Doha:
H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Board of the Qatar Olympic Academy, presided over a graduation ceremony at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters today. The ceremony celebrated the 14th cohort of the Advanced Diploma in Sports and Olympic Institutions Management, a flagship postgraduate program offered by the Qatar Olympic Academy.

This year’s graduating class consisted of 23 students from Qatar and other countries, representing various professional and sports sectors. The cohort was distinguished by seven outstanding research projects conducted by students, including Mohammed Duhaim Al Dosari, Adel Lami, Adeeb Awadhi, Al-Dana Al-Obaidli, Suad Al-Humaidi (from Qatar), Abdullah Al-Ajmi, and Turki Khushman (from Kuwait). These exceptional projects will be published by the International Olympic Academy and serve as reference materials for future studies.

Pioneering Educational Excellence Since 2008
Launched in 2008, the program positions Qatar among the top 20 National Olympic Committees worldwide and the first in the Gulf and Arab region to implement such an initiative. The diploma encompasses six semesters, covering key topics such as Olympic institution structures, strategic planning for sports organizations, and major event management, equipping participants with the necessary skills for their sports and administrative careers.

A Ceremony Highlighting Achievements
The event opened with remarks from Executive Director Khalil Ibrahim Al-Jaber, who expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy, and the Qatar Olympic Committee for their continued support. He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to pursue a master’s degree in the field, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the Qatar Olympic Academy’s programs and initiatives.

A video presentation recapped the program’s journey, highlighting its seven modules and the diverse learning experiences over the year. Graduate Adel Lami, a former member of Qatar’s national team, delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of his peers, describing the milestone as a turning point in their academic and professional lives. He lauded the academy for providing comprehensive academic and practical training that prepares graduates to positively impact the sports sector.

Recognition of Excellence
H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani personally honored the 23 graduates, acknowledging their dedication and achievements. Among the distinguished graduates were Mohammed Duhaim Al Dosari, Adeeb Mohammed Awadhi, Turki Abdullah Khushman, Adel Lami Al-Duhimi, Abdullah Mohammed Al-Ajmi, Al-Dana Ali Al-Obaidli, Suad Waleed Al-Humaidi, and others. The full list included professionals from diverse disciplines, underscoring the program's appeal and versatility.

Khalil Al-Jaber: A Legacy of Over 600 Graduates
In his address, Al-Jaber highlighted the program's success, which has produced more than 600 graduates from Qatar and abroad since its inception. He praised the students' commitment and the academy’s role in enhancing their expertise through a curriculum encompassing administrative, financial, and sports management disciplines.

Al-Jaber also noted the publication of distinguished projects by the International Olympic Academy as a testament to the program's impact. Looking ahead, he announced the opening of registration for the 15th cohort for the 2025 academic year, which has already garnered significant interest.

Voices of Graduates
Graduates shared their reflections on the program’s transformative impact:

• Abdulaziz Al-Jaidi, team manager at Al-Sadd Sports Club, expressed pride in obtaining the diploma and being recognized by H.E. Sheikh Joaan, calling the experience an invaluable addition to his professional and personal growth.
• Mohammed Rashid Al-Marri, a sports initiatives leader, highlighted the diverse expertise of participants and lecturers, emphasizing the program’s practical benefits in sports administration.
• Samir Al-Mairafi, a sports commentator at Al-Kass Channels, described the diploma as a pivotal step in his career, praising the comprehensive curriculum and the invaluable knowledge gained.

The ceremony concluded with resounding praise for the Qatar Olympic Academy’s efforts in shaping future leaders in sports management, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for academic and professional excellence in the region.

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