DOHA: The three-day Doha Stars Gymnastics Championship concluded at the Khawla Hall here with the participation of 150 MAG and WAG gymnasts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, UAE clubs besides the host.

The tournament targeted sub-juniors and junior gymnasts and provided them with the experience of competing in international tournaments and develop their skills.

"We are happy with the great success of the tournament. We were confident that the tournament would be strong due to the diversity of the participating clubs,” said Abeer Al Buainain, Qatar Gymnastics Federation secretary general and tournament director.

“It was a good exposure for the newcomers while it helped the experienced gymnasts refined their talent.”

The winners were awarded medals after the end of the competition, which started on Thursday. 

“The technical level of the gymnasts was great. It augurs well for their future,” added Al Buainain. 

It was the first edition that was hosted by the QGF. 

Issa Al Hitmi, a member of the Board of Directors at QGF, said that the first edition achieved its desired results.

"The championship was an opportunity to discover talents. We followed the competitions during the three days and many young talents impressed. Such championships are a good launching platform for future gymnasts. This was the goal of the federation.”

Aisha Al Nama, Director of Teams at QGF, praised the technical level of the tournament.

"We enjoyed good performances and distinguished technical levels from the participants,” she said. “We always need such tournaments in order to assess the level of players and determine their strength."

QGF has organized a couple of youth-based tournaments in recent years, and this was an innovative one. 

"Some gymnasts from the Qatari clubs achieved good results. The tournament was an opportunity to evaluate the performance. Competing in an official tournament is definitely different from the routine training sessions,” said Samira Saeed, tournament supervisor.

Mohammad Amin 

DOHA: The second day of Doha Stars Championship for Artistic Gymnastics were held on Friday here at the Qatar Gymnastics Federation Training Centre at Khawala. 

In the competitions for boys, the first level, the category of 8-9 years, Adam Hisham won  the gold medal followed by Omar Baher and Yazan Ahmed. 

In the 12-year category, Amer Hammadi came first.

In the balance beam, Lana Qasim finished first while Fadwa Bibi and Sofia Beraldi came second and third respectively. 

On the floor apparatus, Lara Ahmed Atef of Qatar Gymnastics Club won gold, Lana Qassem of the Emirates Gymnastics Club came second while Raymona Bakkar of Kuwait won bronze.

In the age category of 13-15, Mohammed came first while Lujain Assaad and Hala Khreifan finished second and third respectively.

In vault, Loujain Asaad won gold, Farida Muhammad and Hana Muhammad won silver and bronze respectively. 

In parallel bars, Muhammad took top honours while Lujain Asaad and Hali Khuraifan came second and third respectively. 

Nouf Al-Za’bi won the balance beam gold. Alia Muhammad and Farida Muhammad finished second and third. 

Ali Al Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, Abeer Al Buainain, tournament director, Muhammad Abdullah Al Maraghi, QGF assistant secretary, and Issa Al-Hitmi,  member of Board of Directors were crowned the champions. 

The Organizing Committee of the Doha Stars Gymnastics thanked all the sponsors, Sunlive group, and other partners for their support in making the tournament a grand success.

Mohammad Amin 

DOHA: The first edition of Artistic Gymnastics Doha Stars Championship for Clubs (boys and girls) got underway here on Thursday. The tournament is organized by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation. 

A total 150 MAG and WAG gymnasts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan and the UAE besides the hosts will compete in the tournament until Saturday. 

The third and fourth level competitions for WAG was held on the opening day.

QGF secretary general and tournament director Abeer Al Buainain expressed happiness with the technical level of the gymnasts. 

"Everybody will be vying for honours in this maiden club competition. The competition will help these young gymnasts to develop their skills and confidence," said Al Buainain. 

"The presence of gymnasts from these countries will be a big boost to our own athletes. We seek to develop the players' performance and spread gymnastics through QGF's two centers.

The tournament is a good opportunity to discover new talents and develop them for the future."Mohammed Abdullah Al Maraghi, QGF Assistant Secretary, said: "The tournament attains importance due to the fact that clubs from six countries are taking part. The main objective of holding the tournament is to give exposure to all gymnasts and especially to our own athletes."

DOHA: Qatar's Rakan Al Harith won a silver in the men's pommel horse event at the 3rd Arab Championships in Oran, Algeria, today.

The competition kicked off last Sunday at Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex, with the participation of 82 gymnasts representing seven countries in the U16, junior and senior categories.

"I congratulate Rakan on his achievement. I also extend my thanks to the technical and administrative staff for their unstinted support to promote gymnastics in the country," said Mr. Ali Al Hitmi, President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation.

Tomorrow, Mohammed Al Nahdi will participate in the junior category.