The sands of Doha, Qatar, shone last week with an unprecedented event: the WAVA U20 Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Organized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, this tournament marked a historic moment for women’s sports in the region, highlighting the positive impact of global initiatives for sports development.

Held on December 2 and 3, the event brought together youth teams from eight countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing interest in beach volleyball among young female athletes in the region. Moreover, this championship aligns with international efforts to promote gender equality in sports, a topic of increasing relevance in recent years.

THE COMPETITION AND THE FUTURE OF VOLLEYBALL

The championship in Doha showcased thrilling matchups that highlighted the emerging talent in the region, with the Lebanese team stealing the spotlight. Lara Al Nahi and Louna Khorbotly claimed the gold medal after an electrifying final against Jordan’s Batoul Husein Ahmad Abdallah and Ghyad Alashoush, who took the silver. Lebanon celebrated a second podium success with Angelina Farah and Angy Lakkis, who secured the bronze in a hard-fought match.

This event not only underscored the competitive level of women’s beach volleyball in the Middle East but also demonstrated the region’s potential to become a hub for youth sports. Driven by the FIVB and Olympic Solidarity, this inaugural tournament reinforces the vision of building inclusive platforms that foster the development of women’s sports and create opportunities for future generations of athletes.