Korea Overcome team Qatar in Asian Games Football Opener

AICHI-NAGOYA – Qatar’s U-23 national team opened their football campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games with a 1-4 defeat to Korea Republic on Tuesday at Mizuho Park Stadium.Marwan Sharif scored Qatar’s consolation goal in the 85th minute, while South Korea’s goals came from Eom Ji-sung, who completed a hat-trick in the seventh, 20th and first minute of added time in the opening half, and Kim Myeong-jung in the 66th minute.South Korea took the lead in the seventh minute when Eom Ji-sung broke into the area and fired a shot into the net. The same player doubled his side’s advantage in the 20th minute with another incisive run and finish.Eom completed his hat-trick just before the interval, breaking through unmarked and placing his effort beyond the goalkeeper in the 45+1st minute.South Korea continued to dominate after the restart and added a fourth in the 66th minute when Kim Myeong-jung made his way into the area before sending a low shot into the net.Qatar pulled one goal back in the 85th minute through Marwan Sharif, who seized on a loose ball in the Korean defence before firing into the net.A total of 15 teams are competing in the football tournament, divided into four groups. Three groups contain four teams each, while Group D features three teams, with Qatar drawn alongside South Korea and Saudi Arabia.The group stage is being played in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. The tournament then continues in a knockout format through to the final and the third-place playoff.

World No. 1 Mostafa Asal Advances to Qatar Classic Squash Semifinals

DOHA - Egyptian world No. 1 Mostafa Asal advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash Championship after defeating compatriot and world No. 8 Aly Abou Eleinen three games to one on Tuesday.Asal overcame Abou Eleinen in the quarterfinals 11-5, 11-4, 12-14, 12-10 in a grueling 91-minute encounter on the main glass court at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.The world No. 1 will face England's world No. 7 Marwan ElShorbagy in the semifinals on Thursday. ElShorbagy secured his place after defeating France's Gregoire Marche three games to two, 11-5, 11-9, 1-11, 3-11, 11-7, in 52 minutes.In the women's competition, Egyptian world No. 1 Hania El Hammamy continued her title defense in Qatar, advancing to the semifinals without taking to the court after compatriot Nouran Gohar withdrew due to injury.El Hammamy will face a difficult test in Thursday's semifinal against in-form Malaysian world No. 4 Sivasangari Subramaniam, who also advanced without playing after her Belgian opponent Tinne Gilis withdrew due to injury.The Malaysian has produced strong performances in recent years, winning the gold medal at the most recent Asian Games. She also claimed the 2024 London Classic title after defeating several of Egypt's leading players and won the Australian Open in 2026.The remaining quarterfinal matches will conclude on Wednesday, with New Zealand's world No. 2 and defending champion Paul Coll facing France's world No. 5 Victor Crouin, while Egyptian world No. 4 Karim Abdel Gawad will take on compatriot Youssef Soliman.In the women's draw, Egyptian world No. 2 Amina Orfi will face compatriot and world No. 6 Fayrouz Aboelkheir, while Malaysia's world No. 25 Rachel Arnold will take on England's Jasmine Hutton.Arnold had eliminated world No. 3 Nour El Sherbini, an eight-time world champion and the 2024 Qatar Classic champion, in the second round in one of the tournament's biggest upsets.Following his victory and qualification for the semifinals, world No. 1 Mostafa Asal told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that his match against Aly Abou Eleinen had been difficult, describing his compatriot as a highly skilled player. He said he had nevertheless managed to take control of the match and secure the victory, and expressed hope that he would be able to claim the Qatar Classic title this year.Regarding the Qatari PSA Squash Tour Platinum event, Asal noted that the Qatar Classic represented an ideal and strong start for him as he seeks to defend his position at the top of the world rankings, adding that winning the tournament would give him significant momentum for the remainder of the World Tour.The world No. 1 also expressed his great satisfaction at playing at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, describing the competitive atmosphere at the Qatar Classic as particularly close to his heart and saying it made him feel as though he was playing at home, given the exceptional organization provided by the association in cooperation with the Qatar Squash Federation.For his part, England's Marwan ElShorbagy expressed his delight at winning and advancing to the semifinals. Speaking to reporters, he said his match against France's Marche had been extremely difficult and competitive, noting that the Frenchman was one of the best and most experienced players in the world.ElShorbagy also expressed his great appreciation for the opportunity to be and play in Qatar. He praised the continued support and warm welcome extended to players at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and highlighted the passion for the sport shown by both spectators and organizers.Concluding his remarks, ElShorbagy particularly praised the exceptional organization of the Qatar Classic, describing it as one of the best tournaments in the world. He also commended the hospitality and facilities provided to the players, including accommodation at top hotels, transportation and outstanding services, which he said helped players focus and perform at their highest level on court.Meanwhile, world No. 1 and defending champion Hania El Hammamy expressed hope of retaining the title for a second consecutive year. However, she noted that entering the tournament at the top of the women's world rankings placed additional responsibility on her and presented a significant challenge, adding that competition this season had been intense, with very little separating the players in the world's top 30.El Hammamy described playing in Doha as particularly special and close to her heart following her triumph in last year's edition. She said the atmosphere, warm welcome and support from the fans in Doha gave her additional motivation to produce her best performance and progress deep into the tournament. 

