area and national records broken in men’s 10,000m event at World Athletics U20 Championships 2024.

Rayen Cherni set a championship record in the men’s 10,000m race walk to win the first ever gold medal for Tunisia at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2024, while China’s Baima Zhuoma dominated the women’s race during the final morning session of action in Lima on Friday.

In a hard-fought men’s race, the top 17 all set area or national U20 records, or achieved PBs, with Cherni winning in an African U20 record of 39:24.85, Mexico’s Emiliano Barba securing silver in a North and Central American U20 record of 39:27.10 and Italy’s Giuseppe Disabato gaining bronze in a national U20 record of 39:31.25.

Australia’s Isaac Beacroft, who won the U20 title on the roads at the World Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya in April, finished fourth on the track in Lima, setting an Oceanian U20 record of 39:36.39, while Japan’s Sohtaroh Osaka finished fifth in a PB of 39:39.36.

It was Germany’s Frederick Weigel who had taken the early lead, but Osaka, Beacroft and Kenya’s Stephen Ndangiri Kihu took control by the halfway point, passed in 20:05.03.

As the pace gradually picked up, the lead pack whittled down, and Barba, Disabato and Cherni made their break. Six athletes remained in contention with four laps to go and eventually 17-year-old Cherni left his rivals behind to win by more than two seconds.

China’s Baima Zhuoma claims gold with personal best in women’s 10,000m race walk at World Athletics U20 Championships 2024

In the women’s race, Baima looked calm and in control throughout. The field quickly spaced out and the 19-year-old, who claimed Asian U20 silver in April, was well clear as she passed the 5000m mark in 21:47.33.

She was followed by India’s Aarti and her Chinese teammate Chen Meiling, last year’s Asian U20 champion, with Romania’s 17-year-old Alessia Cristina Pop, the European U18 silver medallist, looking determined behind them.

While Baima was never under threat, Aarti seemed to be moving away from Chen, but with two red cards Aarti had to be cautious and Chen made her move, passing her rival with three and a half laps to go.

Baima maintained her lead to cruise to victory in a world U20 lead and big PB of 43:26.60, as Chen held on for silver to complete a 1-2 for China in a PB of 44:30.67. Aarti claimed bronze in an Indian U20 record of 44:39.39, while Pop also set a national U20 record of 44:54.32 in fourth. Similar to the men’s race, the top 16 all set national records or PBs.

source/content: khelnow.com (headline edited)

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(Courtesy : @WorldAthletics/Twitter)

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TUNISIA

ARAB ATHLETES Bring Home 17 Medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics

From weightlifting to gymnastics and boxing, Arab athletes made the nation proud at the Olympics.

Meet the Olympics winners here

The 2024 Olympics concluded last night in Paris, and have marked a very special season for Arab athletes.

Despite controversy and a few ups and downs over the past 17 days, the best sportswomen and sportsmen from the region did their nations proud, earning a total of 17 medals. Overall, the medals were won by athletes from seven countries: Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Bahrain and Algeria. Bahrain won the highest number of medals this time with four major wins (two gold, one silver, and one bronze). In second place was Algeria, bringing home three medals (two gold, one bronze).

Tied in third place, Egypt and Tunisia earned three medals each (one gold, one silver, one bronze), followed by Morocco, which also won three medals (two gold, one bronze). Jordan came in fifth with one silver medal, and Qatar completed the seventeen wins with a bronze medal.

It’s no easy feat earning an Olympics medal, and while 2024 has marked a proud moment for the region, it’s also important to note that this isn’t the first time our athletes have brought home this number of wins. Back in 2020, the Tokyo Olympics saw Arab athletes earn a total of 18 medals!

Among this year’s winners, some of the most talked about athletes were the ones that went through the biggest hardships. Algeria’s Imane Kheliff faced speculation and bullying at a global level, but remained undeterred in her pursuit for gold. Winning her medal last week, she said, “I sent them a message with this gold medal, and I say my dignity has been restored and my honor is above anything else.”

Days prior to Khelif’s proud moment, France-born Algerian athlete Kaylia Nemour (who be made history when she became the first-ever African gold medalist in gymnastics. The win was twice as special given Nemour’s past dispute with the French gymnastics federation, which led to her switching from competing for France to competing for Algeria in 2023.

Also in the list of noteworthy names is Tunisia’s Firas Katoussi, who won a gold medal in 80kg taekwondo, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, who brought hold gold in 3,000m steeplechase, and Egypt’s Ahmed Elgendy, who set a world record with 1,555 points in modern pentathlon. Congratulations to all the athletes who represented the region and did their nations proud. Below, a complete list of all the Olympics winners from the region.

Algeria
Gold: Imane Khelif, women’s 66kg boxing

Gold: Kaylia Nemour, women’s uneven bars artistic gymnastics

Bronze: Djamel Sedjati, men’s 800m

Bahrain
Gold: Winfred Yavi, women’s 3000m steeplechase

Gold: Akhmed Tazhudinov, men’s freestyle 97kg wrestling

Silver: Salwa Eid Naser, women’s 400m

Bronze: Gor Minasyan, men’s 102kg weightlifting

Egypt
Gold: Ahmed ElGendy, men’s individual modern pentathlon

Silver: Sara Ahmed, women’s 81kg weightlifting

Bronze: Mohamed ElSayed, men’s épée individual fencing

Jordan
Silver: Zaid Kareem, men’s 68kg taekwondo

Morocco
Gold: Soufiane El Bakkali, men’s 3000m steeplechase

Bronze: Men’s football team

Qatar
Bronze: Mutaz Essa Barshim, men’s high jump

Tunisia
Gold: Firas Katoussi, men’s 80kg taekwondo

Silver: Fares Ferjani, men’s sabre individual fencing

Bronze: Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi, men’s 58kg taekwondo

source/content: en.vogue.me /nitya chablani (headline edited)

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ARAB ATHLETES

BAHRAIN: PARIS OLYMPICS 2024 : Gor Minasyan grabs third Olympic medal for Bahrain at Paris Olympics 2024

Bahraini athlete Gor Minasyan secured the third Olympic medal for his country in Paris after winning bronze in the 102+kg weightlifting on Sunday.

Bahrain’s Olympic run in Paris has proved to be its most successful one yet after winning four medals so far. 

More Bahraini athletes are set to compete on Sunday, increasing hope for the country to secure more medals. 

Wrestler Akhmed Tazkhudinov will compete in the finals of the men’s freestyle 97kg wrestling against Georgia.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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More Bahraini athletes are set to compete on Sunday, increasing hope for the country to secure more medals. (Supplied)

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BAHRAIN