Doha, 27 August 2025
At the 2025 Toastmasters International (TMI)Convention held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 20–23 August 2025, TMI District 116 Qatar achieved a landmark accomplishment by securing the World Rank No. 2 among all Toastmasters districts globally—a first in the district’s history. This exceptional recognition underscores the district’s continued dedication to public speaking excellence, leadership development, and organizational growth.
The awards were received by Alar Mel Mangai, DTM, District 116 Director (2025-2026); Serwin Olimpo, DTM, Program Quality Director; Eman Salameh, DTM, Club Growth Director; Sabeena MK, DTM, Immediate Past District 116 Director
The global spotlight on Qatar's Toastmasters community came during the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking, where thousands of participants from over 100 countries competed in a months-long contest. The competition culminated in a powerful final round featuring eight finalists. Sabyasachi Sengupta of District 59 was crowned World Champion with his speech, “Just Nod.” Mas Mahathir Bin Mohamad (District 51) and Allen Ang Boon Kiat (District 87) took second and third place, respectively.
District 116’s impressive global ranking reflects outstanding performance in the Distinguished District Program (DCP)—a Toastmasters International framework that measures district-level success across growth, education, and leadership goals. As a result, Qatar was honored as a Smedley Distinguished District, the highest possible distinction, thanks to the following achievements: 8% net growth in membership payments, 8% net club growth, At least 60% of clubs achieving Distinguished Club status.
Moreover, the district met all five core qualifying criteria, including in areas including Training 85% of Division and Area Directors by September 30, Timely submission of the District Success Plan, Market Analysis Plan, and Communication Plan, and Completion of two Region Advisor meetings by May 31.
District 116 also received several top awards for excellence in leadership and execution - President’s 20-Plus Award – Recognizing clubs with 20+ members; awarded to District Director (2024-2025) Sabeena MK and club leaders; District Program Quality Award – Honoring Program Quality Director Alar Mel Mangai, DTM, and team for outstanding educational delivery; District Club Growth Award – Presented to Club Growth Director Sherwin Olimpo, DTM, and team for their success in expanding clubs and membership
“These honors are a tribute to the collective passion, discipline, and dedication of our members and leaders,” said District 116 Director (2024-2025) Sabeena MK.
Toastmasters International was founded in 1924, Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals through public speaking and leadership training. With over 270,000 members in 14,000+ clubs across 150 countries, Toastmasters continues to be a global force in communication development. Please visit to learn more at www.toastmasters.org.
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