Oumar Abakar to Represent Qatar at World Indoor Athletics Championships
Oumar Abakar will represent Qatar at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Nanjing, breaking the national record for the 60m hurdles. His qualification underscores Aspire Academy’s collaboration with the Qatar Athletics Federation. Abakar has trained extensively to adapt to senior-level competition and aims for future success, including participation in the Tokyo World Championships.
Oumar Abakar, an athlete trained at Aspire Academy, will proudly represent Qatar at the World Indoor Athletics Championships commencing on March 21 in Nanjing, China. His qualification underscores the fruitful partnership between Aspire Academy and the Qatar Athletics Federation, aimed at nurturing elite competitors. Abakar earned his place by breaking the Qatar national record with a remarkable time of 7.67 seconds in the 60m hurdles, surpassing the previous record of 7.78 seconds set by fellow Aspire Academy graduate, Saeed Saeed al-Absi, at the Aarhus Sprint ‘n’ Jump event in January.
In preparation for the championship, Abakar and his coach, Lee Christopher, have been training in South Africa alongside other sprinters and hurdlers. His recent participation in three European events served to facilitate his transition from under-20 to senior competitions. Abakar finished fourth at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Peru and achieved the sixth-fastest time for his age group in 2024 for the 110m hurdles outdoors. He faces new challenges in the senior category, including competing over higher hurdles, increasing from 99 centimeters for under-20s to 106.7 centimeters for seniors.
Despite these alterations, Abakar asserts his adaptation has been seamless. He notes, “The level of the hurdles hasn’t been too hard because I’m tall and so personally it doesn’t matter too much to move from junior to senior.” Competing in Europe, facing larger crowds, and racing multiple times in a day proved significant for his growth as an athlete. He expressed his excitement about competing at a higher level and his aspiration to continue improving, aiming to qualify for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Coach Lee Christopher, who collaborates closely with the Qatar Athletics Federation, will accompany Abakar to China. He recognizes the athlete’s capabilities and prospects for a successful transition to senior competition. “He is coping well with the step up to the senior men’s event… Going on his first European indoor tour… was fantastic,” said Christopher. Abakar’s recent experience in Poland, where he surpassed a semi-finalist from the previous World Indoor Championships, enhances his competition exposure.
Christopher noted that while adjusting to the taller hurdles can be demanding for athletes, Abakar continues to produce commendable times comparable to those achieved over shorter hurdles. He emphasized Abakar’s commitment to refining his technique and praised his outstanding psychological resilience. “Not only has he stepped up physically, but his psychological preparation has really exceeded our expectations,” Christopher added, stressing that this championship serves as a vital stepping stone towards the Tokyo Outdoor World Championships in September. Abakar remains committed to continuing his growth and development in the sport of athletics.
In summary, Oumar Abakar’s representation of Qatar at the World Indoor Athletics Championships exemplifies the successful collaboration between Aspire Academy and the Qatar Athletics Federation. His record-breaking qualification not only marks a significant personal achievement but also highlights his rapid adaptation to senior competition. With strong support from his coach and extensive preparation, Abakar aims to leverage this experience to further his athletic career and ultimately secure a place at the Tokyo Outdoor World Championships in September.
Original Source: www.gulf-times.com
