Dr. Al Khulaifi Receives AFC Medical Excellence Award in Kuala Lumpur

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 recognition highlights his contributions to sports medicine and is a significant achievement for both the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.

As a consultant orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Al Khulaifi also serves as the Director of the Visiting Surgeons Program at Aspetar. The award ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 8th AFC Medical Conference 2025, underscoring the importance of his work in the field.

Acknowledging Young Medical Talent

The AFC Medical Excellence Award is an annual accolade that recognizes young medical professionals under the age of 45. It aims to honor those who have made significant contributions to scientific research, the advancement of medical services, and the enhancement of professional training programs within football. Dr. Al Khulaifi’s receipt of this award underscores his distinguished career in sports medicine.

This award not only acknowledges his individual achievements but also reinforces the recognition of Qatari medical talents on both continental and global stages. Dr. Al Khulaifi’s ongoing research and commitment to innovation speak to his dedication to advancing the fields of sports and medicine.

Leadership and Contributions

Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director of Aspetar, expressed pride in Dr. Al Khulaifi’s achievement, stating, “We congratulate Dr. Khalid Al Khulaifi on the remarkable achievement, which fills us with pride here at Aspetar.” He emphasized that this recognition confirms the pioneering role played by Aspetar’s staff in achieving excellence at regional and global levels.

Dr. Al Khulaifi has an extensive background in sports medicine, having previously served as the Medical Director for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. His leadership extends to various medical committees, including roles as Sports Director for the 2023 Asian Cup and the Asian Youth Cup, along with numerous sports tournaments held in Qatar.

This latest accolade for Dr. Al Khulaifi not only highlights his personal dedication but also reflects the support and commitment of the QFA and Aspetar in fostering medical excellence within the realm of sports.