Full Details of the eFIBA World Finals Qatar Season 4 unveiled

Doha – The full details of the eFIBA World Finals Qatar Season 4 have been announced today during a press conference held at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters.FIBA and the Organizing Ccommittee confirmed that the Season 4 World Finals will take place at the Mall of Qatar from July 3 to 4, 2026, bringing together eight national teams from across the globe, in a development that reflects Qatar’s growing prominence on the international digital sports map.The press conference was attended by Mr. Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications & Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee – FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 , in the presence of Predrag Bogosavljev FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 Director, Mr. Albert Huguet, eFIBA World Finals Project Manager Mr. Jassim Ahmed Al Mohammed, Official Spokesperson of the Qatar Esports Federation and representatives of the local media.The meeting opened with a short film showcasing the global evolution of e-basketball, followed by a detailed presentation by Mr. Al Mawlawi outlining key aspects of the eFIBA World Finals Qatar Season 4 on the NBA 2K platform. The presentation covered the competition venue, participating nations, prize pool, and promotional objectives, as well as its role in enhancing cognitive and competitive skills among youth in the region.The participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Algeria, France, Germany and the Philippines, while Group B features hosts Qatar, the Dominican Republic, Lebanon and Türkiye. Each national team will be represented by five players, bringing the total number of participants to 40.The tournament offers a total prize pool of USD 50,000, distributed across both team and individual awards. The champions will receive USD 20,000, while the runners-up will earn USD 10,000. The third-placed team will receive USD 6,000, with USD 4,000 awarded to the fourth-placed team.The tournament will also feature several individual awards, including the Defensive Player of the Tournament, Finals MVP, and the All-Star Five Team. Prize money for the individual awards will be distributed as follows: USD 2,500 each for the Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Tournament, while each player selected to the All-Star Five Team will receive USD 1,000.The international event reflects Qatar’s vision to support sporting innovation and strengthen basketball’s presence within the esports ecosystem. It also serves as a strategic milestone on the road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, reinforcing Qatar’s ambition to further consolidate its position on the global sporting stage.eFIBA is the official international championship organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), where national teams compete via NBA 2K, with players representing their countries through national federations, delivering a digital extension of official basketball competition.Strategic Selection of Qatar:Qatar’s selection as host is based on multiple factors, including being the first country in the Middle East to stage the eFIBA World Finals, its rapidly growing investment in esports, its alignment with preparations as hosts for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, and Doha’s internationally recognized reputation in hosting major global sporting events.Strategic and Marketing Dimensions:The eFIBA World Finals serves as a strategic and marketing platform aimed at expanding basketball’s reach within esports, engaging younger audiences, enhancing national competition in the digital space, and blending sport with interactive entertainment in a global format.The Organizing Committee emphasized that the event reflects Qatar’s commitment to innovation in sport and contributes to building a sustainable legacy for e-basketball through talent development and competitive growth.Mr. Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi described the event as a key milestone in Qatar’s sporting journey, highlighting its alignment with sustainability principles and its role in developing future generations of esport players.He also expressed gratitude to all partners involved, praising their efforts in delivering a world-class sporting event that reinforces Qatar’s ambition to remain a leading global hub for esports.For his part, Mr. Predrag Bogosavljev FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 Director said:“These eFIBA World Finals in Qatar represent the ideal bridge between the traditional basketball community and the fast-growing esports generation. Hosting the Season 4 World Finals is a major milestone for eFIBA and further strengthens the connection between basketball and esports on a global stage.”“The event also serves as an important milestone on the Road to Qatar for the next edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, helping to build excitement and engage new audiences as the country prepares to welcome the basketball world. We are grateful for the Organizing Committee’s continued commitment to the sport, and as the first country to host the eFIBA World Finals for two consecutive years, Qatar is once again demonstrating its dedication to the growth of both basketball and esports.” 

Qatar to face Saudi Arabia in Key FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifier

