Staff Reporter
Nagoya: Team Qatar karate athlete Abdullah Rashad Mohieddin Babiker claimed the bronze medal in the under-84kg kumite event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games yesterday, securing an emphatic 8-0 victory over Palestine’s Abdullah Al-Khatib.
Rashad dominated from the outset, delivering a commanding performance that underlined his superiority and sealed Qatar’s second medal in the discipline. The achievement follows the silver medal won earlier by Abdulrahman Mustafa in the 60kg category, lifting the national karate contingent’s tally to two medals at the ongoing Games.
The results have drawn widespread praise for the athletes’ resilience amid intense competition. Officials noted that the medals reflect the collective efforts of the competitors, technical staff and the Qatar Karate Federation, with expectations remaining high for further success across the multi-sport event.
Rashad expressed delight at his podium finish. “I am extremely happy and proud to raise the Qatari flag high at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games,” he said. “The competition was extremely tough, yet I managed to deliver a strong performance that earned a place on the podium. This Asian achievement will serve as a powerful incentive to secure further successes and honours for Qatar.”
Celebration at Qatar House
The Qatari delegation marked the dual success with a festive gathering at Qatar House in Nagoya. The celebration was attended by Mohammed Yousef Al-Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Jassim Al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; and Eid Al-Muraikhi, President of the Qatar Karate Federation, alongside the medallists Abdulrahman Mustafa and Abdullah Rashad.
The occasion honoured the athletes’ dedication and the broader significance of the results for Qatari karate and national sport. Officials highlighted the pride felt across the delegation and described the medals as a notable addition to Qatar’s record at the Asian Games, reinforcing the country’s growing presence on the continental stage.
Federation president hails preparation and coaching impact
Eid Al-Muraikhi, President of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation, voiced his satisfaction with the bronze medal. “We are happy with this achievement and dedicate it to our wise leadership and to everyone who stood behind and supported the team,” he said. “I also extend my congratulations to the athlete, the technical and administrative staff, and the entire Qatari karate community.”
Al-Muraikhi stressed that the results were the product of sustained preparation rather than chance. “These achievements did not happen by chance; they are the result of continuous work and effort over the past period, as we ensured the athletes were well-prepared prior to participation,” he added.
He specifically praised the Algerian coach who assumed charge of the team approximately three months before the Games. “He put in tremendous effort with the athletes and succeeded in preparing the team to the required standard in a short time. His impact was clearly evident in this achievement,” Al-Muraikhi said.
Noting that only three Qatari athletes competed in karate and secured two medals, he described the outcome as highly positive. Ambitions, he emphasised, extend beyond the current Games, with focus already turning toward preparation for future competitions, including the 2030 Asian Games to be hosted by Doha.
Other competition updates
In 3x3 basketball, the men’s team faces Bahrain on Wednesday after opening its campaign with victories over Indonesia and Chinese Taipei. The women’s side meets Kazakhstan following earlier defeats to Sri Lanka (19-16) and Chinese Taipei (21-3). The men’s team was drawn in Group A alongside China, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka.
The shooting team retained its overall lead in the men’s skeet team standings at the conclusion of Day 2. Competition continues today with the final round, as the athletes aim to convert their strong position into podium finishes and uphold Qatar’s tradition of success in the discipline at the Asian Games.
Squash action begins on Wednesday, with Abdullah Al-Tamimi facing Mongolia’s Yesun Otgonchimeg and Salem Al-Maliki taking on South Korea’s Na Ju-young. The squad is seeking strong opening performances to progress, building on Al-Tamimi’s bronze medal in the men’s singles at Hangzhou 2022.
On the administrative front, Mubarak bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Swimming Association, and Hussain Saleh Al-Sadah, the Association’s Assistant Secretary-General, participated in the General Assembly of the Asia Swimming Federation held in Tokyo. The meeting reviewed plans to develop aquatic sports across Asia, enhance cooperation and exchange expertise among member federations. The Qatar Swimming Association’s presence underscored its commitment to advancing continental aquatic sports and strengthening Qatar’s standing at both regional and international levels.
The twin karate medals stand as the standout achievement of the day for Team Qatar, providing further momentum as the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games continue.