Qatar U-19 Handball Team Face Jordan in Asian Championship Quarterfinals

Amman: Qatar’s U-19 handball team will take on hosts Jordan on Friday in the quarterfinals of the 11th Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship, currently being held in Amman through August 31.The championship also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, which will take place in North Macedonia, adding further significance to Friday’s knockout encounter.Qatar reached the quarterfinals after producing an impressive group-stage campaign, finishing top of Group B with a perfect eight points from four consecutive victories.The Qatari side began its campaign with a 30-22 win over Saudi Arabia before defeating Kuwait 30-19. It then overcame Iran 24-22 in a closely contested encounter and wrapped up the group stage with a commanding 42-29 victory over Syria.Jordan, meanwhile, advanced to the knockout stage after finishing fourth in Group A with two points. The hosts recorded their only victory of the group stage against India, edging them 25-24.Qatar will head into the quarterfinal with confidence as it looks to extend its unbeaten run and secure a place in the semifinals. Victory would also keep the team firmly in contention for qualification to the 2027 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship and the Asian title.Following four strong performances in the group stage, Qatar will be aiming to carry its momentum into the knockout rounds and continue its bid for continental success.

Al Janoub Arena Opening with Qatar-China game Launches Countdown to FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027

DOHA – Combining sporting legacy with sustainability, Al Janoub Arena will officially open its doors on Thursday, August 27, 2026, by hosting the highly anticipated clash between the Qatar national team and China in Window 4 of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.The game carries special significance as part of the (One Year to Go) celebrations, marking the start of the final-year countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. It will also represent a landmark sporting occasion, giving the arena its first real test in a World Cup-style competitive environment and allowing fans to experience the atmosphere of the global event one full year before tip-off.Team Qatar continues its competitive journey alongside the country’s ongoing preparations to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. Qatar finished second in Group D of the first phase of the Asian Qualifiers with 10 points, behind Lebanon, securing its place in the second phase despite already qualifying automatically for the World Cup as the host nation.The national team will begin its second-phase campaign against China in Doha on August 27, 2026, before facing Japan and South Korea in home-and-away games during the upcoming windows.The event is attracting significant attention as it combines the opening of Al Janoub Basketball Arena with the Qatar-China clash, showcasing Qatar’s commitment to building a sustainable sporting legacy while highlighting its advanced organizational capabilities and full readiness to host major continental and international sporting events.Al Janoub Arena in Al Wakrah has transformed from a football legacy into the future of basketball, continuing an extraordinary story that began when it hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It now returns in a new form following its redevelopment to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in a first-of-its-kind transformation. The arena features an iconic architectural design and offers seating for 8,200 spectators during basketball competitions.The arena also provides a comprehensive range of facilities and services designed to enhance the fan experience, including Sky Boxes, hospitality seating and Courtside Seats located close to the playing court, as well as changing rooms and recovery facilities for teams during games. For spectators, food and beverage outlets are widely distributed throughout the arena, providing a high level of comfort and convenience and making the tournament experience more enjoyable and seamless.

Abderrahman Samba to Compete at Zurich Diamond League Meeting

Zurich: The organizing committee of the Zurich Diamond League meeting, the 14th of 15 stops on this year's Diamond League athletics circuit, announced today that Team Qatar's Abderrahman Samba will compete in the men's 400m hurdles.In an official statement, the organizers confirmed that Samba, renowned for his strength in the 400m hurdles, will line up alongside some of the world's leading athletes, including Olympic and world medalists who have featured prominently on the Diamond League circuit this season.Samba will compete against a strong field that includes Brazil's Alison dos Santos, who won the event at last Friday's Silesia Diamond League meeting in 46.43 seconds, as well as Norway's Karsten Warholm, the world record holder with a time of 45.94 seconds. Slovenia's Jan Matejtek, who has a best of 48.03 seconds, and Nigeria's Ezekiel Nathaniel, with a best of 47.37 seconds, are also set to compete.Samba heads into the Zurich meeting in strong physical condition following his appearance at the previous Diamond League stop in Silesia, Poland, where he clocked a season-best 47.93 seconds, dipping below the 48-second barrier. His personal best stands at 46.98 seconds.The Qatari hurdler began his season at the Xiamen Diamond League meeting in China, the second stop of this year's series, as he sought to regain his physical and competitive form in the 400m hurdles.Samba will now be aiming for victory in Zurich and a place in the final Diamond League meeting in Brussels, before heading to Japan to defend the Asian Games gold medal he won at the 2022 edition. 

