The Qatar Olympic Committee celebrated their silver medallist ©QOC

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) held a special event in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the Gulf country's first-ever Olympic silver medallist.

That came courtesy of high jumper Mutaz Barshim, who cleared 2.36 metres to claim second spot on the podium at the Rio Games.

QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and secretary general Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari were in attendance for the celebration at the organisation's Bayt Qatar House in Rio.

Qataris and local Brazilians were also there to wave flags and celebrate Barshim's achievement.

Before his silver, the country's Olympic medal count had consisted of only four bronzes.

Barshim entered behind the bicycle used at the Opening Ceremony and was shown a surprise film which outlined his efforts.

Silver confetti was also fired into the air.

“When I was young, I used to watch my father and other great athletes and dreamt of standing on the podium at the Olympic Games," Barshim said.

“Today, at the age of 25, I celebrate winning my second Olympic medal and for me that is such a blessing.  

"It was a great competition and having Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani in the crowd supporting me every step of the way was extra motivation.

“Not only that, but the first call I received after the competition was from Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Mutaz Barshim won Qatar's first Olympic silver medal ©Getty Images
Mutaz Barshim won Qatar's first Olympic silver medal ©Getty Images

“None of this would have been possible without the help of my parents, everyone in my country and God.

“I felt like the whole nation was behind me, supporting me every step of the way. 

"This medal is for each and every one of you. 

"I’m incredibly happy."

Barshim also won high jump bronze at London 2012 and was beaten to gold in Rio by Canada's Derek Drouin, who cleared 2.38m.

He was given a signed flag and also attended a cocktail reception.

Al Kuwari said: “All of us at QOC are extremely proud of Mutaz and his achievement - a historic first for Qatar.

“We are very pleased to celebrate his achievement in Bayt Qatar, with the citizens of Rio, as it represents our main goal of uniting people in celebration of sport.

“We hope that his silver medal is a stepping stone for him to even greater things and an inspiration to Qatari youth to always aspire for more.

“Bayt Qatar is a home away from home for Mutaz and all our athletes, and we hope that tonight has given him a piece of Qatar to keep with him ahead of his three remaining competitions before he returns to Qatar later this year.”