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Aisha Al-Saei builds her archery career with Olympic goals

February 06, 2026 / 7:42 PM
Aisha Al-Saei builds her archery career with Olympic goals
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Sharjah24: Qatari archer Aisha Al-Saei arrived at the eighth edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament 2026 in Sharjah carrying more than competitive ambition. For the young national team athlete, the event marked another step in a journey shaped by patience, choice and a growing understanding of her own strengths.

Al-Saei’s path to archery was deliberate. Before picking up a bow, she spent several years moving between sports, including basketball, swimming and football. Each offered lessons, but none created a lasting sense of connection. That changed in 2018, when she was introduced to recurve archery and found a sport that suited her calm temperament and ability to focus.

Finding the Right Fit

What drew her in was not speed or physical contact, but precision. Archery demanded control, discipline and mental balance. Encouraged by her mother, Al-Saei committed fully, seeking a discipline that reflected her personality.

A key technical turning point

A defining moment came in 2023, when she decided to switch from recurve to compound bow. The move proved decisive. Technically and psychologically, compound archery felt closer to her natural strengths, bringing renewed motivation and clarity.

Balancing sport and education

Alongside her sporting development, Al-Saei continues her university studies in business administration at Lusail University. She credits the academic environment for its flexibility and understanding around international competition, allowing her to balance study and sport without sacrificing either.

Titles and growing confidence

Results followed. Al-Saei claimed first place at the West Asia Archery Championship in 2025 and won Qatar’s Ramadan Archery Championship, achievements that strengthened her confidence while reinforcing her belief that she remains at the beginning of a longer path.

Ambition beyond the region

Beyond regional competition, her ambitions extend to the Asian stage, with the Olympic Games firmly in sight. She understands the demands of that journey, but believes steady work and persistence can carry her forward. For Al-Saei, archery is not only about scores, but about choosing the right discipline and committing to it, one controlled shot at a time.

About AWST 2026

Organised by Sharjah Women’s Sports, AWST 2026 runs until February 12 and brings together 65 teams from 16 Arab countries competing across nine individual and team sports.

February 06, 2026 / 7:42 PM

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