Al Gharafa Beach Volleyball Training Centre named FIVB International Centre of Excellence

The Al Gharafa Beach Volleyball Training Centre in Doha has been officially designated an International Centre of Excellence for Beach Volleyball by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), further strengthening Qatar’s position as a global destination for the development of the sport.

The designation follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the FIVB and the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) at the Qatar Olympic Academy in Al Gharafa.

With the new status, the Al Gharafa facility joins the FIVB’s network of International Centres of Excellence, which aims to provide high-performance development opportunities for athletes, coaches and national federations from around the world.

What the new centre will offer

The Al Gharafa Beach Volleyball Training Centre will serve as an international platform for high-performance preparation and sports development.

Its programmes will include athlete and youth development, coach education, technical cooperation, international training camps and knowledge exchange.

The facility includes five beach volleyball courts, alongside athlete recovery and support services and access to specialised technical and high-performance personnel.

The designation builds on Qatar’s growing presence in international beach volleyball, both through its competitive achievements and Doha’s experience hosting major international tournaments, including stages and finals of the Beach Volleyball World Tour.

Building on Qatar’s Olympic success

QVA President and President of the Qatar and West Asia Volleyball Federations Ali Ghanim Al Kuwari highlighted the progress beach volleyball has made in Qatar over recent years.

He pointed to the achievements of Qatari players Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, who made history by winning the bronze medal in beach volleyball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Al Kuwari said the new partnership would help strengthen Doha’s position as a destination for athletes and coaches from across the region and internationally, providing an environment where training, preparation and knowledge exchange can take place at the highest level.

He added that the initiative reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to developing its sports sector and strengthening its international presence in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Turning Qatar’s achievements into a global legacy

Cherif Younousse, who is also a member of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, said the centre creates an opportunity to transform Qatar’s achievements in beach volleyball into a lasting legacy benefiting athletes beyond the country.

He highlighted the importance of establishing an environment where athletes and coaches can exchange knowledge, develop their skills and prepare to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

FIVB President Fabio Azevedo said the centre will make the knowledge, experience and high-performance environment developed by Qatar available to a wider group of athletes, coaches and national federations around the world.

He explained that the FIVB International Centres of Excellence network is intended to expand access to elite preparation while encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience across the international volleyball community.

Part of FIVB Strategic Vision 2032

The designation forms part of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which includes plans to expand the International Centres of Excellence network and accelerate the global development of beach volleyball.

For Qatar, the recognition also comes as the country continues preparations to host major international sporting competitions in the coming years, including the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup 2029 and the Asian Games 2030.

The new Al Gharafa centre is expected to further reinforce Doha’s role not only as a host of major sporting events, but also as a destination for athlete development, coaching expertise and high-performance training.

I’d lead the social creative with “Doha is now a global centre for beach volleyball excellence” — it communicates the significance immediately without sounding like an institutional announcement.

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