Carla El Boustany, a premed biology student at the University of Balamand (UOB), recently demonstrated outstanding prowess in the world of Taekwondo. She proudly represented both her university and her country, Lebanon, at the International Qatar Open Taekwondo Championship. The championship took place in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday, October 22nd 2023, where Carla's exceptional skills and unyielding determination led her to secure the coveted 1st place in her category.

Carla's journey in the Qatar championship commenced with her first thrilling match in the Under 67 Kg Category, where she faced off against an opponent from Saudi Arabia. Her remarkable performance paved the way for her advancement to the final showdown, where she faced off against a Pakistani player, ultimately emerging victorious and securing the Gold medal for Lebanon.

Carla embarked on her Taekwondo journey at the age of 3, and her unwavering commitment and genuine passion for the sport have propelled her to extraordinary levels of success. Her achievements, including securing the gold at the Beirut Open in 2018, clinching a bronze medal in the Asian Championship in Jordan in 2019, winning gold at the Beirut Open Junior, and earning silver at the Beirut Open Senior in 2019, as well as representing Lebanon on the international stage in the Asian Championship in Korea in 2022, stand as a testament to Carla's exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.

In 2023, Carla continued to add to her impressive list of accomplishments, securing a bronze medal at the Arab Championship. She further showcased her exceptional skills by securing a gold medal in the University Championship, proudly representing UOB. Additionally, she secured a bronze medal at the Beirut Open and clinched another gold medal at the Qatar Open.

Reflecting on her journey, Carla shared her thoughts: "I’ve proudly represented Lebanon and been a part of the national team for around 5 years. Taekwondo has become a significant aspect of my life." She added, "Despite encountering numerous injuries, I emphasize the importance of overcoming obstacles with unwavering determination for ultimate success."

Professor Rami Abboud, Vice President for Internationalization & Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UOB, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Carla for her remarkable achievement. He emphasized, "Carla's success reflects the commitment of our students to excellence. It is a testament to the dedication and sportsmanship she embodies and to the motto of 'Serious Education with Serious Fun' integrated by UOB. Our university will always be a place for students to nurture their athletic skills."

Carla El Boustany's outstanding victory at the International Qatar Open Taekwondo Championship stands as a source of pride and inspiration for the University of Balamand community and Lebanon as a whole. We look forward to witnessing her continued success in the world of Taekwondo and in academia alike. ​