Abdullah Alqahtani: Inspired by an Icon, Driven to Succeed
It was a seminal moment for Saudi Arabia’s sporting community: when Tarek Hamdi clinched a historic silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, etching his name in history as one of the Kingdom’s most celebrated athletes. For a then 13-year-old Abdullah Alqahtani, watching from home, it was more than a proud national moment — it was a turning point.
Fast forward four years, and the now 17-year-old Alqahtani stands poised on the global stage, following in his idol’s footsteps and carving a path to greatness in the world of karate.
In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, Alqahtani expressed how deeply inspired he was watching Hamdi compete.
🗣 “Tarek Hamdi’s Olympic silver medal was tremendously motivating for all of us Saudi athletes,” he said. “I remember watching him compete and it showed us that with perseverance and hard work, we can achieve our goals at the highest levels.”
Alqahtani’s admiration extends beyond Hamdi’s medal tally; he looks up to the Olympic medalist not only for his skill but also for his character.
🗣 “What I admire most in athletes like Tarek are their qualities: unwavering determination, mental resilience, discipline, and sportsmanship. I’m particularly drawn to athletes who maintain humility despite their success, and I can confirm Tarek is not only an exceptional athlete but also has a wonderful personality.”
Pushed by that inspiration and armed with relentless work ethic, Alqahtani has earned his own spotlight. In October 2024, he clinched the World Junior Male Kumite +76kg title, emerging victorious over Italy’s home favorite Federico Supino in Venice-Jesolo.
🗣 “Winning the World Junior gold was an incredible and emotional experience,” Alqahtani recalled. “The moment was particularly special because I had the opportunity to raise the Saudi flag at this prestigious international event.”
Backed by strong institutions like the Saudi Karate Federation and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the teenage prodigy has been on a steady trajectory toward excellence. Yet, as he admits, his journey into karate began almost accidentally.
🗣 “I was first drawn to practicing karate purely by chance,” he said. “But as I developed my skills and gained more experience in competitions, I began to understand that with dedication and proper training, I could reach the international level.”
Now fully immersed in the sport, Alqahtani embraces not just karate’s physical demands but also its philosophical foundations.
🗣 “I love karate because it’s much more than just a physical sport. It teaches respect, discipline, and self-confidence. These principles have shaped not only my athletic career but also my approach to life.”
Training is intense and continuous. The smallest misstep in a match can mean the difference between winning and losing — a reality that Alqahtani tackles head-on through dedication to daily routines.
🗣 “I train daily throughout the week,” he explained. “Staying consistent means I can refine my techniques, build endurance, and maintain mental focus for competition. A daily commitment is essential for competing at an international standard.”
Despite his youth, his determination and focus mirror those of seasoned veterans. With a clear goal in mind — Olympic glory — he remains steadfast in his mission, even though current realities pose challenges.
Karate made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, only to be excluded from the subsequent Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Games. That, however, has not dimmed Alqahtani’s Olympic dream.
🗣 “One of our biggest aspirations is to see karate reinstated as an Olympic sport,” he said. “The opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia at the Olympic Games would be the pinnacle of our sporting careers.”
Looking ahead to Brisbane 2032, where he’ll be 24 years old, Alqahtani hopes to compete at the Olympics should karate make a return.
🗣 “We continue to train and compete with this dream in mind. Achieving success at the highest international levels and continuing to develop as an athlete remains my focus. I want to reach my full potential in this sport that has given me so much.”
With a powerful role model, national backing, and an unwavering spirit, Abdullah Alqahtani is well on his way to becoming a leading figure in the next generation of Saudi athletes — a young man who turned a televised moment of brilliance into a living dream.
© Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
