Qatar unveils star-Studded Lineup for World Athletics Championships

DOHA  – The Qatar Athletics Federation has unveiled the squad that will represent the nation at the World Athletics Championships, set to be held in Tokyo from September 13 to 21.In a statement posted on its official account on “X,” the Federation confirmed the participation of 12 athletes, aiming to build on Qatar’s global success and further highlight its strength in athletics. The squad includes: Mutaz Barshim, Abderrahman Samba, Ismail Dawood, Omar Dawood, Bassem Hemeida, Saif Mohammed, Ashraf Hussein, Ammar Ismail, Ibrahim Zakaria, Khalid Hussein, Abdulaziz Youssef, and Ahmed Haroun.Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim, a three-time consecutive gold medalist in the high jump (London 2017, Doha 2019, Eugene 2022), headlines the team. He is joined by hurdler Abderrahman Samba, bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles at Doha 2019, and fellow hurdler Bassem Hemeida.Barshim and Samba are regarded as Qatar’s strongest medal hopes, alongside the 4x400m relay team comprising Ashraf Hussein, Bassem Hemeida, Ismail Dawood, and Ammar Ismail.The squad also features 23-year-old Saif Mohammed, who will make his World Championships debut in the pole vault, as well as Omar Dawood in the 110m hurdles, Ammar Ismail, Khalid Hussein, Abdulaziz Youssef, and Ahmed Haroun in the 400m, and Ibrahim Zakaria in the 800m.The Tokyo World Championships will bring together over 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries, competing across 100 medal events. 

Russia defeat Team Qatar 4–1 in Doha Friendly as Playoff Battle Looms

DOHA  – Qatar were defeated 4–1 by Russia in a friendly match played today at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, part of their preparations for the upcoming AFC fourth-round playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026.Akram Afif netted Qatar’s only goal in the 61st minute, while Russia struck through Aleksandr Golovin (33’), Matvey Kislyak (35’), Ivan Sergeev (45’), and Aleksei Miranchuk (68’).It was Qatar’s second international test of the September FIFA window, following their 2–2 draw with Bahrain last Wednesday.Currently ranked 53rd in the world, Qatar have been drawn in Group A of the playoff round alongside the UAE and Oman. Group B features Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia.The playoffs will be staged in a single round-robin format from October 8 to 14, with Qatar hosting Group A and Saudi Arabia hosting Group B.Qatar open their campaign against Oman on October 8 before facing the UAE on October 14. The UAE and Oman will meet on October 11.Under the format, the top team from each group will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the runners-up will contest a two-legged playoff on November 13 and 18. The winner will then advance to the intercontinental playoff for a final qualification spot. 

Qatar Women’s Sports Committee Hosts Workshop on Fatima bint Mubarak Award

Doha – The Qatar Women’s Sports Committee organized an introductory workshop on the ninth edition of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award, set to take place in 2025. The event was held at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters with the participation of a delegation from the award’s organizing committee in the United Arab Emirates, alongside athletes, administrators, and representatives from Qatari sports federations.Maha Yousef Al Abduljabbar, Assistant Secretary of the Committee, described the award as a pioneering Arab initiative that empowers women in sports. She underscored Qatar’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s athletics and supporting female champions across multiple disciplines.She also pointed to the remarkable progress achieved in women’s sports in Qatar, reflected in strong regional and international participation, and expressed her hope that Qatari athletes will continue to shine and earn recognition through the award.Amna Al Qasimi, Executive Director of the Committee, urged athletes, administrators, and coaches in Qatar to take part in the upcoming edition, stressing the importance of showcasing the growth and strength of women’s sports in the country. 

Team Qatar crowned Champions at Jordan Open Golf Tournament

AMMAN – Qatar’s national men’s golf team triumphed at the 34th Jordan Open, staged in the coastal city of Aqaba from September 4 to 6.The tournament spotlight was stolen by 14-year-old Qatari talent Daniil Sokolov, who clinched the individual crown after an impressive display against leading golfers from across the Arab world.Sokolov’s victory was particularly remarkable as he outshone veteran players, including members of senior national teams from the Gulf region, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest young prospects.The rising star had earlier qualified to compete in the prestigious US Under-19 Golf Championship, further underlining his rapid ascent in the game. 

Qatar Earns Bronze at Arab Beach Volleyball Championship in Lebanon

BEIRUT – The curtains came down today on the 30th Arab Men’s and 20th Arab Women’s Beach Volleyball Championships in Batroun, Lebanon, after a week of high-level competition that brought together leading Arab teams in a spirited contest from August 30 to September 6.Qatar’s Men’s Team A, featuring Mahmoud Essam and Saif Al-Din, secured the bronze medal with a strong third-place finish, underlining their consistency and quality against some of the region’s finest. Team B, represented by Mousa Mo and Ahmed Tbiwi, also showcased resilience and talent, finishing 11th.In the men’s final, Algeria’s Team A pairing of Mohamed Kellouch and Mohamed Souaidi claimed the championship title, defeating Morocco’s duo Sufian El Gharouti and Saber Anas, who took silver. Lebanon’s Team A, with Hadi El Chibib and Jad Abi Karam, settled for fourth.Qatar’s women’s teams also left their mark on the championship. Team A, with Haya Abu Issa and Laila Mohamed, finished sixth, while Team B, formed by Ladan Issa and Malak Mohamed, followed in seventh place , further evidence of Qatar’s growing footprint in the women’s game.The women’s title went to Morocco’s Team A, as Mohassen El Sayad and Iman Baqi struck gold. Lebanon’s Team A duo Lara El Nahi and Mirna Cheikho captured silver, while Algeria’s Team A pair Melissa Soualmi and Ikram Hussein claimed the bronze. 

Team Qatar Edge India to Keep Perfect Record in U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

DOHA – Qatar’s U-23 national team maintained their perfect start in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, defeating India 2-1 in their second Group H clash at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.Al Hashmi Al Hussain gave Qatar the lead in the 18th minute, before India leveled through Mohammad Suhail early in the second half. Jassem Al Sharshani restored Qatar’s advantage in the 66th minute, sealing the hosts’ second straight win.With the victory, Qatar moved to six points from two matches, cementing their place at the top of the group. India remain on three points.Elsewhere in Group H, Bahrain claimed their first win in emphatic fashion, thrashing Brunei 10-0 at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar had previously opened their campaign with a resounding 13-0 triumph over Brunei.The group concludes on Tuesday, with Qatar set to face Bahrain, while India take on Brunei.Saudi Arabia will host the seventh edition of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup for the first time from January 7 to 25, 2026. A total of 44 teams are competing in the qualifiers, with group winners and the four best runners-up joining the hosts in the finals.