Aspetar Magazine

136 ASPETAR MAGAZINE ASPETAR CHAMPION Diving seems to hold a special place in your heart. What attracts you to it? The love for the sea and diving is deeply rooted in Qataris from our ancestors. I grew up in the coastal village of Al Wakra and became very close to the sea. My passion for diving led me to free-dive around the world in search of rare fish species. Currently, I hold the largest Arab record for spearfishing a "Dogtooth Tuna" weighing 85 kg. In addition to fishing, I'm passionate about underwater photography to share the beauty of marine life with others. From this passion, I established a diving academy that has graduated over a thousand students. I believe it's important for a person to leave a legacy for those who follow them. Do you have a unique experiencewith marine life in Qatar? Yes, many people think the Gulf Sea is not ideal for diving, but they don't know that Qatar is one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Between June and September, a unique phenomenon occurs where a massive number of whale sharks gather, creating one of the largest aggregations in theworld. I experienced this for the first time a few years ago, and it was a humbling opportunity to appreciate the Creator's magnificence and the beauty of the marine environment. This experience also sparked my interest in photography to capture and share this beauty with others. What positive impact has sports had on your life? Sports, especially diving, have had a profound impact on my life. I learned patience, calmness, caution, and balance from the sea. When you face dangerous situations underwater, you must learn to stay calm and think before you act. These qualities have translated into my daily and professional life. I've noticed that people who engage in such dangerous hobbies develop a certain calmness because they understand the value of patience. A final word and any advice you'd like to share? Many people ask me how I balance all these responsibilities and hobbies. My philosophy in life is: Don't wait until you are perfectly ready to start. If we wait for perfection, we will never begin. The journey itself is what teaches us. Therefore, if you have a goal or a dream, try to pursue it, even if you feel you're not 100% ready. Don't let the pursuit of perfection stop you from achieving what you aspire to in life. Scan the QR code to watch the full interview with Dr. Jamal Al Khanji