Team Qatar Make Winning Start to Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with Victory over Iran

Nagoya: Qatar’s men’s basketball team made a winning start to their Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games campaign after defeating Iran 59–53 in their opening Group B match on Thursday.The victory gave Team Qatar their first points in a group that also features Jordan and Chinese Taipei.Qatar will return to action on Saturday when they face Jordan in their second group match, before concluding the preliminary round against Chinese Taipei on Sunday.The men’s basketball competition features 12 teams divided into three groups. Group A comprises Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, while Qatar, Iran, Jordan and Chinese Taipei make up Group B. Group C features China, the Philippines, Bahrain and Kazakhstan.The knockout stage will follow the conclusion of the preliminary round, with the men’s basketball competition culminating in the final on September 20.Qatar are participating in the 20th Asian Games with a delegation of 243 athletes – 184 men and 59 women – representing 18 sports federations, as Team Qatar look to deliver strong performances across the Games. 

Abdulrahman Moustafa Wins Gold for Qatar at Asian Karate Championships

Amman: Qatar’s Abdulrahman Moustafa claimed the gold medal in the men’s U21 under-60kg kumite event at the 24th Asian Cadet, Junior and U21 Karate Championships, currently underway in Amman, Jordan.Moustafa produced a strong run through the competition to secure Qatar’s first gold medal of the championships.After receiving a bye into the quarterfinals, he defeated Chinese Taipei’s Shih Po-Yun 11–3 before overcoming Saudi Arabia’s Sultan Al-Masiri 11–7 in the semifinals.In the final, Moustafa defeated India’s Viraj Saini 4–1 to claim the Asian title and gold medal.His victory took Qatar’s medal tally at the championships to two, following Hassan Mansour’s silver medal in the junior over-76kg category on Wednesday.Qatar are represented at the championships by Moustafa in the U21 under-60kg category and Mansour in the junior over-76kg category. The delegation is headed by Rashid Al-Hajri, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation.The championships feature kata and kumite competitions across the cadet, junior and U21 categories, with more than 350 male and female athletes from 30 Asian countries taking part.The 24th edition of the continental championships concludes in Amman on Friday. 

Qatar Olympic Academy Concludes Module on Financial Management in Sports Organizations

