Tokyo Olympics the next goal for Qatar’s U-23 players

Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa binAhmed al-Thani has urged Qatar’s U-23 footballers to dream big andqualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.Sheikh Hamad was speaking at a function yesterday to felicitate the teamwhich finished third in the recent Asian U-23 Championship in China.The ceremony was attended by Ivan Bravo, Director General of AspireAcademy, Saeed al-Misnad, Technical Adviser of the National TeamsDepartment of QFA, Talal al-Kaabi, Project Manager of the EuropeanProject for Players at Aspire Academy, the technical staff led bySpanish coach Felix Sanchez, Ali Salat, QFA Head of Media, and others.Sheikh Hamad said: “Our Olympic team did their best and earned thirdplace in the championship. The bronze medal is the beginning of the roadand not the end of it. “There are a large number of players in the Olympic team, who we willdepend on, along with the youth team players who will take part to thenext AFC U-23 Championship, which will allow them to potentially qualifyfor the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “I hope they will win the next Asian U-23 championship and qualify forthe Olympics. The achievement in China has been the result of the hardwork and effort of the technical and administrative staff as well as theplayers.” Sheikh Hamad said the performance of the players was even morecreditable because many of them had taken part in the high profile GulfCup in the preceding week.“They were under tremendous pressure but they still challenged for theCup and unluckily finished third. Many of them had gone directly toChina after taking part in the Gulf Cup. Therefore, they deserve a lotof credit.”He said coach Sanchez was doing a great job with the senior as well as the Olympic team and there was no need to change that.“I don’t see that changing now. He has been doing a fine job and will continue in his dual role.” He added that some of the Olympic team players will be inducted into the national team soon.“These youngsters will form the basis of Qatar’s national team that willplay for the country in the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” he said.Aspire Academy Director General Bravo thanked the President of QFA forhonouring the Olympic team, saying: “The support of the QFA under theleadership of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani is one of thereasons for the team’s success.” He also asked the players of the Olympic team to continue with theirdiligence and commitment to Qatar and make the country proud at theinternational level. Coach Sanchez added that the QFA President’s words of encouragement willboost the morale of the players as they embark on their futureendeavours.“The good words spoken by the President will surely encourage theplayers to do better. We are touched by his concern and enthusiasm forthe team.”The Spaniard said it was unfortunate that the team lost to Vietnam via penalties in the semi-finals.“It sure hurts but we must accept the result and move on. The playershave great potential but they will surely keep their focus. We will keeppressing with our plans in our bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics,”he added. Saeed al-Misnad also thanked the QFA President for his support for theteam and his interest in this distinguished group of players. He said: “The players of the Olympic team have made a great effort toachieve glory for their country, but at the same time they must keepimproving,” he said.