Yaqoub Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi in action in this file photo.
DOHA: Eyeing maximum medals, Qatari swimmers are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for this month’s Asian Games in Indonesia.
To give final touches to their preparations, the swimmers are undergoing a training camp in Slovakia - their second training tour ahead of the multi-sporting continental event - under the supervision of top coaches.
The Slovakia camp that started on August 3 will conclude on August 15 before team returns home to join the national contingent ahead of departure to Indonesia.
The 18th Asian Games ‘Jakarta - Palembang 2018’ will be held from August 18 to September 2 while the swimming events will take place from August 19 to 24 at the GBK Aquatic Center in Jakarta.
Qatar national team comprises eight swimmers including Nouh Abdulaziz Al Khelaifi, Yaqoub Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Abdulaziz Hassan Al Obaidli, Musalam Abdullah Al Nabit, Hassan Abdulrahman Al Ebaidan, Abdulrahman Hesham, Yousef Hesham, Feras Al Saadi
Al Obaidli, 16, who is the youngest member of the Qatar’s swimming team, is eyeing an impressive performance at Asian Games.
“The team and I are getting ready before heading to Jakarta for the Asian Games. I will be the youngest swimmer among my team-mates at the Games; this makes me proud and I am looking forward to give my best,” he said.
Prior to the ongoing camp in Slovakia, Qatar diving team underwent an outdoor camp in Belarus last month as part of their preparations.
Meanwhile, Qatar handball team is also close to finalising their preparations as they will defend their gold medal at Asian Games.
The team defeated Portugal’s Lisbon in back-to-back matches signalling form ahead of their important assignment.
Al Anabi will play in Group A alongside Iran and Malaysia. The national handball team claimed a gold medal of the last edition with a 24-21 victory over South Korea in the final.
Qatar will send a contingent of over 250 athletes including 40 female athletes at the Asian Games.
The Al Anabi squad will be targeting medals in 30 disciplines with their primary goal is to better their tally of 10 gold medals they won at the 2014 edition in Incheon, South Korea.
