JEDDAH, 5 May 2008 — For the second time in history after the 2004 Athens Olympics, the Saudi weightlifters managed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics with a fourth-place finish in the overall standings in the 39th Asian Men’s Weightlifting Championship in Kanazawa, Japan where 35 countries entered.
Eight Saudi lifters saw action in the event that ran from April 26 to May 1. They were Mohammed Al-Hubail, 27, who lifted 105kgs in the snatch, 125 in clean and jerk and 230 in total lift in the 62kgs category; Ali Al-Duhailib, 27, who had 115, 150 and 265 in the 69kgs, Khalil Al-Hamqan, 19, who entered in 77kgs. and lifted 115,145, 260) with Qassim Al-Qassom, 20, who entered in the same weight category with 100, 130 and 230.
Entered in the 85kgs was Abbas Abdrabalhussain Al-Quisom, 28, who lifted 146,177 and 323. In the 94kgs Hassan Al-Halio, 20, had lifts of 130,165, 295, in the 105kgs, Ramzi Al-Mahrous, 26, 150,180, 330). In the above 105kgs Bassam Al-Ahmad posted lifts of 125, 165 and 290.
Ali Al-Duhailib said they gave it their best shot for the last chance of weightlifters in Asia to qualify for the Olympics. “It is our dream and I was part of the Saudi team that qualified during the previous Olympics but was not chosen to represent the Kingdom” he said. “Or success here comes from the perfect preparation from the Saudi Weightlifting & Body Building Federation whether in training camps, accommodation, emotional and financial support.
“Becoming an Olympian is something beyond description. It’s a dream come true thank God,” said Al-Duhailib, a 14-year veteran lifter who won 74 international medals and managed to place fourth in the world championship.
Although the country has eight qualifiers only one will be selected for the Beijing Games as per the rules and regulations of the tournament. A tall order, indeed, but Al-Duhailib said, “only those who work hard will earn the privilege of representing Saudi Arabia there.”
Al-Duhailib said they received support and encouragement from their federation and from the General Presidency of Saudi Youth Welfare President Prince Sultan ibn Fahd and his deputy Prince Nawaf ibn Faisal.
Saleh Al-Sawwat, president of the Saudi Weightlifting & Bodybuilding Federation, told Arab News over the phone from Riyadh, ”It came at the right time and as a result of a year and a half-long plan to represent Saudi in the most honorable way.” The team did training camps in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. “Hopefully, you will hear some good news from our athletes while in Beijing,” he added.