DOHA - The Qatar Olympic Academy has concluded the fourth module of its Sports Management Diploma Program, titled “Financial Management in Sports Organizations,” as part of the Academy’s ongoing efforts to develop and empower sports and administrative professionals while enhancing their knowledge and skills across various disciplines related to modern sports management.The module was delivered by Dr. Adel El Gharbawy, Associate Professor of Accounting at the College of Business and Economics, Qatar University. Dr. El Gharbawy brings more than 30 years of academic, training, and professional experience in the fields of accounting and finance, gained through his work in Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. His extensive expertise added both professional and practical dimensions to the lectures, significantly enriching the participants’ learning experience.The fourth module focused on one of the most critical pillars of success and sustainability for sports organizations: financial management. The program covered a range of concepts and practices designed to help professionals in the sports sector manage financial operations efficiently and professionally, ensuring the optimal use of available resources while supporting the strategic objectives of sports institutions.Throughout the lectures, Dr. El Gharbawy highlighted the concept of sound financial management and its role in strengthening institutional governance and improving financial performance. He emphasized that modern sports organizations are increasingly required to manage their resources according to professional standards that promote financial sustainability and support organizational growth, development, and the achievement of both sporting and social objectives.The lectures also explored the theoretical and practical foundations of financial planning, which is considered one of the most important tools for anticipating future needs, setting priorities, and developing plans that foster growth and financial stability by aligning available resources with operational and strategic goals.The module covered several key areas that constitute the foundations of financial management in sports organizations. These included budget preparation, budget development mechanisms, and methods for monitoring implementation, as well as approaches to allocating financial resources according to organizational requirements and operational needs.In addition, the program addressed topics related to financial accounts and accounting procedures within sports organizations, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and transparency in recording financial transactions and maintaining accounting records to enhance institutional credibility and efficiency.The lectures also focused on financial evaluation and financial reporting, enabling participants to understand the importance of financial reports in supporting decision-making, measuring organizational performance, analyzing financial indicators, and applying best practices in the preparation and presentation of financial data in a clear and professional manner.The program extended beyond theoretical instruction by incorporating numerous practical examples and case studies, providing participants with opportunities to discuss financial challenges commonly faced by sports organizations and explore appropriate solutions based on recognized scientific and professional methodologies.The module provided participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to better understand financial operations within sports organizations and to become familiar with planning, monitoring, and resource management processes. These competencies are expected to enhance their professional capabilities and contribute to improved institutional performance across the sports sector.Interactive discussions and accompanying workshops further enriched the learning experience, allowing participants to exchange practical experiences and examine various challenges and opportunities associated with financial management in sports organizations.The Sports Management Diploma Program is one of the specialized academic initiatives regularly offered by the Qatar Olympic Academy to support the development of national talent and professionals working in the sports sector. The program covers a wide range of topics addressing the administrative and organizational aspects of sports management.During previous modules, participants completed several important subjects that collectively form a comprehensive framework for modern sports management. The first module focused on Organizational Structures in Sports Organizations, examining the principles of designing and developing organizational frameworks and their importance in enhancing institutional efficiency.The second module addressed Strategic Planning in Sports Organizations, introducing participants to long-term planning concepts, vision and goal development, and strategic approaches that support success and sustainability.Meanwhile, the third module, titled Human Resource Management in Sports Organizations, explored various aspects related to talent management, recruitment, employee development, motivation, and the creation of productive work environments within sports institutions.With the completion of the fourth module on financial management, participants have achieved another significant milestone in their academic journey, gaining deeper insight into the essential managerial functions that contribute to institutional success.As part of the ongoing academic pathway, the Qatar Olympic Academy is preparing to launch the fifth module of the Sports Management Diploma Program in October, titled “Marketing Management in Sports Organizations.”The upcoming module is expected to cover a range of topics related to sports marketing, sports branding, fan engagement strategies, and the development of sports products and services. These areas will help participants better understand the marketing dimensions that have become essential drivers of success and sustainability for modern sports organizations.Through its specialized academic and training programs, the Qatar Olympic Academy reaffirms its commitment to developing sports human capital and providing professionals in the sports sector with the knowledge and expertise required to keep pace with the latest trends and best practices.The continued strong interest in the Sports Management Diploma Program reflects the importance of such educational initiatives in building qualified professionals with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of sports management. These efforts contribute to the advancement of sport in Qatar and reinforce the country's position as a regional and international hub for sporting and administrative excellence.With the conclusion of the “Financial Management in Sports Organizations” module, participants have added another valuable learning experience to their professional development journey as they prepare to continue their studies through future modules that combine academic knowledge with practical application and equip them to meet the evolving demands of the modern sports industry.

First Day of FISU Weightlifting Championships Sees Competition in Four Categories

