Qatar ExxonMobil Open Named Best ATP 500 Tournament

DOHA  – The Qatar ExxonMobil Open has been honored with the Best ATP 500 Tournament award at the 2025 ATP Players’ Choice Awards, earning global recognition for its outstanding organization and world-class standards.This new accolade adds to the tournament’s remarkable legacy. Before being elevated to the ATP 500 category this season, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open had already claimed the Best ATP 250 Tournament award six times, confirming its long-standing excellence on the international tennis stage.Tournament Director Karim Alami expressed pride in this achievement, saying: “We are proud to have won the Best ATP 500 Tournament award, after already achieving this honor six times in the 250-point category. This success is no coincidence—it’s the result of a clear vision, strong passion, and teamwork at every level.”Alami emphasized that the award reflects the confidence and appreciation of the players, while also showcasing Qatar’s position as a leading global sports destination, renowned for its modern facilities and exceptional event management.He added: “We dedicate this success to everyone who contributed players, fans, sponsors, and the hardworking committees behind the scenes, especially our title sponsor, Qatar ExxonMobil. This recognition inspires us to keep growing and innovating year after year.”This year’s tournament featured an impressive lineup of top tennis stars, including Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.Russia’s Andrey Rublev claimed the singles title after defeating Britain’s Jack Draper, while the British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool captured the doubles crown.

Qatar’s Badr Al Darwish Elected to FEI Solidarity Committee

Hong Kong – Badr Al Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon Federation, has been elected as a member of the FEI Solidarity Committee during the General Assembly held in Hong Kong on Saturday.The Qatar Equestrian Federation took part in the meeting with a delegation led by HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Nooh Al Thani, Secretary General of the Federation. The General Assembly witnessed wide participation from national federations across the world.Al Darwish expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him by the Assembly, noting that his election highlights the distinguished reputation of the Qatar Equestrian Federation both regionally and internationally. He added that this achievement further enhances Qatar’s leading role in developing equestrian sports across Asia, especially as the country continues to host major international events of great significance to the FEI. 

QOC participates in General Assembly Meeting of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees

Riyadh: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) took part on Saturday in the General Assembly meeting of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, held in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on the sidelines of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games.The Qatari delegation at the meeting included H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the QOC, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the QOC Sports Sector.During the session, H.E. Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana was elected by acclamation as Vice President of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, for Asia. The meeting also discussed the executive summary of the outcomes of the Union’s Strategic Plan (2025–2032).During the session, members also selected the Bahrain to host the 2027 Arab Games, and Saudi Arabia to host the 2031 edition and endorsed the Union’s audited financial statements for 2024 and the proposed budget for 2025. 

Qatar to Face Bolivia in U-17 World Cup Group Stage Final Match

DOHA - Qatar’s under-17 national football team is set for a decisive encounter against Bolivia this Sunday at Mansour Muftah Stadium in Aspire, marking the final Group A fixture of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. The prestigious tournament, hosted in Doha, continues through November 27.In the same group, Italy sitting at the top with six points  will take on second-placed South Africa, which has four points, at Aspire’s Stadium No. 9.Qatar, determined to keep its hopes alive, will be seeking its first victory of the campaign to clinch a berth in the knockout stage. The young Maroons collected their first point after a spirited 1–1 draw with South Africa, following a narrow 1–0 loss to Italy in their opener.This year’s edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup marks a historic milestone, as it features 48 participating nations for the first time, divided into 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group will qualify for the round of 32, joined by the eight best third-place finishers.Over 104 matches will be played across eight world-class stadiums within the Aspire sports complex, culminating in a grand finale at Khalifa International Stadium.With passionate home support behind them, Qatar’s rising talents will aim to deliver a memorable performance and advance to the next stage of this landmark global event.

