Stage set for FIP Asia Padel Cup 2025

Doha: Preparations are in full swing for the FIP Asia Padel Cup 2025, set to take place from October 17 to 24 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.Tariq Zainal, President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed that all logistical and technical arrangements are nearing completion to welcome participating national teams. The championship will unfold in two stages — the first from October 17 to 19, featuring 17 national teams ranked between 5th and 21st in the Asia and Oceania regions, divided into four groups.The top team from each group, along with the top four ranked nations in Asia, will qualify for the final stage, scheduled from October 20 to 24.During a press conference held today, the Federation announced a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Rail for the tournament. The agreement was signed by Tariq Zainal, Secretary-General of the Federation, and Ajlan Al-Enazi, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail.“We are proud to partner with Qatar Rail, one of the leading institutions supporting national initiatives, particularly in sports,” said Zainal. “Their platinum sponsorship of this inaugural edition highlights the strong collaboration between the sports sector and national organizations in promoting padel in Qatar and across the region. It also reflects Qatar Rail’s vital role in supporting the community and contributing to its growth.”For his part, Ajlan Al-Enazi expressed his pleasure in Qatar Rail’s involvement in the event, saying:“We are delighted to be part of this landmark sporting occasion through our platinum sponsorship, which aligns with Qatar Rail’s social responsibility strategy and our continued commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy and active lifestyles in Qatar.”He added: “We firmly believe that sport plays a central role in shaping individuals, uniting communities, and providing a platform to showcase and nurture young national talent.

Thrilling action continues in FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships

Doha: The action continued on Wednesday at the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships, currently underway at Al Gharrafa Beach Courts in Doha — marking the first-ever edition of the tournament to be held in the Middle East. The global competition, featuring many of the sport’s brightest young stars, runs through October 11.The main draw began yesterday, with Qatar’s men’s and women’s teams taking part in six matches — two in the men’s category and four in the women’s.In the men’s competition, Qatar Team 1 (Moussa Al Khair and Ahmed Ziyad) lost 0–2 to Turkey, and will next face Canada and Colombia in Group A. Qatar Team 2 (Jassim Al Tamimi and Saad Al Awad) were defeated 0–2 by Saudi Arabia, and will play Egypt and Brazil later today in Group H.On the women’s side, Qatar Team 1 (Bandah Ibrahim and Maryam Mohoub) lost 0–2 to both the United States and Malaysia, and are set to conclude their Group A campaign today against Mexico. Meanwhile, Qatar Team 2 (Lujain Mahmoud and Celine Mahmoud) fell 0–2 to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gambia, and will face Canada today in their final Group H match.The championship features 64 teams in total — 32 men’s and 32 women’s — representing 55 countries. Teams have been split into eight groups per gender, with the top three in each group advancing to the knockout stage. Group winners will automatically progress to the Round of 16, while the second- and third-placed teams will compete in the Round of 24, both scheduled for Friday.The quarterfinals and semifinals are slated for Saturday, followed by the medal matches on Sunday, which will conclude this world-class tournament — another milestone in Doha’s growing legacy as a premier global destination for beach volleyball and international sport. 

73 Qatari athletes set for 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has confirmed that Team Qatar will participate in the upcoming 3rd Asian Youth Games, set to take place in the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 22 to 31, with a delegation of 73 athletes competing among 5,000 participants from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees.During a press conference, Mohammed Abdul Salam, Director of Qatar’s Administrative Delegation, announced that Qatar will take part in 16 sports: athletics, badminton, 3x3 basketball, equestrian (show jumping), golf, judo, jiu-jitsu, cycling, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, wrestling, volleyball, beach volleyball, and boxing.He added that female athletes will represent Qatar in four sports — athletics, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball — reflecting the QOC’s commitment to expanding women’s participation across all disciplines.Abdul Salam emphasized that Qatar’s participation aligns with the QOC’s strategic objective to develop young athletes and prepare a new generation capable of representing the nation in future international competitions, particularly the Doha 2030 Asian Games.He expressed confidence in Qatar’s prospects, especially in athletics, equestrian, and golf, describing them as key disciplines where strong performances are expected. Despite the presence of powerhouse nations such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, Abdul Salam voiced optimism about the potential of Qatar’s emerging athletes to secure podium finishes.According to Abdul Salam, athlete selection followed a long-term development strategy, categorizing participants into three groups: athletes targeted for Doha 2030, elite medal contenders, and newcomers participating to gain valuable experience.He noted that Team Qatar’s preparations have been extensive, with several squads — particularly in athletics and swimming — completing intensive international training camps to enhance their physical and technical readiness ahead of the Games.Abdul Salam concluded by reaffirming the QOC’s full support for national sports federations, ensuring that all resources and logistical needs are met to enable athletes to perform at their highest level and uphold Qatar’s growing reputation in Asian sport.The 3rd Asian Youth Games will feature 24 sports and 253 events, and will also serve as a qualifier for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.Qatar previously won two silver medals in athletics at the Singapore 2009 edition, followed by three medals (one gold, two silver) at the Nanjing 2013 edition — including gold in handball and two silvers in shooting. 