DOHA  - Competitions in four weight categories were held on the opening day of the 10th FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Doha 2026, which is being hosted at Education City through Sep. 12, with the participation of 116 male and female athletes representing 21 countries, in a global university sporting event that reflects the State of Qatar's growing presence on the international championships hosting landscape.The opening day's competition was intense across the four weight categories contested at the Education City Student Center, comprising the women's 49kg and 53kg categories and the men's 60kg and 65kg categories.In the women's 49kg category, Chinese Taipei champion Huang Yi-Chen swept all three gold medals, winning the snatch with a lift of 84kg, the clean and jerk with 100kg, and the overall title with a total of 184kg.Spanish weightlifter Marta Garcia Rincon claimed all three silver medals, lifting 79kg in the snatch, 90kg in the clean and jerk and recording a total of 169kg. Her compatriot Celia Riuos Villamor won all three bronze medals, lifting 71kg in the snatch, 81kg in the clean and jerk and posting a total of 152kg.Huang, who won all three gold medals in the 49kg category, expressed great happiness with her achievement, noting that injury had not prevented her from pursuing her ambitions and that she had overcome the challenge with determination and perseverance to reach the top of the podium.In press remarks following the medal ceremony, Huang said she was extremely happy and proud to have achieved this result at the global event, adding that determination and perseverance had played a major role in helping her achieve the outstanding result.She also expressed her happiness with the excellent atmosphere surrounding the competition and the provision of every means of comfort for all participating delegations, noting that people in Qatar were extremely friendly and kind and shared the same values cherished in Chinese Taipei.In the women's 53kg category, Chinese Taipei champion Ting-I Cheng swept all three gold medals, winning the snatch with a lift of 87kg, the clean and jerk with 108kg and the overall title with a total of 195kg.Romanian weightlifter Adriana Cosmina Pana won two silver medals, lifting 78kg in the snatch and recording a total of 174kg, while Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Chia-Yin claimed silver in the clean and jerk with a lift of 99kg.Spanish weightlifter Salma Ben Lahsan won two bronze medals, lifting 77kg in the snatch and recording a total of 172kg, while Poland's Oliwia Drzazga took bronze in the clean and jerk with a lift of 98kg. In the men's 60kg category, Sri Lankan weightlifter Avindu Liyana claimed all three gold medals, lifting 105kg in the snatch, 132kg in the clean and jerk and recording a total of 237kg. Spanish weightlifter Oscar Gomez Martinez won all three silver medals, lifting 101kg in the snatch, 127kg in the clean and jerk and recording a total of 228kg, while Chinese Taipei's Tang Chun-Yen took all three bronze medals, lifting 100kg in the snatch, 127kg in the clean and jerk and posting a total of 227kg.Finally, in the men's 65kg category, Azerbaijani weightlifter Tehran Mammadova won two gold medals and one silver, taking gold in the clean and jerk with a lift of 159kg and in the overall with a total of 289kg, as well as silver in the snatch with a lift of 130kg. Moldovan weightlifter Ion Badanev claimed one gold and two silver medals, winning the snatch with a lift of 132kg and taking silver in the clean and jerk with 156kg and in the overall with a total of 288kg.The three bronze medals in this category went to Sri Lankan weightlifter Nipun Thennakoon Mudiyanselage, who lifted 100kg in the snatch, 120kg in the clean and jerk and recorded a total of 220kg.The championship is scheduled to continue tomorrow, Wednesday, with competition in four new weight categories: the women's 57kg and 61kg categories and the men's 70kg and 75kg categories.As for Qatar's participation in the World Championship, weightlifter Nader Bakr will begin his campaign in the men's 95kg category on Friday, while Wissal Yakhlaf will compete in the women's over-86kg category on Saturday.The championship has attracted leading university teams from 21 countries, reflecting the breadth of the competition and its sporting significance. Participating countries include Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Spain, Finland, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Iraq, Korea, Moldova, Poland, Puerto Rico, host nation Qatar, Romania, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Chinese Taipei and the United States, bringing together in Doha some of the most promising university weightlifting talents at one of the sport's leading global events.The FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Doha 2026 features competition across 16 weight categories. The eight men's categories are 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and over 110kg, while the eight women's categories are 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and over 86kg.The FISU World University Weightlifting Championship is the second world championship organized by the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation since its official establishment in 2023, following its successful hosting of the FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball. This reflects the Federation's growing presence on the international sporting stage and embodies its vision of strengthening the State of Qatar's position on the global university sports landscape. 

