Posted On: 2 February 2022 01:00 pm

Updated On: 2 February 2022 11:52 am

Ahmed Tijan: Qatar's first Olympic bronze medallist in beach volleyball

Nabeela

Content Writer

Share it!

Discuss here!

Start a discussion

Ahmed Tijan Janko: Qatar's first Olympic bronze medallist in beach volleyball

Ahmed Tijan Janko was born on 28 April 1995. Little did he know at the time that he would become a beach volleyball player representing Qatar on the world stage. Ahmed is the recipient of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medal and the 2021 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 4-star event gold medal with his beach volleyball partner Cherif Younousse Samba.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is bringing you an exclusive Q&A with Ahmed so you get to know more about this talented, yet modest, beach volleyball player.

1. How do you feel about representing Qatar in beach volleyball?

Ahmed: I feel so happy to represent Qatar in the world of beach volleyball because it has provided me with everything that I need for my sports career and my life. I am working hard to pay back the achievements we are bringing to the country.

2. How does it feel to have won the first-ever medal for Qatar in beach volleyball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

Ahmed: It feels so amazing to win a medal in the Olympics. It’s a historic moment. I’ll be remembered forever and Qatar will remain in the sports history books.

3. What was going through your mind when you won at the Olympics?

Ahmed: In my mind, I was not feeling myself. To be honest; it was like a movie for me. It’s something unbelievable. I have never felt this way in my life. My dream came true.

4. How many awards have you won so far?

Ahmed: How many awards have I won so far? I’ll say 20 so far, but I am looking to add many more.

5. How did you become part of the national volleyball team?

Ahmed: I became part of the national team of Qatar because of my good performance in the Qatar local league. I always performed well in the game. I was working hard and I love to see the results.

6. Tell us about your typical training schedule.

Video credit: Aspetar

Ahmad: Fitness training is the most typical thing in my weekly training programme. I train three times a week, twice a day. And, the training is very intense.

7. Is beach volleyball different from regular volleyball?

Ahmed: Yes. In beach volleyball, there are only two players. Regular volleyball has six players. There are different rules and different grounds for both types of volleyball; playing on sand is very different from playing on solid ground.

8. What were your challenges when you started beach volleyball?

Ahmed: I’ll say, the game was fun to watch, and is easier to manage. My challenges were to develop my skills, my technique and to be able to perform at a better level.

9. Tell us about your childhood. What was it like?

Ahmed: My childhood story is a little long. But, to keep it short, I was always in love with football, volleyball and tennis. I was playing all these three games at the same time. But, in the end, I chose beach volleyball.

10. Tell us about your family. Who are you closest to?

Ahmed: I grew up in a small family of three sisters and one brother. And, I’m closest to my father; he’s my best friend.

11. Who is your biggest supporter? How have they supported you?

Ahmed: I have many big supporters around the world. It’s hard to choose the best one from them. I’m receiving support from all around the world and I’m so grateful for that.

12. What are your favourite sports?

Ahmed: My favourite sports are volleyball, tennis and soccer.

13. Who is your favourite sportsperson?

Ahmed: That’ll be Mutaz Barshim.

14. If not volleyball, which other sport would you have played?

Ahmed: If not volleyball, I would have played soccer.

15. What are some of the things you learnt from playing volleyball that has helped you in your everyday life?

Ahmed: The most important thing that I have learned from beach volleyball is you have to be mentally, physically and emotionally strong, and your confidence is very important as well. And all these qualities have helped me in my life so far.

16. What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful in what you do?

Video credit: Beach Volleyball World

Ahmed: I’ll say patience. It is super important. Without being patient, I don’t think I would have reached this far.

17. What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?

Ahmed: The hardest decision that I have ever made is to switch from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball and stay there permanently.

18. What's the best thing about what you do?

Ahmed: The best thing about what I do is that I’m always looking for ways to achieve better things in my life and always stay consistent in my daily schedule.

19. What do you do in your free time?

Ahmed: I normally like to take care of my studies during my free days.

20. What is your favourite travel destination and why?

Ahmed: I’ll say the USA. I normally find the environment and the people to be positive. You can feel the good vibes and great energy around you.

21. What is your favourite food?

Ahmed: Meat Biryani. Absolutely delicious!

22. What’s something no one or very few people know about you?

Ahmed: I like to be alone most of the time.

23. What are your future plans?

Ahmed: My future plans are to continue to be healthy and strong so that I am able to give back all that I have achieved by playing beach volleyball.

I’d like to share the knowledge with the younger generation in Qatar and want to inspire them to join our amazing sport, so we can bring more achievements in the future.

24. Is there any message you’d like to give the people in Qatar?

Ahmed: Yes, my message is that parents should encourage their kids, and give them the chance to play sports. The future is so important. It has to start from now. The young ones are the leaders of tomorrow!