Doha:  Qatar’s senior national basketball team will host Saudi Arabia on Monday evening at Al Gharafa Sports Hall in a crucial Group D clash in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The rescheduled second-window fixture is set to tip off at 7:00 PM.The encounter carries major significance for both teams, with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon all tied at the top of Group D on five points after recording two wins and one defeat each, making it one of the most competitive groups in the Asian qualifiers.Although Qatar have already secured a place in the second round as hosts of the 2027 World Cup, head coach Hakan Demir views the match as an important opportunity to continue building the team's rhythm, strengthen chemistry, and maintain positive momentum ahead of the third qualification window.Qatar enter the contest following an intensive preparation programme that included a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, and two friendly matches against Tunisia, providing the coaching staff with valuable opportunities to assess the squad ahead of the return to competitive action.The national team has enjoyed an encouraging qualifying campaign so far, narrowly losing to Lebanon in its opening game before recording a historic away victory over the Lebanese side and following it with an emphatic win over India.Following Monday's encounter, Qatar will travel to Ahmedabad to face India on July 2 before meeting Saudi Arabia again in Jeddah on July 5 in the final game of the third qualification window.The Qatari delegation is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, alongside Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Assistant Team Manager Nabil Jumaa.The team is coached by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Marius Mijemec, Abdou Sow, and strength and conditioning coach Mohamed Vural. The medical staff includes Dr. Adel Harmiya, Dr. Adel Salim, and massage therapist Nicacio Sagaino.Qatar's 12-player roster includes Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Foda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Nado, Babacar Dieng, Deng Deng (Osman), Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegovic, Donte Grantham, and Mahmoud Darwish. 

Team Qatar Opens UAE Handball Friendly with Win over Oman

DUBAI - Qatar’s Youth Handball National Team made a commanding start to its campaign at the 2026 UAE International Friendly Championship, securing a comprehensive and well-deserved 34–21 victory over their Omani counterparts in the opening round of the tournament, currently being held at Al Ahli Youth Club in Dubai.Team Qatar  asserted complete control from the opening whistle, showcasing outstanding defensive organization, rapid transitions, and clinical attacking efficiency. Their dominance was reflected on the scoreboard as they headed into halftime with a comfortable 18–10 advantage.Qatar maintained the same intensity after the break, combining physical superiority with tactical discipline to keep Oman at bay. Despite repeated attempts by the Omani side to reduce the deficit, the determination and consistency of the Qatari players enabled them to extend their lead steadily before sealing an emphatic 34–21 triumph.Qatar’s participation in the championship forms an integral part of the national team's ongoing preparation program, with the international friendly tournament serving as one of the most significant stages in their build-up to the upcoming Asian Youth Handball Championship in China, which also serves as the qualifying event for the 2027 IHF Men's Youth World Championship in North Macedonia. 

Sheikh Joaan attends ANOC Executive Council Meeting

Lausanne: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), President of the Olympic Council of Asia, and the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the 94th ANOC Executive Council Meeting, held today in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the participation of Executive Council members.During the meeting, the Executive Council reviewed reports on ANOC’s activities and finances, discussed the organisation’s strategic plan and budget, and considered a number of governance and administrative matters related to the work of the association.The Council also discussed topics presented during the 146th IOC Session and their implications for ANOC, in addition to reviewing preparations for the upcoming ANOC General Assembly and matters related to its agenda, programme and electoral procedures.

Sheikh Joaan attends the 146th IOC Session

Lausanne: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of Qatar Olympic Committee attended the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland, chaired by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.The session reviewed key developments within the Olympic Movement, including the IOC’s Fit for the Future programme, proposed Olympic Charter amendments, the IOC's 2025 Annual Financial Report, and preparations for upcoming Olympic Games.The discussions reinforced the shared commitment of the Olympic Movement to innovation, good governance, and the successful delivery of future Olympic Games worldwide.

Qatar Olympic Committee Launches Second Edition of Team Qatar Summer 2026 Program

DOHA – The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), represented by its Sports Events Department, has announced the launch of the second edition of the Team Qatar Summer 2026 Program, dedicated to the sons and daughters of QOC employees. The program will run from 28 June to 9 July 2026 in collaboration with the Qatar Stars League Foundation, the Qatar Bowling Federation, Perf - Up Center, and a number of national sports federations.The initiative reflects the QOC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the children of its employees and encouraging their participation in meaningful sports and educational programs during the summer break. Through a carefully designed schedule of activities, the program aims to nurture young talents, develop personal abilities, and enhance essential life skills within a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment.Targeting children aged 8 to 12 years, the program offers a comprehensive experience that combines sporting, recreational, and educational activities. It is designed to strengthen physical fitness, develop social skills, and promote Olympic values while encouraging sport as a healthy and sustainable way of life.The program is also being delivered in close partnership with parents, underscoring the QOC’s belief in the vital role families play in motivating children to embrace active and healthy lifestyles. This collaborative approach seeks to foster greater participation in sports and contribute to the wider promotion of physical activity across society.“Team Qatar Summer 2026” features a diverse range of sports, cultural, and awareness activities hosted at various venues across Qatar, providing participants with a rich and rewarding experience that blends learning, entertainment, and personal development.The initiative forms part of the QOC’s broader efforts to support its employees and their families through high-quality programs that enable children to make productive use of their summer holidays. By offering meaningful opportunities for engagement, interaction, and skill development, the program aligns with the Committee’s vision of strengthening a culture of sport and physical activity throughout the community.