Alkass English
Qatar carved its name into athletics history at the World Championships in Tokyo, with Abderrahman Samba and Ismail Abakar both storming into the men’s 400m hurdles final. It marks the first time more than one Qatari athlete will line up in a World Championship final, underlining the nation’s growing presence on the track.
In the semi-finals, Samba, a former bronze medalist, showcased his class by winning the opening heat in 47.63 seconds, edging out world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway, who clocked 47.72. Just minutes later, the celebrations doubled as 21-year-old Abakar ran the race of his life. He finished second in his heat with a personal-best 47.61, behind Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel, who set the fastest time of the round at 47.47.
Bassem Hemeida nearly joined them but narrowly missed out in a fiercely competitive third heat. Up against Olympic champion Rai Benjamin and Brazil’s former world champion Alison dos Santos, the Qatari pushed hard to the line but was edged out. Dos Santos clocked 48.16 to claim second behind Benjamin’s 47.95, while Hemeida settled for 48.29, just outside qualification.
With two Qataris in the final alongside global heavyweights, the stage is set for a showdown of champions. Benjamin, reflecting on the upcoming race, predicted fireworks: “It’s going to be really fast. I hope it’s historic, and I hope I’m on the right side of history this time.”
The American, who took silver behind Warholm in Doha 2019 and again behind Dos Santos in 2022, knows the scale of the challenge. Warholm, chasing his fourth world title, appeared unfazed by finishing second to Samba, hinting it was part of his strategy. “He could take first place if he wanted to, but honestly, I don’t care,” the Norwegian remarked. “Even with an outside lane, it’ll be fun.”
Tomorrow’s final promises drama and speed in equal measure, with four former podium finishers and two determined Qataris looking to make their mark on the world stage.