Qatar has included a record 55 women in its Asian Games team and they are not just there as window dressing, their delegation leader told AFP on Wednesday.
The 55 are among a Qatari delegation of 260 athletes at the Incheon games which start on Friday.
Middle East nations face growing attention on their sports equality following Saudi Arabia's decision not to send any women in their Asian Games team.
"Qatar is now focusing on giving a chance to women athletes to compete to represent their country in big sports events like this," said delegation leader Khalil al Jaber.
"These 55 are not just here to take part but to be among the top places," the official added.
Qatar had two women in their London Olympics team in 2012 -- their first female Olympians -- including shooter Bahia al-Hamad, who is the top female hope for Asian Games success.
Qatar's best medal hopes remain men however with high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, London Olympics bronze medal winner, skeet shooter Nasser al Attiah, who also got a bronze in London, and their men's handball team.
Source: AFP
GMT 13:49 2018 Tuesday ,11 December
Violence against women alarms more than 70% of Russians, indicates pollGMT 15:31 2018 Tuesday ,30 October
Timoshenko speaks out against special status of Donbass, Ukraine’s federalizationGMT 15:14 2018 Wednesday ,10 October
Creation of US-backed administration in northeastern Syria worrisome "Zakharova"GMT 06:48 2018 Thursday ,04 October
Merkel to arrive in Israel amid Palestinian calls to halt demolition of Khan Al-AhmarGMT 06:28 2018 Wednesday ,03 October
Diplomat chides remarks by US NATO envoy on plans to destroy Russian missilesGMT 07:22 2018 Tuesday ,02 October
Russia urges UK to present Skripal instead of publishing "fake news" about suspectsGMT 13:25 2018 Friday ,21 September
Women make up 43% of researchers in Russia vs 29% worldwideGMT 11:15 2018 Monday ,17 September
Fatima bint Mubarak issues resolution to establish consultative council for childrenMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor