Oumar Abakar will represent Qatar at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Nanjing, China, beginning March 21. He broke the national record in the 60m hurdles, qualifying as Qatar’s sole athlete for the event. His preparation and transition from under-20 to senior competitions have been guided by coach Lee Christopher, who is confident in Abakar’s abilities and future potential, particularly regarding qualifying for the World Championships in Tokyo.
Oumar Abakar, an athlete trained at Aspire Academy, is set to represent Qatar at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Nanjing, China, commencing on March 21. His qualification underscores the successful collaboration between Aspire Academy and the Qatar Athletics Federation aimed at nurturing elite athletes. Abakar will be the sole representative for Qatar, competing in the 60m hurdles after breaking the national record with a time of 7.67 seconds at the Aarhus Sprint ‘n’ Jump event this January.
Abakar’s journey to the World Championships involves rigorous preparation in South Africa alongside his coach, Lee Christopher, and fellow sprinters. His participation in three European meetings in late January marked a significant transition from under-20 competitions to senior events. In the previous season, he recorded the sixth-fastest 110m hurdles time of 2024 for his age group and narrowly missed a medal at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Peru.
Transitioning to senior competitions presents new challenges, particularly with the increased height of hurdles from 99cm for juniors to 106.7cm for seniors. However, Abakar expresses confidence in his ability to adapt, stating, “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.” He recognizes the value of racing in Europe, appreciating the experience of competing before larger crowds.
His aspirations extend beyond the indoor championships, as he aims to maintain his form for the upcoming outdoor season and dreams of qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Coach Lee Christopher will accompany Abakar to China and believes he possesses the necessary attributes for a successful transition to senior levels. He stated, “He is coping well with the step up to the senior men’s event.”
Christopher emphasized the importance of the indoor races, noting that Abakar’s performance against seasoned competitors has elevated his experience. Abakar has been able to achieve similar times over the larger hurdles compared to the smaller ones. The psychological growth he has displayed is commendable, as Christopher remarked on his composure in this new phase of competition. The World Indoor Championships serve as a critical stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of excelling at the Tokyo Championships.
In conclusion, Oumar Abakar’s representation of Qatar at the World Indoor Athletics Championships highlights the effective collaboration between Aspire Academy and the Qatar Athletics Federation. His record-breaking performance in the 60m hurdles demonstrates his readiness for senior competition. As he adapts to new challenges, Abakar’s ambitions for outdoor success and future championships illustrate his dedication to the sport and potential for growth.
Original Source: www.gulf-times.com
