National fencer Ghoroor Abdulwaheed: Girls don’t have to choose between education and sport – and society should recognize that

National fencer Ghoroor Abdulwaheed, a Health and Sports Affairs Specialist at Qatar Foundation, champions a future where girls can excel in both sports and academics - without compromise

"As a child, my parents always encouraged me to pursue sports, believing that physical activity would help shape my character and discipline. My mom enrolled me in gymnastics, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t the right fit – I needed something more dynamic, something that spoke to my competitive spirit."

That’s when a physical education teacher introduced me to fencing, a new and intriguing sport in Qatar. She told me that I could be one of the first girls in the country to practice it –an opportunity that was both exciting and daunting. After much discussion and convincing, I joined the Qatar Fencing Federation at the age of 10."

At first, I was just a curious beginner, but over time, I grew to love the sport. The intensity, strategy, and thrill of competition pushed me to work harder, and before I knew it, I had earned a spot on the Qatar national girls’ team. I went on to compete in Gulf and Asian championships, which was an incredible achievement for me, but also a reflection of the hard work, sacrifice, and resilience that fencing demanded."

However, after high school, I faced an even tougher challenge: should I continue my journey as an athlete or follow my passion for science and pursue a career in medicine? At the time, there were no sports academies or an educational system that supported balancing both dreams. The lack of structure or guidance made the decision even harder. It was a difficult choice, one that forced me to weigh my love for fencing against my dream of becoming a doctor. Ultimately, I chose to follow my academic ambitions and enrolled in medical school, leaving fencing behind."

But as I pursued my medical degree, my experiences in sports never left me. I graduated from Cornell University with a background in Nutrition Sciences and later earned a Master’s in Women, Society & Development from Hamad Bin Khalifa University [a member of Qatar Foundation]. Along the way, I realized that my journey wasn’t just about choosing between two paths – it was about breaking barriers for girls who, like me, face societal expectations that limit their potential."

To me, fencing is the perfect sport for a Qatari woman. It aligns with Islamic values and traditions, beautifully balancing modesty with competition. The attire – a full-body suit and face mask – allows female athletes to participate while respecting cultural and religious norms. Fencing was not just an opportunity to excel as an athlete; it was a way to embrace a sport that complemented my identity as a Qatari woman. It provided a platform to express my passion for sports without compromising on my values, allowing me to break free from the limitations often placed on women."

Today, as a health and sports specialist, one of my goals at Qatar Foundation schools and within the broader community is to change the narrative for girls—especially in sports. In my experience, one of the biggest challenges facing girls in Qatar and across the region is the limited support and opportunities to engage in sports, particularly during adolescence. Societal expectations often push girls to prioritize academics over athletics, leading many to believe they have to choose between the two."

This mindset is one of the greatest barriers to progress. Sports are often seen as secondary to education, and girls who want to excel in both are often discouraged or left without support. For many, it becomes a question of ‘either/or’ when it should be ‘both/and’. The idea that a girl must choose between pursuing her athletic dreams and her academic goals is outdated and limiting – it’s time to change that."

As a graduate of institutions like Cornell University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, I am committed to advocating for a new approach—one that empowers young girls to pursue both sports and academics. My goal is to create an environment where girls in Qatar can excel in athletics while thriving academically, particularly within our Qatar Foundation schools. I want to challenge the outdated norms that restrict opportunities for girls and ensure that they have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed in all aspects of life."

When I first chose fencing, I thought it was simply about competing in a sport I loved. What I didn’t realize was that I was also stepping into a larger battle—challenging against societal expectations that told me I couldn’t have it all." 

Now, I want to be part of changing that story. I want to show the next generation of girls that they don’t have to choose between their passions for sports and their academic ambitions. They can be successful in both—and it’s time our society embraces that truth."

I want to express my deepest gratitude to QF’s leadership, which has been a pioneering force in supporting Qatari girls in sports. Their unwavering dedication to empowering women and providing opportunities to excel is truly inspiring, and I am proud to be part of this community. Thanks to this support, many girls—including myself—have been able to dream bigger and achieve more."