Qatar’s Mohammed Mahmoud and Ali Tamer Secure Spots in Islamic Solidarity Games Swimming Finals

RIYADH -  Team Qatar’s swimmers delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, the opening day of swimming events at the Islamic Solidarity Games, currently taking place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Mohammed Mahmoud advanced to the final of the 100m breaststroke, while teammate Ali Tamer secured his place in the final of the 50m freestyle.The finals for both the 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke will be held on Sunday evening at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.In other results, Mohammed Aziz Ismail reached the semifinals of the 50m butterfly, while Hamza Shaalan exited in the semifinals of the 100m breaststroke.On this occasion, Saud Al-Jehani, Board Member of the Qatar Swimming Association, expressed his pride in the swimmers’ achievement, congratulating them on reaching the finals in Riyadh 2025. He wished them success in securing Qatar’s first medals of the tournament, adding:“We are proud of our young Aspire Academy swimmers. Their qualification for the finals in senior-level events is an achievement in itself and reflects their steady progress toward technical excellence and long-term development.”In men’s volleyball, Team Qatar earned its first win at the Islamic Solidarity Games with a dominant 3–0 victory over Chad in their third group-stage match on Saturday. The set scores were 25–16, 25–22, and 25–18.The Qatari team will continue its group-stage campaign on Monday against host nation Saudi Arabia, before concluding the first round with a clash against Bahrain on Wednesday evening.Qatar’s squad includes Bilal Abounabot, Mubarak Al-Kuwari, Naji Mahmoud, Othman Abdulwahid, Mahdi Samoud, Mohammed Al-Waleed, Youssef Al-Yafie, Abdulrahman Bakri, Abdullah Naseem, Ibrahim Jumaa, Youssef Ghallaf, and Abdullah Hasanein.Saeed Jumaa Al-Hitmi, Board Member of the Qatar Volleyball Association, praised the team’s victory over Chad, describing it as a timely boost for the players.“This win came at the perfect moment,” he said. “It reflects the strong team spirit and determination of our players. The result gives the team great motivation to continue competing with confidence. The performance today showcased the true character and quality of Qatar’s national team and the unity that defines them.”Al-Hitmi added that the players are eager to deliver their best in the upcoming matches, emphasizing the Qatar Volleyball Association’s commitment to providing all necessary support to ensure the team’s readiness and to represent Qatar volleyball at its highest standard.Qatar’s men’s table tennis team began their campaign with a hard-fought loss to Iran in the group stage. Despite the defeat, the trio of Ahmed Saadawi, Mohammed Abdulwahab, and Abdullah Abdulwahab produced a spirited performance, with the match remaining competitive throughout.The team will face the Maldives today at Boulevard Seif Arena, aiming to bounce back, regain confidence, and deliver a stronger showing that reflects their skill and potential.In women’s judo, Fatina Boukahous bowed out in the round of 16 of the under-57 kg category after losing to Mozambique’s Shenidy Tsamani.The sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games runs until November 21, featuring more than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries competing in 23 sports, including athletics, fencing, 3x3 basketball, swimming, handball, table tennis, volleyball, karate, boxing, judo, weightlifting, futsal, wrestling, taekwondo, esports, wushu, equestrian jumping, camel racing, duathlon, and parasports events.Qatar is represented by 82 athletes competing across 16 disciplines, including athletics, duathlon, 3x3 basketball, karate, equestrian, wrestling, volleyball, handball, taekwondo, table tennis, judo, weightlifting, camel racing, swimming, fencing, and para-athletics.Qatar boasts a rich history of success at the Islamic Solidarity Games. The nation’s journey began in Makkah 2005, where it captured its first gold medal, followed by Palembang 2013, where the tally rose to five medals. In Baku 2017, Qatar achieved a breakthrough with 12 medals (2 gold, 3 silver, and 7 bronze), and maintained the same total at Konya 2022, increasing its gold count to four.Overall, Qatar has collected 30 medals in the history of the Games, comprising 8 gold, 8 silver, and 14 bronze, a record that reflects the country’s growing stature and excellence in international sport.

Al-Buenain attends General Assembly Meeting of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association

Riyadh: H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), attended the 14th General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), held today (Saturday) in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on the sidelines of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, taking place from 7 to 21 November with the participation of 57 countries.The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the QOC Sports Sector.The meeting discussed the ISSA General Secretariat’s report for 2025, as well as the latest updates regarding Riyadh’s organization of the 6th edition of the Games, in addition to approving the proposed amendments to the Association’s Statutes and endorsing the audited financial statements for 2024.The Assembly also reviewed the preparations for the 2026 Executive Board elections and ratified the results of the Athletes’ Commission elections, which were held on Thursday.Furthermore, the meeting saw the selection of Malaysia to host the 7th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029, marking another milestone that reflects the continued growth and prominence of the Games.