Coll Advances to Qatar Classic Quarterfinals as El Sherbini’s Title Defence Ends

DOHA – Defending champion and World No. 2 Paul Coll continued his title defence at the QTerminals Qatar Classic 2026 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Switzerland’s Dimitri Steinmann, booking his place in the quarterfinals with a clinical 11-2, 11-4, 11-3 triumph.Coll, who produced a composed and authoritative display throughout, will face France’s Victor Crouin in the last eight. Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad also progressed to the quarterfinals after securing a straight-games victory.In the women’s draw, World No. 2 Amina Orfi produced another impressive performance, sweeping aside compatriot Nardine Garas to set up an all-Egyptian quarterfinal clash with Fayrouz Abo El Kheir. Britain’s Jasmine Hutton also advanced to the last eight.The day’s biggest upset came in the women’s competition, where Malaysia’s Rachel Arnold ended the title defence of 2024 champion Nour El Sherbini with a 3-1 victory.Speaking after his match, Coll highlighted his movement and concentration as key factors behind his performance, while Orfi reiterated her ambition of reaching the world No. 1 ranking after recently claiming the London Classic title. 

Sheikh Joaan Meets UAE Olympic Committee Vice President and British Ambassador

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, met separately today with Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Olympic Committee, and H.E. Neerav Patel, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar.During the two meetings, they reviewed cooperation between the State of Qatar and both the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, and discussed ways to further support and develop cooperation in the field of sport in the coming period.The meetings also covered a number of other topics of mutual interest. 

Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation Caps FISU World University Weightlifting Doha 2026 with Another Chapter of Success

