Olympic medallist inspires young athletes at QF's Fencing Day

More than 100 young female athletes gathered at Qatar Foundation’s Touché: International Fencing Day, led by Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad. Muhammad, a fencing champion and best-selling author, is a fencing ambassador for Qatar Foundation’s Creating Pathways Programme. The event introduced the girls to the basics of fencing, including stance, footwork, and techniques.

They also participated in agility activities and friendly competitions. Muhammad emphasized that fencing teaches strategy, discipline, and quick thinking, which extend beyond the sport. She hoped the participants would feel confident and inspired, seeing fencing as a path to community and self-discovery. Muhammad's visit was part of a broader effort to create pathways into fencing for girls, featuring training sessions, school visits, and teacher workshops.

She noted that events like World Fencing Day can introduce girls to the sport and inspire them to participate. Muhammad highlighted the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive future for fencing, with young girls in Qatar potentially becoming champions and role models. Safia al-Naimi, director of Sports Strategy at Qatar Foundation, echoed the importance of making sports accessible and welcoming to girls, stating that events like Touché help introduce them to sports they may not otherwise consider, providing opportunities to learn and engage in a supportive environment.