Doha 2026 Showcased the development of GCC Sport: Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid

Doha: Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, affirmed that the Games represented an exceptional Gulf sporting event that reflected the remarkable development achieved by sport across the GCC countries. He praised the brotherly atmosphere and the high technical standards witnessed throughout the competitions from the opening day until the conclusion of the event.He also stated that the success of the Games was the result of collective teamwork and continuous coordination among all organising committees, in addition to the strong cooperation shown by the participating Gulf delegations, which contributed to delivering the event in a distinguished manner befitting the stature of Gulf sport.“We were committed from the beginning of the preparations to delivering an exceptional edition that reflects Qatar’s organisational capabilities and extensive expertise in hosting major sporting events. we succeeded in achieving this objective through professional organisation, world-class sports facilities, and outstanding competitive atmospheres,” he said.He noted that the Games witnessed the emergence of many promising Gulf talents, stressing that such sporting gatherings represent an important platform for discovering athletes, developing their experience, and strengthening their presence on the continental and international sporting stage.“What we witnessed in terms of sportsmanship and fair competition among the athletes reflects the true values of Gulf sport and confirms the deep brotherly relations that unite the peoples of the GCC countries,” he added.Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid also praised the major efforts made by the organising committees, volunteers, and supporting entities, while commending the strong public attendance and distinguished media coverage that accompanied the competitions and contributed to highlighting the technical and organisational success of the event.He concluded by affirming that Qatar will continue its commitment to supporting Gulf sport and strengthening joint sporting cooperation, wishing all Gulf athletes continued success in upcoming continental and international competitions. 

Team Qatar Handball Team Claim Silver Medal at GCC Games Doha 2026

Doha: Team Qatar handball team secured the silver medal after defeating Saudi Arabia 32-24 in the decisive match held yesterday evening at Duhail Sports Hall, in the closing event of the handball competitions at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, in front of a strong crowd attendance.Team Qatar imposed complete control over the match from the opening minutes thanks to their solid defensive organisation and fast counterattacks, which disrupted the Saudi side. Qatar’s players ended the first half with an eight-goal advantage at 19-11 before continuing their strong display in the second half.The coaching staff successfully rotated players while maintaining high physical intensity and concentration, allowing Team Qatar to secure a comfortable victory and raise their tally to six points, confirming second place and the silver medal behind Bahrain, who topped the standings with a perfect eight points to win gold. Saudi Arabia finished third with four points to claim bronze.In a special gesture of appreciation during halftime, the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games honoured the official sponsors and strategic partners of the tournament in recognition of their vital logistical and financial support, which contributed directly to the success of the major Gulf event and its outstanding organisation.The Organising Committee stressed that these successful partnerships reinforce Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its distinguished organisational reputation as a leading regional and international destination for hosting major sporting events and championships, thanks to its world-class facilities and highly qualified national expertise.The final match was attended by several senior sports officials and dignitaries from across the GCC countries, led by H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Ahmed Al Shaabi, President of the Qatar Handball Association, alongside several Gulf federation presidents, including Ali Ishaqi, President of the Bahrain Handball Association, Hassan bin Nasser Hilal, President of the Saudi Handball Federation, and Shabib Al Hajri, President of the Kuwait Handball Association.Also present in the official stand were Mohammed Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, Majdi Mirza, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Handball Association, and Najla Al Khayarin, Head of the Qatar Delegation at the Games.The match was also attended by an official delegation from the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Saudi Olympic Committee, in addition to representatives of GCC national handball federations.Following the final whistle, the official medal ceremony took place in a festive atmosphere, amid widespread Gulf praise for Qatar’s exceptional organisation of the 4th GCC Games. 

Qatar Olympic Committee Organizes Paralympic Challenge Day 2026

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee organized the 2026 Paralympic Challenge Day for people with disabilities on Wednesday in cooperation with Awsaj Academy, part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre University Education, at the academy’s sports hall, in a distinguished sporting and educational atmosphere aimed at promoting the values of challenge and social inclusion.The program featured a number of recognized Paralympic sports and competitions, including wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, and sitting volleyball, in addition to handcycling simulations and blindfold races. These activities provided students with an opportunity to learn about Paralympic sports while fostering teamwork and positive interaction among participants.Saeeda Al Abdullah, Event Director from the Qatar Olympic Committee, expressed her sincere appreciation to all participants in the program, emphasizing that the event’s great success was the result of fruitful cooperation with Awsaj Academy and the dedicated efforts made by everyone involved to achieve its sporting and humanitarian objectives.She said: “At the Qatar Olympic Committee, we look forward to continuing this strategic and constructive cooperation in the future and to launching innovative initiatives that contribute to strengthening social responsibility and community participation, while supporting meaningful activities that serve and inspire younger generations and reinforce the values of determination, challenge, and respect among students.”For his part, Mr. Mohammed Al Janahi, Elementary School Principal at Awsaj Academy, stressed that organizing such purposeful sporting events reflects the importance of promoting the values of inclusion and cooperation, while empowering all students to participate actively within the school community.He praised the important role played by the Qatar Olympic Committee in supporting sporting and humanitarian initiatives that contribute to raising awareness of Paralympic sports and promoting a culture of respect and appreciation for the abilities of individuals with different needs. He added that such community partnerships leave a deep educational and humanitarian impact on students and contribute to building a more aware and socially engaged generation. 