DOHA – The 10th edition of the World University Weightlifting Championships Doha 2026 concluded in Doha today, Saturday, following five days of intense competition from September 8 to 12. Organized by the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation and held at Education City, the championship featured 116 athletes representing 21 countries from around the world, competing in 16 weight categories, with eight categories for men and eight for women.H.E. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation, extended his sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, on Qatari weightlifter Wissal Yakhlel’s achievement of winning three gold medals in the women’s +86kg category and   the outstanding success of the FISU World University Championship Weightlifting Doha 2026. He expressed his appreciation for their valued support for sport, emphasizing that this success represents a continuation of Qatar’s distinguished track record in hosting and organizing major international sporting events.H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to H.E. Mr. Mohammed Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, commending the Federation’s fruitful cooperation and valued efforts in successfully organizing this outstanding edition of the championship, which received widespread praise and acclaim. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to Qatar Foundation for hosting the championship and for its instrumental role in ensuring the success of this sporting event.H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi also congratulated Wissal Yakhlef, team Qatar lifter, on winning three gold medals, describing her achievement as the perfect finale to the championship and a source of pride for Qatari university sport. He expressed his pride in her accomplishment and wished her continued success and excellence, with further achievements in her upcoming Asian and Olympic competitions.The closing ceremony was attended by Mr. Rashid Saeed Adiba, Secretary-General of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation; Dr. Milan Mihajlovic, FISU TCC Weightlifting; and Ms. Sarita Morales Brenes, FISU ICC member, along with a number of prominent sports and academic figures and members of the QCSF Board.Addressing the audience and athletes at the closing ceremony, Mr. Rashid Saeed Odhaiba, Secretary-General of the Qatar University Sports Federation, said: “On this special evening, we come to the conclusion of the FISU World University Championship Weightlifting Doha 2026, bringing to a close five days filled with competition, passion and determination. We succeeded in delivering an event worthy of the stature of this global sporting occasion, and this success would not have been possible without your collective efforts, dedication, perseverance and spirit of teamwork.In her remarks, Ms. Sarita Morales Brenes, Member of the International Control Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), extended her sincere thanks and appreciation, on behalf of FISU, to the Qatar University Sports Federation and all officials, guests, volunteers, coaches, technical officials and athletes for their contributions to the success of the World University Weightlifting Championships Doha 2026. She noted that, over five days, the championship brought together the values of hard work, focus, respect and friendship.In the men’s 110kg category on Saturday , American George Upmeyer asserted his dominance, sweeping all three gold medals in the Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total. He posted 168kg in the Snatch, 201kg in the Clean and Jerk and 369kg in the Total to complete a commanding performance.Romanian Paul Ionita enjoyed a strong showing on the podium, collecting three medals ,  two silver and one bronze. He secured silver in the Clean and Jerk with a 196kg lift and in the Total with 359kg, while adding a bronze medal in the Snatch after lifting 163kg. American Caleb Weakland also finished among the medalists, claiming three medals , silver in the Snatch with 164kg, bronze in the Clean and Jerk with 192kg, and bronze in the Total with 356kg.Dr. Milan Mihajlovic, FISU TCC Weightlifting , presented the medals to the top three finishers in the men’s 110kg category, in a celebratory atmosphere that reflected the significance of their achievements and the competitive spirit that defined the championship.In the women’s 86kg category, Chinese Taipei’s Yulin Peng dominated the competition, claiming all three gold medals. She took gold in the Snatch with a lift of 107kg, followed by gold in the Clean and Jerk with 125kg, before completing her sweep with gold in the Total at 232kg. South Korea’s Yubin Hong secured three silver medals, finishing second in the Snatch with 100kg, the Clean and Jerk with 124kg, and the Total with 224kg. Moldova’s Anastasia Palich completed the podium with three bronze medals, recording 93kg in the Snatch, 116kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 209kg in the Total.In the women’s +86kg category, Qatar’s Wissal Yakhlef also swept all three gold medals, winning the Snatch with 125kg, the Clean and Jerk with 155kg, and the Total with 280kg. South Korea’s Hyoebin secured three silver medals, with 103kg in the Snatch, 145kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 248kg in the Total. Slovakia’s Lenka Zimbova claimed three bronze medals, lifting 102kg in the Snatch, 127kg in the Clean and Jerk, and 229kg in the Total.H.E. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, presented the medals to the top three finishers in the women’s 86kg and +86kg categories, as the Qatari athlete celebrated her outstanding achievement amid a festive atmosphere.In the men’s +110kg category, Iraqi lifter Jabar Mustafa dominated the podium, claiming all three gold medals after winning the Snatch with 170kg, the Clean and Jerk with 212kg, and the Total with 382kg. South Korea’s Dong Hyun Kim secured two silver medals, taking silver in the Clean and Jerk with 211kg and in the Total with 363kg.Moldova’s Stanislav Uja claimed two medals , silver and bronze after taking silver in the Snatch with 166kg and bronze in the Total with 357kg. Finland’s Hanno Keskitalo won bronze in the Snatch with 165kg, while South Korea’s Dong Hyun Kim claimed bronze in the Clean and Jerk with 198kg.The closing ceremony also featured the handover of the FISU flag to Ms. Sarita Morales Brenes, Member of the International Control Committee of FISU. Albania will host the 11th edition of the championship in two years. With the flag passed to the next host nation, the curtain came down on five days of competition that brought together around 116 male and female athletes from 21 countries, showcasing strong technical performances and fiercely contested competition across the various weight categories.

Qatar Swimming Champion Nada Wafa Elected Chair of ISSA Athletes Committee

RIYADH, (QNA) – Qatar swimming champion Nada Mohamed Wafa has been elected Chair of the Athletes Committee of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) during the Association’s General Assembly meeting held in Taif, Saudi Arabia, with representatives from its member countries in attendance.Wafa’s election reflects her distinguished sporting achievements and extensive experience on the regional and international stage. In her new capacity, she will lead the Athletes Committee in representing athletes and advancing their participation in the Association’s program, activities and events.Her election also underscores the growing confidence in Qatari sporting talent at the international level and further enhances Qatar’s presence within regional and international sports organizations. It also highlights Qatar’s continued contribution to the development of sport and its commitment to supporting and empowering athletes.Nada Mohamed Wafa is one of Qatar’s prominent sporting figures, having represented the country at numerous regional and international competitions. Her distinguished career includes participation in the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in South Korea.