Qatar’s yo-yo competitor and performer Hamad al-Mansouri has etched his name in history by becoming the first Arab semifinalist at the recently held World Yo-Yo Championship 2024 in the US.
This remarkable feat, along with his 17th-place ranking in the world, propelled al-Mansouri onto the global stage, inspiring a new generation of yo-yo enthusiasts in Qatar and the Arab world.
“One of the highlights of the championship is once I was done with both my quarterfinals and semifinals performances, everyone, I know in that hall has come to complement, thank, cheer, and congratulate me for the massive success. My friends back home were calling me immediately, my family as well. People were sharing the moments online on the media,” he told Gulf Times.
Facing a challenging 2023 season due to a knee injury, he said he returned with renewed focus, dedicating himself to improving his skills and creating a strategic plan for success.
Al-Mansouri attributes his latest achievement to the support of Qatar’s leadership, specifically highlighting the impact of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's vision for a youthful and successful generation.
At the World Yo-Yo Championship, he said he was immersed in a vibrant community of yo-yo lovers. He reveled in the chance to interact with fellow enthusiasts, from seasoned champions to up-and-coming talents.
“In between those supportive crowds was my great friend Tsubasa Takada (2-time Asian champion), Rei Iwakura (7 times world champion), and Jonathan Sitanggang (Indonesian 2 times national champion), all of them gave me the warmest words and supportive sentences to help me continue my growth,” al-Mansouri added.
He pointed out that the supportive atmosphere, especially the cheers of the American audience who were witnessing his skills for the first time, fueled his determination.
However, al-Mansouri said his journey was not without its challenges. He faced pressure during the quarter-finals, navigating the weight of expectations and the roaring cheers for his opponent. But he overcame these internal struggles, displaying a strong performance that secured his place in the semifinals.
With his sights set on the World Yo-Yo Championship 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic, al-Mansouri said: “My goal is to reach the top 10 and become the first Arab finalist in history. It would be an honour to represent Qatar and the entire Arab world at that level”.
Sharing his preparations for the recent global competition, he cited an even more disciplined and advanced training routine, collaborating with top players and mentors, including former world champions and judges.
“I believe that my journey and achievements can inspire a new generation of yo-yo enthusiasts in Qatar and the Arab world,” al-Mansouri said. “Yo-yoing is a skill accessible to all, and I want to see more young people from our region pursue their passion and represent us on the international stage”.
He said his vision for the future of yo-yoing in Qatar goes beyond personal success, advocating for the establishment of a national yo-yo organisation to support local players and facilitate their participation in international competitions.
“Qatar has a history of hosting prestigious sporting events, and I believe that our country can become a hub for yo-yo enthusiasts in the region,” he said. “With the support of our government and the community, I am confident that we can achieve great things”.
Qatar’s yo-yo competitor and performer Hamad al-Mansouri at the World Yo-yo Championship 2024 in the US.
