2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Hanane Djoua Doha Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad has partnered with Qatar Foundation (QF) to help develop girls’ sporting talent in fencing through QF’s Creating Pathways Programme, an initiative designed to encourage young girls in Qatar to participate in sports. The announcement took place at Education City Stadium, where Muhammad—an Olympic bronze medallist from the United States—was joined by Tunisian Olympic medallist Inès Boubakri, who also serves as Head Coach at the Qatar Fencing Federation. Together, they officiated a series of exhibition matches featuring top female fencers from the federation, offering insights into the sport’s techniques, point system, and competitive structure.
The Creating Pathways Programme was launched as part of Qatar Foundation’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy initiatives, aiming to expand sporting opportunities for girls aged 12-16. Beyond fostering athletic skills, the programme highlights the importance of exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being. Elizabeth Nuttall, Director of Athletics at Qatar Foundation, highlighted how the initiative aligns with Qatar’s Vision 2030 by creating sustainable pathways for female athletes.
“This is a development from the World Cup 2022 legacy,” Nuttall told Qatar Tribune. “Right now, Education City Stadium is a football stadium, but by 2027, it will be revamped into an elite academy sports facility.” A key objective of the Creating Pathways Programme is to increase women’s participation in sports at both the grassroots and elite levels.
The programme identifies and nurtures young female athletes by integrating sports into school curriculums. “We go into schools and deliver training sessions across five core sports—volleyball, basketball, tennis, track and field, and now fencing—ensuring that girls have the opportunity to develop their skills,” Nuttall explained. “From the school level, we have an internal academy structured to support athletes aged 12 to 16, providing a direct pathway from grassroots participation to national and international competition.
” Qatar Foundation collaborates closely with the Qatar Olympic Committee and various sports federations to ensure the programme aligns with Qatar’s broader sporting ambitions. “Our aim is to develop a high standard of female athletes so that by the time the new stadium opens in 2027, we will have a strong pool of active and competitive girls capable of representing Qatar at the national level,” Nuttall added. As the Global Ambassador for Creating Pathways, Ibtihaj Muhammad—who made history as the first American Muslim woman to compete at the Olympics wearing a hijab—shared her personal experiences and the significance of making fencing accessible to girls in Qatar.
Fencing has a long history in the Arab world. According to the Olympic website, evidence of sword fighting dates back to Ancient Egypt in 1190 BC, with duels and combat training continuing until the 18th century. Originally a military discipline, fencing evolved into a structured sport in the 14th and 15th centuries, making its way into modern Olympic competition.
After the exhibition matches, Muhammad and Boubakri joined hundreds of women at QF’s Ladies Night sports and fitness event at Education City Stadium, reinforcing QF’s commitment to fostering female participation in athletics. Copy 05/02/2025 10.
