Dr. Al Khulaifi Honored with AFC Medical Excellence Award

Dr. Khalid Abdulrahman Yousef Al Khulaifi has been awarded the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Excellence Award during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur. This accolade, presented on the sidelines of the 8th AFC Medical Conference 2025, recognizes Dr. Al Khulaifi’s significant contributions to sports medicine as a representative of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Aspetar, the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar.

Dr. Al Khulaifi serves as a consultant orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon, as well as the Director of the Visiting Surgeons Program at Aspetar. The AFC Medical Excellence Award is an annual recognition granted to young medical professionals under the age of 45, highlighting their exceptional achievements in scientific research, the advancement of medical services, and the improvement of professional training programs in football.

Recognition of Distinguished Career

This award marks a significant milestone in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s career, underscoring his dedication and leadership in the field of sports medicine. His efforts have not only advanced the practice of sports medicine but have also positioned Qatari medical professionals prominently on both continental and global stages. His ongoing research and commitment to innovation exemplify a relentless pursuit of excellence in the service of sports and healthcare.

Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director of Aspetar, expressed pride in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s accomplishment, stating, “We congratulate Dr. Khalid Al Khulaifi on the remarkable achievement, which fills us with pride here at Aspetar.” This statement reinforces the pivotal role played by Aspetar’s staff in achieving high standards of medical excellence regionally and globally.

Previous Roles and Contributions

Dr. Al Khulaifi’s experience extends beyond his current position. He previously acted as the Medical Director for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and has served as the head of several medical committees, including those for the 2023 Asian Cup and the Asian Youth Cup. His involvement in numerous sports tournaments hosted in Qatar demonstrates his influence and commitment to enhancing medical services in sports.

The AFC Medical Excellence Award is more than just a personal achievement for Dr. Al Khulaifi; it is a testament to the growing recognition of Qatari medical professionals on the international stage. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of individuals like Dr. Al Khulaifi, who continue to push the boundaries of sports medicine.