Doha Diamond League Meeting Set for June 19 at Qatar Sports Club

Doha: The Qatar Athletics Federation has announced that the Doha Diamond League Meeting will take place at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club on June 19, instead of Khalifa International Stadium.The federation said through its official social media accounts that the meeting will feature a number of leading Olympic and world medalists, as well as record holders in track and field events, competing across 14 events for both men and women.The federation also confirmed the participation of Qatar’s Olympic and world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim in the high jump competition, marking his return to the Doha meeting after an absence of two seasons due to injury.The Diamond League Board had earlier announced the participation of Armand Duplantis, world record holder in pole vault and winner of the 2025 Diamond Trophy, alongside several prominent athletes in the same event.The Doha meeting is considered one of the most important stops on the international athletics calendar due to its high technical and organizational standards, attracting many of the world’s top athletes each season.This year’s Doha Diamond League program includes the 100m, 200m, 110m hurdles, 3000m steeplechase, 400m hurdles, 800m, 400m, 1500m, and 5000m races, in addition to pole vault, high jump, javelin throw, and triple jump events for both men and women. 

Team Qatar Handball to Face Saudi Arabia at GCC Games Doha 2026

Doha:  Team Qatar handball will face Saudi Arabia tomorrow, Friday, in the final round of the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026.Team Qatar are aiming to secure victory and claim the silver medal, as they currently occupy second place in the overall standings with four points, earned through victories over the UAE (28-20) and Kuwait (34-19), before suffering a defeat to Bahrain (24-19).Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, sit in third place behind Team Qatar on goal difference, also with four points, having defeated the UAE (34-21) and Kuwait (25-23), while losing to Bahrain (36-25).Bahrain have already secured the gold medal after defeating the UAE today 31-20 to raise their tally to eight points at the top of the standings. The UAE are fourth with two points, while Kuwait remain fifth without any points.The medal ceremony will take place tomorrow, Friday, following the conclusion of the match between Team Qatar and Saudi Arabia at Duhail Sports Hall, marking the end of the handball competitions at GCC Games Doha 2026.It is worth noting that Team Qatar handball won the gold medal at the previous edition of the GCC Games held in Kuwait in 2022.

Team Qatar Karate Athletes Win Five Medals at GCC Games Doha 2026

Doha: Team Qatar karate athletes won five medals today — one gold, three silver, and one bronze — at the 4th GCC Games currently taking place in Doha and concluding tomorrow, Friday.Team Qatar’s gold medal was secured by Yaman Ashraf in the under-67kg category after defeating Saudi Arabia’s Saad Al Saif 10-9 in the final, while the Saudi athlete claimed silver. The bronze medals went to the UAE’s Rashid Al Suraidi and Kuwait’s Mohammed Al Otaibi.In the under-60kg category, Team Qatar athlete Mustafa Abdulrahman won the silver medal, while Kuwait’s Ali Al Ajmi claimed gold. The bronze medals were awarded to Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al Aryani and the UAE’s Ibrahim Bakhit.In the under-84kg category, Team Qatar athlete Abdullah Rashid secured silver, while Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Al Malki won gold. The bronze medals went to the UAE’s Ali Al Ali and Kuwait’s Mohammed Hassan.In the over-84kg category, Team Qatar athlete Khalid Samir won silver, while Saudi Arabia’s Anas Al Zahrani secured gold. The bronze medals were claimed by the UAE’s Saif Al Qaidi and Kuwait’s Mohammed Al Majadi.Finally, in the under-75kg category, Team Qatar athlete Youssef Riyadh secured bronze, alongside the UAE’s Ali Youssef, while Kuwait’s Omar Al Janai won gold and Saudi Arabia’s Ali Mejari claimed silver.Following the conclusion of the competitions, the medal ceremony was attended by Eid Ali Al Marikhi, President of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation, Rashid Al Hajri, Assistant Secretary-General of the Federation, Abdullah Shaaban, Head of the Kuwaiti Delegation, Abdulilah Al Shaya, Secretary-General of the Saudi Karate Federation, and Turki Al Bukhari, Board Member of the Saudi Federation.