|
Abdulla Mohammed al-Tamimi, the 18-year-old Qatari squash player, has continued to take the world by storm since graduating from Aspire Academy last year. |
The young athlete’s dedication and hard work has paid off and, with a string of awards and accolades under his belt, al-Tamimi is currently at the top of the World Junior Circuit Rankings.
Al-Tamimi graduated from Aspire Academy, the dedicated elite sports institution in Qatar, in 2012. He credits Aspire Academy for being instrumental in his development as a squash player: “Aspire Academy enabled me to study and play squash at the same time. I was able to train twice a day, as well as continue my education. I know if I had attended a conventional school, I would have been unable to find this balance.”
He continued, “I reached a plateau. I had become a bit bored of the game as there weren’t enough people to play against in Qatar at a similar level. But with Aspire’s help, I was given the opportunity to attend a camp in America. I was able to train with a number of top coaches as well as play with a group of up-and-coming professionals. This inspired me to continue picking up the racquet.”
Al-Tamimi has been playing for over ten years and has become a role model to others wanting to pursue a career in squash, especially within Qatar, says Geoff Hunt - al-Tamimi’s coach of six years and ex-international squash player. The young athlete’s work ethic is impressive; he believes hard work is a fundamental attribute needed to succeed. Al-Tamimi also cited “belief” as key to achieving your goals: “Believe in yourself, trust in your coaches. Believe that you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
At only 18, the young athlete is just starting his career. He is passionate about the sport and is determined to succeed on an international level: “I want to rank within the top ten squash players in the world”. Whatever the future holds for al-Tamimi, it is clear that he has a long and illustrious career ahead of him in the squash profession – whether it be a professional athlete or as a coach.
Al-Tamimi is currently competing in the Qatar International Squash Championship being held at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.