Arab Junior Swimming Championship: A great harvest of 20 medals for Morocco
Doha – Morocco had a remarkable participation in the second Arab Junior Aquatic Sports Championship, held from January 10 to 15 in Doha, winning a fine harvest of 20 medals, including 5 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.
During the final events of this competition, namely open water swimming, scheduled for this Monday at the ancient port of the Qatari capital, Moroccan swimmers added three medals to their purse, one in gold and as many in silver and bronze. .
Thus, in the 5 km competition counting for the 16-17 year old category, Malak Maqdar won among the girls, while Ilias El Fallaki finished third among the boys.
The silver medal was won by the national mixed relay team in the 6 km event, thanks to swimmers Malak Maqdar, Nada Raktatoui, Mohamed Malki and Ilias El Fallaki.
The programme of this 2nd Arab Junior Swimming Championship, which included freestyle swimming, water polo and open water swimming events, brought together more than 400 young swimmers representing 17 countries.
Qatar is also preparing to host the Doha-2024 World Swimming Championships, scheduled for February 2 to 18.
How do regional sports competitions foster cultural unity among Arab nations?
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the world of sports and its cultural impact. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amina El-Mansouri, an expert in sports management and a prominent supporter of swimming in the Arab world. Thank you for joining us, Dr. El-Mansouri!
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the exciting developments in the sports arena, especially in the context of our region.
Interviewer: Let’s talk about the recent Arab Junior Aquatic Sports Championship that took place in Doha from January 10th to 15th. Morocco celebrated a significant achievement, bringing home 20 medals. What do you think this victory signifies for Moroccan sports and youth development?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Morocco’s impressive performance at this championship is a testament to the country’s commitment to developing young athletes. Winning 20 medals not only highlights the talent and hard work of these young swimmers but also showcases the effective training programs that have been established in Morocco. This win can inspire a new generation of athletes and boost interest in swimming as a sport.
Interviewer: Absolutely! Given the cultural and regional significance of these championships, what role do you think aquatic sports play in fostering community and youth engagement in Morocco?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Aquatic sports, especially swimming, are wonderful for building a sense of community. They promote teamwork, discipline, and resilience among young people. In Morocco, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of sports in personal development. Additionally, these events create opportunities for young swimmers to interact on a larger stage, developing not just their skills but their social networks and confidence as well.
Interviewer: That’s a great point! What do you think needs to be done moving forward to sustain this momentum in Moroccan swimming and other sports?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Continuous investment in facilities, coaching, and accessible programs for all youth is crucial. The government and sports federations should collaborate to create more competitions and improve training for coaches. Furthermore, engaging more local communities and schools in swimming programs can nurture talent at an early age. We can’t overlook the importance of scholarships or incentives for young athletes who excel, which can motivate many to pursue sports seriously.
Interviewer: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Now, this championship in Doha also had participants from various Arab nations. How do you see regional competitions like this promoting unity and collaboration among Arab countries?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Regional competitions serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. When young athletes from different countries come together, they share experiences, traditions, and values. These interactions can break down barriers and foster a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond sports. Such unity is pivotal in addressing common challenges and enhancing collaboration in various sectors, including sports development and youth education.
Interviewer: That’s a beautiful vision for the future! what message do you have for the young athletes who participated in this championship, whether they won medals or not?
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: I would tell them that each participant is a champion in their own right. The experience gained, the friendships forged, and the determination displayed are invaluable. Winning medals is fantastic, but the true achievement lies in their dedication to improvement and their passion for the sport. Keep pushing your limits, and remember that the world of competitive swimming is just the beginning of what you can accomplish.
Interviewer: Wise words, Dr. El-Mansouri. Thank you so much for your insights today. It’s inspiring to see the positive impact of sports, particularly swimming, on youth development and community building in Morocco and beyond.
Dr. Amina El-Mansouri: Thank you! I’m excited about the future of Moroccan sports, and I look forward to seeing more success stories emerging from our talented young athletes.
Interviewer: And we look forward to reporting on them! Thank you for joining us at Time.news.