DOHA: Qatar wrapped up a successful campaign at the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, securing a total of 11 medals — three gold, three silver and five bronze — as the event came to a close on Friday with a vibrant ceremony at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Stadium.
The medal journey began in the pool, where swimmer Ali Tamer claimed Qatar’s first medal with a silver in the men’s 100m freestyle. Weightlifter Wissal Khalef then delivered a standout performance, capturing three gold medals in the women’s over-86 kg category to lead Qatar’s gold haul.
Equestrian star Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al-Thani added a silver in show jumping, while fencer Khalid Al Yafei and wrestler Shaheen Mohammed each secured bronze medals in the men’s foil and 77kg wrestling events respectively. Qatar’s 3×3 basketball team contributed another bronze, taking the early tally to eight.
On the final day, Qatar added three more medals: a silver in the men’s team foil fencing event, a bronze from the handball team, and another bronze from middle-distance runner Abubaker Haydar in the 800m.
Turkey dominated the overall standings with 155 medals, followed by Uzbekistan (96) and Iran (81). Hosts Saudi Arabia finished fourth with 57 medals, while Egypt secured fifth place with 45.
The Games featured more than 3,000 athletes from 57 nations competing in 23 sports ranging from athletics and swimming to esports, camel racing, and para-events. Qatar participated with 82 athletes across 16 sports, delivering a proud and competitive showing on the continental stage.