Team Qatar drawn in group 10 for 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships

Canberra: Team Qatar has been drawn at the top of Group 10 for the upcoming 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, set to take place in Adelaide, Australia, from November 14 to 23, 2025. The group also features Austria, Switzerland, and Cuba.Represented by the world-renowned duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, Qatar will compete among 48 men’s teams participating in the prestigious global event. In total, 96 teams—split equally between men and women—will contest the tournament, divided into 12 groups of four.In Group 10, Qatar will face Austria’s Hammerberg and Berger, Switzerland’s Hausener and Friedli, and Cuba’s Gomez and Ferranes. The FIVB confirmed that the full match schedule and ticket details will be released on October 14.Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Salem Al-Kuwari, Chairman of the Beach Volleyball Committee at the Qatar Volleyball Association, affirmed that Team Qatar is fully prepared for the challenge ahead. He emphasized the team’s determination to deliver a performance worthy of Qatar’s global sporting reputation and to progress deep into the competition.Team Qatar enters the championship with high expectations, aiming to build on its remarkable track record, highlighted by the historic bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and a series of podium finishes in major international tournaments.The Adelaide 2025 World Championships promise world-class competition, featuring a blend of Olympic champions, world titleholders, and emerging teams, all vying for glory on the sands of Australia’s premier beach volleyball stage.

Qatar beat Malaysia in T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

Doha: Skipper Mirza Mohammed Baig led from the front with an impressive all-round display as Qatar cruised to an eight-wicket win over Malaysia in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier match at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman today.Malaysia batted first and scored 123 for 9, while Qatar chased down the target losing only two wickets, in 17.1 overs. The victory lifted Qatar to second place in Group A with two points.

Gulf countries pledge support for Qatar's hosting of 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Doha: In a significant show of regional unity, Gulf nations have extended unwavering support to Qatar for organising the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, marking the event's debut in the Middle East and North Africa region.The announcement came during key meetings of the Gulf Basketball Association and a consultative session for Gulf federation presidents, held at the Sheraton Doha Hotel and hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF).These gatherings underscored the region's commitment to advancing basketball through enhanced collaboration and development initiatives.The meetings, attended by prominent figures including His EE Sheikh Saud bin Ali al-Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), focused on strategic priorities for the sport's growth. Key participants included Mohammed bin Saad al-Mughaiseeb, President of both the Gulf and Qatar Basketball Associations; Hagop Khajirian, FIBA's Executive Director; and Saadoun Sabah al-Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Gulf Basketball Association.Board members such as Hamoud al-Malki, Salem al-Mutawa, Mohammed Nasser al-Hasani, Thamer Ayed al-Shanfa, and Mohammed al-Ajmi also contributed to discussions on upcoming plans. A major highlight was the approval of the 2025-2026 Gulf basketball tournament calendar, designed to foster youth and women's participation across the regionBahrain will host the Gulf 3x3 Youth Championship for under-21 men and women on November 19-20, 2025. Saudi Arabia will stage the Gulf Women's Championship in November 2025. Oman will organise the Gulf 3x3 Men's Championship on November 28-29, 2025.Qatar will host the Gulf 3x3 Under-21 Championship in 2026 and the Gulf Under-18 Youth Championship next year. Abu Dhabi, UAE, will welcome the Fatima bint Mubarak Gulf Women's Academy Cup next year. Oman will also host the Gulf 3x3 Men's Championship next year, alongside the Gulf Women's Championship.The sessions emphasised innovative projects, including the publication of a comprehensive book chronicling the history of basketball in Gulf countries—from the founding of federations to current achievements. Additionally, a new Gulf Clubs Cup of Cups tournament will launch next year, with regulations ensuring participation from each nation's cup champions, provided they are not competing in the West Asia Super League (WASL).This initiative aims to provide broader regional opportunities for Gulf clubs .In the consultative meeting, Gulf federation presidents — including Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Khalifa (Bahrain), Engineer Khalfan bin Saleh al-Naabi (Oman), Ghassan Yusuf Tashkandi (Saudi Arabia), Dhari Burjis (Kuwait), and Abdul Latif Nasser Al Fardan (UAE)—unanimously affirmed their full backing for Qatar's 2027 World Cup organizing committee.They expressed confidence in Qatar's ability to deliver a world-class event from August 27 to September 12, 2027.Deliberations explored avenues for Gulf-wide cooperation on the World Cup, such as sharing expertise, joint training programs, friendly matches, and development initiatives for referees, statisticians, and coaches.A workshop for new federation members and secretaries was proposed to introduce effective governance principles, alongside an overview of FIBA regulations and their practical application.The Gulf Association received proposals from Oman to establish and host a new under-14 girls' tournament, and from Bahrain to organize the Gulf Men's 5x5 Championship.Mohammed bin Saad al-Mughaiseeb highlighted the meetings' objectives: "These gatherings are pivotal in strengthening ties among Gulf federations and elevating basketball at all levels. We take great pride in Qatar's role in hosting regional tournaments and leading the organisation of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup — a landmark moment for the sport globally." He added that the agenda also prioritizes scheduling tournaments to avoid conflicts with student-athletes' exams, ensuring a balanced environment for academic and athletic pursuits.