AFC Honors Aspetar’s Key Contributions to Advancing Sports Medicine at 8th Medical Conference

Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital , received a distinguished accolade at the conclusion of the 8th Medical Conference organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Recognized as a principal scientific partner, Aspetar’s pivotal role and unwavering support were instrumental in the success of the region’s flagship medical event.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Aspetar, accepted the prestigious award from AFC Secretary General Dato’ Windsor during the closing ceremony. In parallel, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was honored as a key collaborator in hosting this global event.

CEO of Aspetar Dr Abulaziz expressed profound pride in this recognition, which validates Aspetar’s leadership and excellence in the sports medicine field. He underscored the exclusive scientific contributions made by over 20 leading international experts from Aspetar who participated throughout the three-day conference, featuring 54 specialized lectures and sessions, complemented by 13 intensive workshops covering diverse medical disciplines pertinent to sports during the two days preceding the conference.

“We take great pride in our foundational role in the advancement of sports medicine not only across Asia but globally,” Dr. Al-Kuwari remarked. “We remain committed to sustaining and enhancing our impactful contributions to this vital field. Today’s honor epitomizes Aspetar’s stature as a preeminent and influential institution within scientific, medical, and sports communities.”

Dr. Al-Kuwari further highlighted the exemplary contributions of Aspetar’s experts, notably Dr. Khalid Al-Khelaifi, recipient of the Medical Excellence Award, extending his warm congratulations. He also lauded Dr. Mohammed Al-Saey for spearheading the issuance of the AFC’s first specialized guideline on sports dentistry—an achievement that significantly elevates the profile of Qatar’s medical professionals.

The concluding day of the conference featured a series of distinguished presentations, including the integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging and a comprehensive review of Aspetar’s innovative approach to sports injury prevention. Researchers elaborated on data collection methodologies within the Qatar Stars League and the successful adaptation of these methodologies across Asian competitions. Novel research topics addressed challenges in women’s sports, emergency medical protocols on the field, and the physiological effects of hot climates on female football athletes.

Aspetar’s participation culminated with an in-depth showcase of its extraordinary experience during the FIFA World Cup QATAR 2022, highlighting best practices in comprehensive medical coverage for major sporting events, thereby cementing Aspetar’s status as a global exemplar in sports medicine.

This distinguished involvement reaffirms Aspetar’s strategic partnership with the AFC and its role as a leading authority actively shaping the future of sports medicine throughout the continent. The conference, now held biennially since the last edition in Doha, is slated to reconvene in 2027.