Doha all set for 2026 GCC Games

Doha: The Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 has announced the completion of all preparations for hosting the highly anticipated regional event, scheduled to take place from May 11 to 22.Speaking at a press conference held at Al Wajba Hall at the headquarters of the Qatar Olympic Committee, in the presence of officials from the organising committee and media representatives, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani, Head of the Marketing and Communications Committee, affirmed that Qatar’s hosting of the Games represents a natural extension of the journey of sports cooperation among GCC countries, reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal ties and shared values that unite the peoples of the region.He said: “This edition of the Games serves as an important platform to strengthen ties among the youth of the GCC countries and to promote noble sporting values, supporting the continued development of joint Gulf sports cooperation and reinforcing the role of sport as a bridge for communication and connection among nations.”He added that the Marketing and Communications Committee has worked on developing a comprehensive identity for the Games, inspired by the region’s culture and heritage, reflecting shared Gulf values while keeping pace with the expectations of diverse sports audiences, with the aim of delivering a distinctive organisational and marketing experience.Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani noted that a number of official sponsors and strategic partners have been announced, forming a key pillar in supporting the event through partnerships that enhance its public engagement and elevate its marketing and organisational value.He also revealed the official mascot of the Games, “Washeq,” which has been carefully designed as an interactive element reflecting the spirit of the event and strengthening audience engagement, particularly among youth.The Head of the Marketing and Communications Committee invited the public to attend the official opening ceremony, which will take place on May 11 at Al Shaqab, noting that the ceremony will mark a distinctive launch for the Games and reflect the level of preparations achieved.He concluded by emphasizing that work will continue in the coming phase to implement the marketing campaign across all its stages, ensuring strong attendance and engagement, and delivering a successful edition that reflects the stature of GCC countries and the aspirations of their peoples.For her part, Maryam Al Mansoori, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at the Organising Committee, stated that the selection of the official mascot “Washeq,” inspired by the desert caracal—one of the most prominent symbols of the Arabian Peninsula’s natural environment—was intended to embody the core values upon which the Games are built, most notably fair competition, discipline, and the spirit of Gulf participation, reflecting the slogan: “One Gulf, One Heart.”She explained that “Washeq” is closely linked to Gulf identity, representing an integral part of the region’s wildlife heritage, historically found across its vast deserts, valleys, and diverse landscapes. This choice reflects the deep cultural and natural ties among GCC countries and reinforces unity and a shared vision for the future.Al Mansoori added that the mascot symbolizes agility, precision, and adaptability, drawing inspiration from the desert environment known for its resilience and flexibility. Its composed appearance and calm nature reflect the professionalism and balance that the Games seek to promote.She noted that the mascot serves as a central element in the Games’ visual identity, contributing to a unified presence across various media platforms, official activities, and on-ground activations, while also fostering a strong emotional connection with audiences across the Gulf region.Meanwhile, Najla Al Khayareen, Head of the Qatari Administrative Delegation, confirmed that the national delegation has reached the highest level of readiness to participate in this major sporting event. She noted that all administrative and organisational preparations have been completed, alongside the provision of accommodation, transport, and logistical and technical support, ensuring optimal conditions for athletes to focus on their competitions.She added that Qatar will participate in 19 sports, noting that this group of athletes has been carefully selected to represent the country in the best possible way at this event, which represents an important milestone in preparation for upcoming competitions.Al Khayareen called on Team Qatar supporters to back the athletes and stand by them, emphasizing that fan support is a key factor in achieving the desired results. She expressed her wishes for success to Qatar’s athletes in delivering strong performances and presenting a distinguished edition that reflects the Gulf spirit.The Organising Committee announced the list of official sponsors and strategic partners of the Games, which includes Hamad International Airport, Msheireb Properties, Al Kass Channel, Suhail Industrial Holding Group, Kotinos, Bornan, Al Rayyan Water, Dynamic Sports, Al Jazeera Perfumes and The Look Company, as part of partnerships that support the delivery of the Games and enhance its public engagement and overall marketing value.The fourth edition of the GCC Games will feature competitions across 19 sports, including handball, table tennis, athletics, squash, padel, fencing, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards, snooker, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian, and bowling.Competitions will be held across 11 state-of-the-art venues, including Aspire Dome, the Women’s Sports Hall, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Qatar Sports Club, Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, and Al Duhail Sports Hall.The inaugural edition of the GCC Games was held in Manama from October 11 to 22, 2011, with the participation of six GCC countries and approximately 1,500 athletes competing in 11 sports. Qatar finished third with 20 medals (7 gold, 11 silver, and 2 bronze).The second edition took place in Dammam from October 12 to 26, 2015, with five participating nations following Kuwait’s withdrawal, and around 1,500 athletes competing in approximately 15 sports. Qatar again finished third, winning 59 medals (21 gold, 22 silver, and 16 bronze).The third edition was held in Kuwait in 2022 from May 16 to 31, with six GCC countries and more than 1,500 athletes competing in 16 sports. Qatar placed fifth in the medal standings with a total of 52 medals (16 gold, 21 silver, and 15 bronze). 

