Doha, Qatar: On a spirited Saturday, Aspire Academy’s indoor football pitch transformed into a lively hub of celebration as its alumni reunited for The Inspiration Day, the latest event to mark the Academy’s 20th anniversary.
This gathering brought together graduates from all 17 batches, alongside teachers, coaches, and administrators, for an evening filled with joy, memories, and inspiration. Alumni, many accompanied by their families and children, returned to what was once their second home, showcasing the lasting influence of Aspire Academy on their lives.
The day was more than just a reunion. Held inside Aspire Academy’s iconic dome, the event included special activities designed to foster a sense of community and celebrate two decades of remarkable achievements. The graduates also took time to pose for group photos, capturing the spirit of togetherness and pride that defined the day.
The celebration featured a heartfelt speech by Jassem Al Jaber, the School Principal, who expressed his pride and joy in the alumni’s successes. Addressing the attendees, he said: "Today is filled with beautiful memories of all 642 graduates who have excelled in various fields of life. Today’s reunion is a living testament to our 20-year journey of success and an accomplishment worthy of celebration."
From accomplished athletes to professionals excelling in diverse industries, their stories reflect Aspire’s mission to nurture champions both on and off the field.
A legacy of excellence: Where champions are made
Since its establishment in 2004, Aspire Academy has stood at the forefront of Qatar’s sporting revolution. As part of the Aspire Zone Foundation, the Academy integrates elite sports training with a rigorous academic program, cultivating well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in life and competition. Aspire’s commitment to excellence has made it a global benchmark for sports development.
Badr Al Hay, Director of Education and Student Affairs at Aspire Academy, outlined the importance of including the alumni in the anniversary celebrations.
“I think this is an event we had to organise, as all of our former students said, “We still have a lot of pleasant memories of our time at Aspire’. So when they come back here with their kids, it is really a good message that they are still engaged with us, that they still feel that they are Aspire graduates, and they are sending the message to the community here.”
Dr. Ali Fawaz Al Duwairi, Education Expert at Aspire Academy, echoed those sentiments: "This celebration of the success stories of 17 graduating classes is a testament to the close bond we share with our alumni. Seeing some of them today as colleagues at Aspire is an indescribable feeling that fills us with immense pride in our journey over the past 20 years."
Aspire’s alumni serve as living proof of the Academy’s transformative impact. Their achievements span a wide range of disciplines, showcasing Aspire’s holistic approach to developing talent.
Alumni spotlight: Ambassadors of excellence
The Inspiration Day celebration highlighted the extraordinary journeys of several alumni who embody the Academy’s values:
• Mutaz Barshim, a 2009 graduate, stands as Qatar’s most decorated Olympian. Barshim won gold in the high jump at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in addition to earning silver at Rio 2016 and London 2012, as well as bronze this year in Paris. He holds the Asian high jump records for both outdoor (2.43m) and indoor (2.41m). Reflecting on his Aspire years, Barshim shared: “This celebration is more than just a chance to relive cherished memories with the Academy, which was like a second home to us. It’s a moment to honour the bonds we share as alumni and take pride in seeing my peers with their families and children, which fills my heart with immense joy and pride.”
• Ashraf El Seify, a 2015 graduate who secured gold in the hammer at the 2012 and 2014 World Junior Championships and triumphed at the 2018 Asian Games. El Seify credited Aspire’s comprehensive training for his success, saying: “I owe a lot to this country and have Aspire Academy to thank for my development. I am proud to repay that support with strong performances.”
• Abubaker Haydar Abdalla, an 800-meter runner and three-time Olympian, claimed back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Championships in 2019 and 2023. Reflecting on his journey, Abdalla remarked: “Aspire Academy is where everything started. It taught me everything. My skills and abilities were honed by the great champions who coached me there. I wouldn’t have reached this level without Aspire.”
• Abdullah Al Tamimi, a professional squash player, has risen to 16th in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world rankings and won 11 PSA Tour titles. A 2012 graduate, Al Tamimi shared: “I spent what I consider the best six years of my life at Aspire Academy. The key foundations for my career were laid there.”
• Mohamed Abdul Wahab, a table tennis player, has won multiple titles across the Arab world and international tournaments. The 2017 graduate dreams of competing in the Olympics, reflecting on Aspire’s role in his journey: “The journey and the support I received from Aspire Academy have been huge. It has been a foundation of my success.”
• Ali Turki, Qatar’s leading fencer, achieved medals at the Arab Championships and the Gulf Cooperation Games. The 2017 graduate acknowledged Aspire’s role in balancing his studies and sports: “Aspire taught me how to organise my time between studies and sports. I am grateful for the Academy’s support in helping me achieve my goals.”
• Owaab Barrow, a sprinter and 2020 graduate, burst onto the global scene with a gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. Barrow emphasised the discipline and determination instilled during his Aspire days: “Determination and focus are key. Your preparation, sleep, and diet are just as important as the training.”
It is not just in the world of sports that Aspire’s graduates have enjoyed success, with many going on to pursue accomplished careers in other sectors.
• Ahmad Hwafdeh, who graduated in 2010 as a track and field athlete, has since become a medical doctor working at Hamad Hospital. “You could say Aspire has redefined the word champion. When people hear champions, they usually think of sports, but actually, Aspire has proven that champions can be anywhere or everywhere in terms of studying. Most of us have become doctors and engineers while in sports, and many have succeeded in athletics and football. Even on a social level, we can see some of them have become very well-known figures in the country.”
• Mouayed Ahmed, an athletics graduate from 2011 who is now a pilot with Qatar Airways, offered this advice to the Academy’s current student-athletes. “Take the chance to grab everything here with your teeth, your nails, and your whole body because this is going to prepare you for later on. Definitely take all the opportunities and all the education, ask a lot, learn a lot and have an open mindset. I still do my sport and keep up with my fitness, and sometimes people are surprised to see how I land after a long flight and still go to the gym or wake up early, but that’s because I am used to doing it here at Aspire normally every day.”
• Footballer Ahmed Khalil was part of the very first batch of graduates in 2008 and is now an engineer. He has seen the Academy grow since he left and believes the future is bright. “Since we graduated in the first batch, we have witnessed Aspire mature as an institution. It is now producing even better-qualified champions, not just in sports but in many other fields as well. I can only see Aspire growing further and developing in the future, and even more successful student-athletes will graduate from here and achieve even greater heights.”
A bright future
Aspire Academy continues to train and educate 272 student-athletes aged 12 to 18, offering them a world-class environment where sports excellence meets academic achievement. Its holistic approach ensures that every student is prepared for success in their chosen sport and life beyond the playing field.
The Academy’s dedication to nurturing young talents remains unwavering. By integrating state-of-the-art training programs with personalised education, Aspire is paving the way for future generations of champions who will proudly represent Qatar on the global stage.
A celebration of unity and progress
The Inspiration Day reunion was not just about celebrating achievements; it was a heartfelt acknowledgement of the bonds that Aspire fosters among its students, faculty, and alumni.
This anniversary is a testament to Qatar’s vision for prioritising sports and fostering a culture of excellence. With two decades of success behind it and a steadfast commitment to its mission, Aspire Academy is set to continue shaping champions, leaders, and trailblazers for years to come.
