26 Jun 2025
Aspire Academy proudly hosted a spectacular graduation ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate its 18th batch of graduates.
The function was held in the presence of His Excellency Yasir bin Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Jamal, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
Also in attendance at the prestigious event were Aspire Zone Foundation’s Acting CEO, Abdullah Nasser Al-Nuaimi and his predecessor, Mohammed Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, who is now the Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation as well as Vice-President of the Qatar Football Association.
They were joined by other dignitaries, families, and sports leaders, who paid tribute to the achievements of the Academy’s 18th batch of graduates.
A total of 46 student-athletes have joined the illustrious ranks of Aspire Academy alumni, bringing the total number of graduates to 688.
The class of 2025 is made up of 20 footballers, four referees, 17 track and field athletes, three swimmers, and two squash players.
The prestigious event, held at the iconic Aspire Dome, coincided with the Academy’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which have marked two decades of excellence in nurturing Qatar’s future sports champions.
Following a reading from the Quran by graduating track and field athlete Osama Mahmoud, Aspire Academy’s Deputy Director General, Ali Salem Afifa, addressed the ceremony to congratulate the graduates and their parents, as well as thank all the staff involved in their development.
“Today, a new generation of distinguished individuals joins the ranks of our graduates. We are confident that the future holds even greater success for them,” he said.
“We are also proud that several graduates from this batch will represent Qatar in November’s Under-17 World Cup, hosted by Qatar. Aspire Academy and Aspire Zone Foundation’s facilities will be at the heart of this major event.”
“This graduation year coincides with the Academy’s celebration of its 20th anniversary—a moment to reflect on past achievements and look forward with hope and confidence to continued success and raising Qatar’s name high on the international stage.”
“You, the graduates, are the result of years of hard work, collaboration, and determination. You are the pride of Aspire Academy and the pride of Qatar. As you embark on a new chapter, you are equipped with knowledge, values, and discipline. Walk forward with confidence and continue to be exemplary performers and characters.”
“You will always be a source of pride and honour for us.”
On behalf of the school, Principal Jassem Al Jaber paid tribute to the last 20 years of Aspire Academy and wished the graduates all the best for their future.
“This graduation marks the latest chapter in twenty years of tireless work and continuous achievement, during which Aspire Academy has become a pioneering model in nurturing both athletic and academic talent. You are its finest fruit, having upheld standards of excellence and dedication,” he said.
“As you prepare for a new chapter as ambassadors of Aspire Academy, always remember that your distinction will not be measured solely by the magnitude of your achievements, but by the depth of your respect, team spirit, and cultural awareness with which you will lead in the fields of success. True success is to be a person who inspires others.”
“Aspire Academy has always been a complete system of success; we came together with a beating heart, working in the spirit of teamwork for higher goals, as witnessed by the generations we have developed, who have raised the profile of this great nation.”
As part of the ceremony, guests enjoyed a series of spotlight videos that showcased Aspire Academy’s mission and achievements. Among them was a compelling short film titled “Mansour's Dream: Be a Star,” which captured the inspiring journey of a young boy aspiring to become a star athlete. The story highlighted the Academy’s vision of balancing athletic ambition and academic excellence, as the boy’s father emphasised the importance of education. The film beautifully illustrated how Aspire Academy empowers young talents in Qatar to pursue both dreams.
It fell to graduating footballer Fahad Alhagri to speak on behalf of his classmates.
“We stand at the threshold of a new chapter in life, on the brink of a new horizon, after years of striving to do our very best at our esteemed Aspire Academy,” he said.
“As we celebrate our graduation, we see the future as a vast ocean before us with all its challenges and waves. But, by Allah’s will, we are capable of sailing through those waves, armed with the knowledge and determination we have gained at Aspire Academy.’
“I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who stood by us—officials, administrators, coaches, directors, teachers, and everyone who had a hand in building this dream and making this success a reality. You are the hope we look up to and the example we strive to follow. You are the ones who taught us that effort alone builds the future.”
As Aspire Academy concludes another academic year, the graduation ceremony event stands as a powerful reminder of the Academy’s enduring commitment to excellence in sports and education.
With 688 graduates now part of its legacy, Aspire continues to shape the future of Qatar’s athletic and academic landscape.
The Class of 2025 leaves inspired and equipped to pursue new challenges, carrying forward the values of discipline, leadership, and national pride that define Aspire Academy.