Al Hitmi: Benefits of Anadia Training Camp Clearly Evident as Team Makes Significant Technical and Physical Gains

Anadia, Portugal – Mr. Ali Al Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation and First Vice President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), has confirmed that the training camp held in Anadia, Portugal, for Qatar’s men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams has achieved its technical and physical objectives, noting that the benefits of the work carried out during the camp have become increasingly evident as it draws to a close.Qatar’s men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams are concluding their training camp in Anadia, which began on August 16 and runs until August 30, as part of the national teams’ preparations for the new sports season and upcoming regional and international competitions.Al Hitmi said: “We are pleased with the level the gymnasts have reached towards the end of the camp. The results of the work carried out here are now clearly reflected in their technical performances, confirming that the training programme has achieved its objectives and that the camp has delivered significant benefits from both a technical and physical perspective.”He added: “From the beginning of the camp, our focus was on correcting technical errors and improving performances across the different apparatus. Through continuous training and daily monitoring by the coaching staff, we were able to address many of the issues identified at the start of the camp. This has been clearly reflected in the improved performances and greater consistency shown by the gymnasts during the latest training sessions.”The Qatar Gymnastics Federation President stressed that the progress was not limited to technical aspects alone.“The camp has been comprehensive in every respect. Physically, the gymnasts have benefited from strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination training, while technically, the focus has been on performance elements, precision, execution and consistency across the various apparatus. This has had a positive impact on the overall level of both the men’s and women’s teams,” he said.Al Hitmi explained that the training environment in Anadia had helped the teams maximise the benefits of the camp, with the facilities and overall conditions providing an ideal setting for preparation. He added that training in such an environment provides valuable experience for the gymnasts and enhances their readiness for upcoming competitions.“The final stage of the camp has been particularly important because it has allowed us to assess the progress made since the first day,” he said. “We have begun to see a clear difference in the level of performance, whether in terms of precision, consistency or skill execution. This gives us positive indications as we move into the next phase of our preparation programme.”Al Hitmi confirmed that the Qatar Gymnastics Federation continues to implement a structured preparation plan for the national teams, designed to gradually bring the gymnasts to peak readiness ahead of official competitions, stressing that overseas training camps form an important part of this strategy.“Our objective is not simply to organise training camps, but to ensure that we gain the maximum possible benefit from them,” he said. “That is why the gymnasts are continuously monitored, with their strengths identified and further developed, while weaknesses and technical errors are addressed so that they can reach the required level before entering competitions.”Al Hitmi also praised the considerable efforts of the technical and administrative staff throughout the camp, as well as the commitment and discipline demonstrated by the gymnasts, stressing that the success of any training camp depends on cooperation among all members of the team and their determination to benefit from every training session.“I would like to thank the technical and administrative staff, as well as all the male and female gymnasts, for the tremendous effort they have made throughout the camp and for the high level of commitment and discipline they have shown,” he said. “What we have achieved so far represents an important step, but we know that the work does not end when the camp concludes. We will move into a new phase of preparation and development ahead of the upcoming competitions.”The Qatar Gymnastics Federation President stressed that ambitions remain high for the next stage, with the objective of continuing to develop Qatari gymnastics and strengthening its presence at regional, continental and international competitions.Concluding his remarks, Al Hitmi said: “We are satisfied with what we have gained from the Anadia camp, particularly the clear progress made in both the technical and physical aspects. There is still a great deal of work ahead of us, but we have great confidence in our gymnasts. We hope that these preparations will be reflected in their performances and results in the upcoming competitions in a manner worthy of Qatari gymnastics.”The Anadia training camp forms part of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation’s strategy to provide the national teams with the best possible preparation programmes, enhance their technical and physical readiness, and utilise overseas training camps to further develop the gymnasts’ performances, supporting the continued progress of Qatari gymnastics and its pursuit of strong results on the international stage. 

