Being a Qatari athlete and a woman has been both empowering and challenging
For Hana Al Khater, volleyball is more than just a sport – it is a symbol of unity and teamwork. On the court, individual boundaries fade away, and everyone becomes part of one shared game. This sense of connection ignited the passion of the young Qatari athlete, inspiring her to pursue her dream of becoming a volleyball player. Aparajita Mukherjee sat down with Al Khater to unravel her athlete and the individual. BL: What life lesson has volleyball taught you?Al Khater: Volleyball has taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. No matter how skilled a player is, success in volleyball depends on working cohesively as a team, trusting your teammates, and communicating effectively during high-pressure moments. It has also taught me resilience and adaptability. Sometimes the game doesn’t go as planned, but learning to stay composed, adapt strategies, and focus on the next play is crucial. I’ve also learned how to appreciate friendships within the volleyball team, my coaches, teammates, family, and even spectators all helped me learn to appreciate the little things in life. BL: How has it been – being a Qatari athlete and a woman – on and off the field?Al Khater: Being a Qatari athlete and a woman has been both empowering and challenging. On the field, I take pride in breaking barriers and representing my culture, while off the field, I’ve faced societal expectations which have pushed me to grow as a leader. This journey has taught me resilience and the importance of inspiring change, proving that passion and determination can overcome any boundary. BL: In hindsight, what would you choose to re-do (if given an option)?Al Khater: If given the chance, I would focus more on embracing opportunities and getting outside my comfort zone earlier. Looking back, there were moments where hesitation held me back from taking on challenges that could have further shaped me. While I’ve learned from these experiences, I now realize the importance of taking risks and fully committing to every opportunity that comes my way. BL: Where do you see yourself 3 years down the line?Al Khater: Three years from now, I see myself pursuing a degree in a science based major, building on my passion for investigation and problem-solving. I aim to be actively involved in hands-on research, honing my skills in analyzing evidence and contributing to impactful projects. Beyond academics, I hope to continue inspiring others by advocating for women in STEM and sports, showing that determination can lead to breaking barriers in any field as long as you push yourself. Short Takes
