Boxing | Team Qatar

The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BC. The sport was later introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late 7th century BC, when boxers would wrap their hands and forearms with soft leather thongs for protection. Modern Olympic boxing made its debut at the 1904 St. Louis Games and has featured in every edition since, with the exception of the 1912 Stockholm Games due to Swedish laws that prohibited the sport. Women’s boxing joined the Olympic programme much later, making its debut at the London 2012 Games.

Olympic boxing is structured into weight divisions to ensure that athletes compete against opponents of similar size, emphasizing skill and technique over physical disparity. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the sport featured seven weight categories for men and six for women. Team Qatar made its Olympic boxing debut at the Rio 2016 Games, represented by Hakan Erseker in the men’s bantamweight division, marking a significant milestone in the country’s boxing history.

Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation

Established in 2006, the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation is the official governing body for the development and regulation of both Olympic disciplines in the State of Qatar. Operating under the Qatar Olympic Committee, the federation oversees national teams, organizes local competitions and training camps, certifies coaches and referees, and represents Qatar at international championships and conferences.

In boxing, the federation has made notable progress by expanding youth participation, launching grassroots development programs, and building a growing talent pool. The national boxing team has competed in multiple regional events, including the GCC and Arab Championships, while also supporting the rise of women’s boxing through specialized training programs and international appearances by Qatari female boxers.

In wrestling, the federation supervises both Greco-Roman and freestyle disciplines. It focuses on introducing the sport to younger age groups through school partnerships and youth development centers. Qatari wrestlers have claimed medals in West Asian youth and junior championships, and the federation continues to nurture a new generation of competitive athletes.

As for hosting, the federation has organized several key events, including: