09 Oct 2017
Antalya, 8 October 2017. It's been a weekend to remember for Aspire Academy's fencing team. The trip to Antalya to compete at the "Turkish Fencing Federation European Cadet Circuit" on October 7 and 8 should not only bring the student-athletes more experience and exposure to some of the best fencers at this level, it should mark a milestone for the entire programme.
It was up to grade 12 student Yousef Al Bader to break the ice and draw international attention to Qatar's talented fencing youth. Claiming the second place in the European Cadet (U17) Circuit event in Antalya Arena in a field of 70 competitors from all over the world, was not only satisfying on a personal level. It also marked Aspire Academy's best ever fencing result at this level and competition.
"Yousef has been in perfect form during the competition and his tactical approach to the matches was amazing. Also the final was very good, but his opponent from Ukraine played better in the last part of the match, unfortunately leading to a 15-9 defeat," Aspire Academy Fecing Head Coach Massimo Omeri said after the competition.