Schools Olympic Program Set to Mark 20th Edition in Qatar

DOHA – The Organizing Committee of the Schools Olympic Program (SOP) has completed preparations for the launch of the program’s 20th edition for the 2026-2027 season, which will officially get underway at the Aspire Academy Dome in October.The new edition continues the program’s long-standing mission of promoting school sports, identifying and developing young sporting talent, and encouraging students to participate in a wide range of sports.At a press conference held Wednesday, the Organizing Committee outlined the key features of the new edition, including the sports on the competition program, targeted age groups, as well as its objectives and development plans for the new season. These efforts further strengthen the program’s position as one of Qatar’s leading national initiatives for school sports.HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani, President of the Qatar School Sports Association (QSSA) and Chairman of the SOP Organizing Committee, said the Schools Olympic Program is one of the most important initiatives supporting school sports in Qatar.He noted that QSSA has implemented the program in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) and the Qatar Olympic Committee since the 2007-2008 academic year.His Excellency welcomed the launch of the 20th edition, describing it as an important milestone that reflects the program’s sustainability, continued development and success over the years.He expressed hope that this landmark edition would achieve record participation, surpassing the previous edition, which attracted more than 27,000 male and female students across 36 sports.“This strong participation is supported by our strategic partnerships with sports federations, schools and Aspire Academy, all of which contribute to our ultimate goal of preparing a promising generation of athletes who can contribute to the future of Qatari sport,” His Excellency said.HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani added that the new edition would go beyond traditional school competitions by creating new opportunities for students to participate, discover and develop their talents, and pursue excellence in both sport and education.For his part, SOP Executive Director Abdulrahman Al Muftah said the launch of the 20th edition represents a significant milestone in the program’s efforts to bring sport and education closer together and strengthen Olympic values among younger generations.He noted that the new season features a renewed vision and ambitious plans aimed at investing in students’ abilities and creating greater opportunities for their development.Meanwhile, QSSA Board Member Jiham Al Kuwari described the 20th edition as a landmark in the program’s two-decade journey, stressing that preparations are well underway to deliver a distinguished edition.Al Kuwari also highlighted the growth in the program’s network of sponsors and supporters over the past three years. She said the program has opened the door for more companies to contribute in line with their marketing and community objectives, alongside its key partners, foremost among them Aspire Academy.The 20th edition of the Schools Olympic Program is expected to further strengthen the role of school sport in identifying young talent, encouraging active lifestyles and supporting the development of the next generation of Qatari athletes. 

Record 10 Teams Set for Gulf U-17 Cup in Qatar

DOHA  – The Gulf Football Federation has announced that 10 national teams will compete in the second edition of the Gulf U-17 Cup, to be hosted by Qatar from October 16 to November 4, 2026.The tournament will bring together the national teams of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait and Yemen, along with Egypt and China, making it the largest edition in the competition's history.The expanded participation will provide the teams with valuable competitive experience and opportunities to face different opponents as they prepare for upcoming international competitions, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 for qualified teams.The Qatar Local Organizing Committee will organize the tournament in cooperation with the Gulf Football Federation.The official draw will be held Thursday at noon Doha time by videoconference from the federation's headquarters. It will determine the two groups and the tournament schedule.The teams have been placed into five pots based on the rankings from the federation's latest tournament in the same age category: Pot 1: Qatar, Saudi Arabia Pot 2: United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Pot 3: Kuwait, Oman, Pot 4: Yemen, Bahrain, Pot 5: Egypt, China.The 10 teams will be divided into two groups of five. Qatar will head Group A as host, while defending champions Saudi Arabia will head Group B.The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals. The winner of Group A will play the runner-up of Group B, while the winner of Group B will meet the runner-up of Group A. Any semifinal or final match that ends level after regulation time will be decided by a penalty shootout.The Gulf U-17 Cup is an important youth competition that aims to develop young talent, provide national teams with valuable competitive experience and strengthen cooperation among Gulf football associations.Saudi Arabia won the inaugural edition, hosted by Qatar in 2025, after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in the final at Grand Hamad Stadium.