AlKass Digital
Doha, Qatar - Weightlifting star Fares Ibrahim Hassouna has set his sights on gold as world’s top lifters assemble in Doha for the 5th edition of Qatar International Cup 2018 starting today.
As many as 130 weightlifters from 35 countries including 64 male contenders are taking part in the event that is being hosted by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation (QWF) at Intercontinental Hotel Doha.
The competition has attracted nearly all the big names of the sport as the three-day event is serving as qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Despite the tough competition, Qatar’s ace weightlifter Fares, who will compete in 96kg category, is targeting nothing less than a gold medal.
“I am looking forward to win the 96kg contest at home,” Fares said ahead of the event.
“I am ready to give my best. I have under went a vigorous training programme because this is an important competition,” the top weightlifter, who won silver medal for Qatar at Asian Games in Jakarta, said.
“Qatar Weightlifting Federation has given me full support to prepare for this event and I am confident of doing well,” said Fares, who also won 94kg silver medal at World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, California last year.
During the event, top officials from different national and continental federations will also visit Doha, where various meetings are expected in presence of QWF President Mohammad Yousef Al Mana, who also heads the Asian Weightlifting Federation.
Meanwhile, Zayed Al Khayarin, QWF Executive Director, said the federation completed all preparations to host another edition of the event successfully.
“The tournament will certainly see strong and exciting competitions from the top weightlifters from around the world,” said Al Khayarin.
“We are thankful to the Qatar Olympic Committee under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, for providing all out support to make this event happen,” he added. Al Khayarin also hoped for a gold-medal-wining performance from Fares. “Fares has worked very hard to get ready for this tough competition and we wish him good luck,” he said.