Mutaz Essa Barshim, Mouna Chebbah sweep Arab Athlete of the Year Awards

Qatari track and field star Mutaz Essa Barshim bagged the coveted Arab Sportsman of the year award at a glittering ceremony in Doha, on Tuesday.

Doha: Qatari track and field star Mutaz Essa Barshim bagged the coveted Arab Sportsman of the Year award at a glittering Arab Union Referendum Ceremony for the Best Athlete and Best Arab Team for the Year of 2014, hosted by the Qatar Sports Press Committee in Doha, on Tuesday.  

Tunisian Handball star Mouna Chebbah went away with the Best Arab Sportswoman of Year Award while Algeria football team claimed the Best Arab Sports Team for their respective performances in 2014. In a historic first, Algeria had reached the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Barshim overshadowed Tunisian swimming great Oussama Mellouli and star show jumper Abdelkebir Ouaddar of Morroco, who were among the contenders for the prestigious title.

“Awards like this will give me more motivation to do better and I hope also it will inspire the younger generation to take part in sports in the entire Arab region too,” said the 23-year-old athlete.

Barshim, who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, even appreciated Qatar Sports Press Committee and the Arab Sports Press Association’s effort in encouraging young talent. 

“Media plays a big role, sport rise with talented people,” said Barshim, who pocketed the winner's cheque of $5000. 

Qatar Athletics Federation President Dahlan Al Hamad, who was present at the occasion, praised Barshim’s efforts saying, “I am sure it will motivate him to do well in the Diamond League series and the IAAF World Championships in Beijing.”

Popular archer Fatimah Almashhadaani, named Athlete of the Year for 2013 by a panel from the Iraqi Olympic Committee last year, was also part of the list which included names like Egyptian javelin thrower Ihab Abdelrahman El Sayed and Mariam Jamalelldein of Bahrain.

Qatar’s National Handball team coach Valero Rivera López was awarded a special award for his contribution to the development sports in the country. It was under his leadership that Qatar won the silver medal at the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship that was held in Qatar from January 15 to February 1. 

Earlier Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary General Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrehman Al Thani shed light on the development of Qatar as the Sporting destination of the world with as many as 93 sports events and conferences scheduled country in the next 12 months.

“Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF) will host the AIBA World Boxing Championships from October 8 to 18this year. The UCI Road World Championships will be held next year and in 2017 the bowling championship will take place in Qatar,” Sheikh Saoud said.

“In 2018, the top gymnasts will be here for the World Championship and the following year the World Athletics Championships will take place in Doha. After Olympics and World Cup, World Athletics Championships is the third biggest event,” said the QOC official.

The sports calendar released by Qatar Olympic Committee features 53 international sports events. The 2014-15 season featured 81 events overall.

Big ticket events this year include the IAAF Diamond League opener on May 15, Champions of Champions at Al Shaqab Arena in October, Qatar Classic squash gala in November, FIVB Beach Volleyball event, also in November, and the Tour of Gulf cycling in December.

“I wish for Qatari and Arab athletes to work hard, to do well and make it to the Rio Olympics next year,” Sheikh Saoud said.

“Press and media are important for the growth of sports,” he added.

He also briefed the gathering about the activities of Qatar Olympic Committee and its affiliated federations with special reference to the Schools Olympic Programme, Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) and Qatar Olympic Academy.

The event also witnessed Qatar 2022 Organising Committee CEO and The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi speaking about the steps towards ensuring a successful FIFA World Cup.

“A lot of work is going on, stadiums, infrastructure, but it is not just about 2022. The work will continue beyond that. The idea is to leave a legacy for Qatari people and the Arab world. Hosting the 2022 World Cup, we will be building bridges between the region and the other continents,” he said.

Al-Thawadi also mentioned about Challenge 2022, which is a competition for ideas and innovations and has already seen close to 300 participants from across GCC countries. Ideas generated through this competition will be implemented at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the winners will be provided with an opportunity to work in Qatar.

Later, Arab Sports Press Association President Mohamed Jamil Abdelkadir thanked hosts, Qatar Sports Press Committee, for a spectacular ceremony.

“The tradition of awarding the best athletes of the Arab World is definitely encouraging. Not only does it provide recognition to the deserving athletes and sportsperson, but it also boosts the sporting spirit in the region.”

He added, “The recognition given to talented sports journalists and writers is a good way of providing impetus to sports reportage.” 

The do was kicked off by Qatar Sports Press Committee board member Khalid Jassem, who stressed on the fact that Qatar is fast growing as the Sporting destination of the world before welcoming the guests to dais.

Noted sports journalists Jaber Al Harami and Issa bin Abdulla al-Hitmi and members of the Qatar Sports Press Committee, Mohammed Abdulaziz Turki Al Subae, Dr Mohammed Awada and Mubarak Al Boainin were also present on the occasion.

Appreciation Awards (Special Awards)

The Awardees  – M. Abdel Rahim Dhim, M. Mohamad Allanjawi, M. Ahmad Ali, M. Fayez Abdelhadi, M. Ali Issa Bou Hakab, M. Mohamad Ali AlMouhannadi, M. Mohamed Al Malki, Mohamad Al Omari, M. Rajaalah Al Selmi, Dr Thani Al Kuwari, Valero Rivera López.

MAIN AWARDS

Arab Sportsman of the Year: Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar, track & field)

Arab Sportswoman of the Year: Mouna Chebbah (Tunisia, handball)

Arab Sports Team of the Year: Algeria Football Team

Arab Figure of the Year: Sheikh Issa Ben Rached Al Khalifa

Arab Media Figure of the Year: Issa bin Abdulla al-Hitmi