Qatari Diar, Qatar Olympic Committee signs co-operation agreement

Doha: Qatari Diar has signed a co-operation agreement with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to strengthen joint collaboration on sports and community initiatives, in support of greater sports participation and to encourage members of the community to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle.The agreement was signed by Qatari Diar chief executive Sheikh Hamad Bin Talal al-Thani and HE the QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain during an official ceremony held at Qatari Diar’s headquarters, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.Under the agreement, the two parties will co-operate in organising and implementing sports events, championships, and community initiatives of mutual interest, and will launch joint community programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging sports participation.The agreement also provides for the use of spaces and facilities owned by Qatari Diar, along with the necessary logistical support to ensure the successful implementation of events and activities.It includes the exchange of expertise when launching sports initiatives through consultation, technical support, and related services, as well as cooperation in the media, marketing, and promotion of joint events and projects locally and internationally, including the use of Qatari Diar’s available media, advertising assets, screens, and media spaces.“We are proud to sign this agreement with Qatar Olympic Committee, which marks a significant step in strengthening our institutional co-operation in the field of sports,” said Sheikh Hamad. “It also reflects our commitment to expanding our contribution to the community and supporting national efforts to establish sport as a fundamental element in enhancing quality of life.”“We are confident that this agreement will lay the foundation for a fruitful and sustainable partnership, built on complementary roles and the exchange of expertise, translating the agreed areas of co-operation into sports and community initiatives that deliver tangible impact, fulfil the objectives of both parties and serve the community,” he added.“We are pleased to sign this memorandum of understanding with Qatari Diar, which marks a new step towards strengthening co-operation and partnership between the Qatar Olympic Committee and national institutions,” said HE al-Buenain.“We firmly believe in the importance of integrating efforts and exchanging expertise to support the continued development of sport in the State of Qatar,” he said. “At the QOC, we are committed to building effective and sustainable partnerships that help broaden the scope of sports initiatives and programmes while enhancing the presence of sport and its positive role in society.”“Through this memorandum of understanding, we look forward to opening new avenues of co-operation with Qatari Diar and leveraging the expertise and capabilities of both parties in support of our shared objectives,” HE al-Buenain added.“We also hope that this partnership will serve as a model for fruitful co-operation between national institutions, supporting our aspirations to further advance the sports sector, strengthen Qatar’s position on the international sporting stage, and contribute to achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said. 

Qatar Olympic Committee Celebrates Participants in Team Qatar Summer Program 2026

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), represented by its Sports Events Department, held a ceremony today to honor participants in the second edition of the Team Qatar Summer Program 2026, dedicated to the sons and daughters of QOC employees.The ceremony was held at Lusail Hall at the QOC headquarters in the presence of H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the Sports Sector; a number of officials, representatives of sports federations and members of the organizing committee; as well as the participants’ parents and families.The ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the program’s second edition, which was held from June 28 to July 9, 2026, and targeted children aged 8 to 12. A total of 57 children, including 30 boys and 27 girls, took part in a variety of sports and recreational activities.The program’s activities aimed to develop participants’ personal skills, introduce them to Olympic and sporting values, and encourage them to engage in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle, while the volunteer category was dedicated to young people aged 16 to 18.The program is part of the Qatar Olympic Committee’s Strategic Plan 2023–2030, which aims to strengthen the role of families in encouraging children to participate in sports, broaden participation in sporting activities, and establish sport as part of everyday life.On this occasion, H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, stressed that the Team Qatar Summer Program reflects the QOC’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for children and young people, enabling them to discover their talents and develop their abilities, while instilling the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and positive competition.H.E. Al Buenain said: “We are proud of the success achieved by the program and of the discipline, commitment and positive behavior demonstrated by the participants, which contributed to the success of its various activities. Their participation also highlighted the importance of quality sports programs in building character and promoting sporting values.”H.E. Al Buenain also praised the outstanding role played by the young volunteers, who are children of QOC employees, noting that their active involvement in organizing events, welcoming participants, and managing competitions and daily activities helped develop their sense of responsibility and strengthen their initiative and teamwork. Their contribution also played a tangible role in the success of the program and provided them with a valuable experience that helped instill the values of volunteering and leadership while strengthening their connection with the sports community.He added: “The Team Qatar Summer Program provides an important platform for developing the abilities of participants from among the children of QOC employees, identifying promising talents and further developing their potential, in line with the QOC’s efforts to promote a sporting culture and strengthen community participation.”H.E. Al Buenain noted that the success of the program underscores the importance of continuing to develop such initiatives, helping to prepare an aware and engaged generation equipped with the skills and values that support continued sporting achievement and excellence.The program’s organizing committee expressed its thanks and appreciation to the supporting and cooperating entities that contributed to the program’s success, including the Qatar Stars League, Qatar Bowling Federation, Qatar Police Sports Federation, Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, Perf Up Center, and the Olympic and Sports Museum.The organizing committee also thanked the program’s official sponsors, particularly Al Rukn Al Riyadi and Al Jazeera Perfumes, in recognition of their support and contribution to the program’s success. A special segment of the ceremony was dedicated to honoring the supporting entities and sponsors.For their part, a number of parents expressed their appreciation to the Qatar Olympic Committee for organizing a program that combined sports, recreational and educational activities and enriched their children’s summer break in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. They stressed that the program helped build the children’s self-confidence and enabled them to discover their talents and interests in a safe and supportive environment.