At Qatar Foundation, students are empowered to pursue their sporting passions while receiving the academic support, personal guidance, and life skills they need to thrive. From early years to graduation, QF schools take a holistic approach to education, nurturing well-rounded individuals who succeed both in competitive sports and in life.

Jassim Al Hussaini, 18, recently graduated from Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK), part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE). A member of both the Qatar Cycling Federation and the Qatar Triathlon Federation, he has represented his country locally and on the international stage multiple times.

“I realized I wanted to pursue sport seriously around the age of 15,” he explained. “At that point, I saw the potential to grow, compete, and represent my country. The discipline it required gave me a sense of purpose, and I began structuring my life around both athletic and academic goals – and finding this balance taught me the importance of planning and discipline.

“I trained six days a week, usually early mornings or evenings, which meant I had to stay organized with my schoolwork. I often used breaks during the day to study or complete assignments. I also made sure I got enough rest because recovery is just as important as training.

“The support from QF teachers was amazing. They understood my athletic goals and were flexible when I had competitions or intensive training. They helped me catch up on missed lessons and were always encouraging. Their understanding allowed me to stay on track academically while also committing to my sport.”

According to Al Hussaini, QF played a key role in helping him develop into a well-rounded student – extending beyond academics and sports. During his time at the school, he learned to lead initiatives and collaborate with others, such as organizing a charity run earlier this year with QAK and the Seashore Group. These experiences strengthened his leadership, resilience, and teamwork – qualities that supported both his academic success and development as a student-athlete.

Looking ahead, Al Hussaini hopes to continue improving his cycling, compete internationally, and inspire the next generation of young athletes.

Maryam Hamad Al-Qahtani, a Grade 4 student at PUE’s Tariq Bin Ziad School, is an aspiring basketball player. She joined the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) in October 2024 after her PE teachers recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue her passion. 

Al-Qahtani trains around eight hours a week with QBF, in addition to taking part in basketball activities at school, so she has to plan her time carefully – with the help of her parents.

“My parents support me all the time,” she explained. “They help me stay organized so I can balance my schoolwork, training, and still have time to rest and recharge.

“Meanwhile, my teachers always encourage me to do my best. They recognize my achievements and celebrate them in front of my classmates, which really motivates me and fills me with honor.”

Al-Qahtani says that QF has given her incredible opportunities, and one of her most unforgettable moments was participating in QF’s National Sport Day celebrations at Education City, which she described as the true starting point of her basketball dreams.

And she also says basketball has taught her the meaning of hard work and the importance of perseverance: “Even if I stumble, I can always get back up and try again. I use this lesson every day – whether in my schoolwork or anything else I do – knowing that with effort and a positive attitude, I can achieve my goals.”

Dreaming big, the young basketballer hopes to one day captain her team and represent her country at the highest level. As she says: “I hope one day to raise Qatar’s flag high and show everyone that determination and teamwork can help you reach any dream.”