Qatar’s Relay Team Books Historic Ticket to Beijing 2027 World Championships

Botswana – Qatar’s national athletics team has added another proud milestone to its growing legacy, as the 4×400m relay squad secured qualification for the World Athletics Championships – Beijing 2027 in spectacular fashion, advancing from the opening round for the first time ever in the Botswana capital, Gaborone.In a landmark performance, the quartet stopped the clock at a new national record of 2:59.83, sealing their place among the world’s elite and confirming their readiness for the upcoming global final. The team comprised Amar Ismail, Basem Mohammed, Youssef Abdulaziz, and Ashraf Othman, with Samer Hassan serving as the reserve athlete.Qatar Athletics Federation President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala praised the achievement, noting that qualifying from the first round while breaking the national record reflects a clear technical leap in the team’s development. He added that reaching the world final underlines the squad’s ability to compete at the highest international level.Elsewhere, Qatari throwers continued to impress at the Asian Championships in South Korea, where Ashraf Elseify claimed bronze in the hammer throw with 71.31m, while Muath Ibrahim progressed to the discus final. Ahmed Jibril also stood out, finishing sixth in the shot put with a personal best of 18.87m.

Team Qatar to participate in IWF World Junior Championships

Ismailia: Team Qatar athletes are taking part in the IWF World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, which officially opened this evening in the Egyptian city of Ismailia and will run until May 8. The event features the participation of 270 male and female lifters representing 53 countries.The Qatari team is competing with two promising lifters. Fares Ahmed Jaber will participate in the Under-20 110kg category, as well as the Under-17 +94kg category, while Nader Mohammed Bakr will compete in the 94kg category. The team enters the البطولة with strong ambitions to achieve notable results and raise Qatar’s flag on the global stage.Team Qatar are set to begin their official campaign on May 7, following an intensive preparation period that included an overseas training camp as part of their build-up to the world championships, aiming to reach peak technical and physical readiness.The opening ceremony was attended by HE Mohammed Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatari, Arab, Asian, and Afro-Asian Weightlifting Federations, alongside a number of officials from the International Federation, national federations, and participating delegations, as well as several sports officials and figures from host nation Egypt.On the sidelines of the ceremony, Al Mana honored HE Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, and Major General Sherif Fahmy Beshara, Governor of Ismailia. In turn, Mohamed Abdelmaksoud, President of the Egyptian Weightlifting Federation and Head of the Organizing Committee, honored Al Mana in recognition of his efforts in developing the sport of weightlifting at various levels.Al Mana stated that the World Youth and Junior Championships represent an important platform for preparing champions and developing emerging talent, particularly as they bring together some of the most promising lifters from around the world. He also praised the high organizational standards of the البطولة from its opening day.In a press statement, Al Mana stressed that Team Qatar are entering the competition with high ambitions following a strong preparation phase, noting that the team includes lifters capable of delivering performances that reflect the steady development of weightlifting in Qatar, particularly at the age-group level, which represents the foundation for future national teams.He added that the Qatar Weightlifting Federation continues to implement a clear strategy aimed at developing young talent and providing them with international exposure, emphasizing that global participation plays a key role in gaining experience and preparing athletes to compete at the highest continental and international levels in the coming years.

A Remarkable Ending to the 2025–2026 Qatar Rugby League

DOHA  – The 2025–2026 Qatar Rugby League season concluded on Thursday in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, reflecting the rapid development of the sport in the State of Qatar. The closing stages witnessed strong competition between participating teams, all of whom delivered impressive performances, with a notable crowd turnout that enjoyed the season finale matches.The tournament featured six men’s teams in Rugby XV: Doha Rugby, Blue Falcons, Camels, Fites, Doha Titles, and Oryx, alongside three women’s teams in Rugby Sevens: Oryx, Doha Ladies, and Camels. The men’s final was highly competitive and full of intensity, as Blue Falcons secured the title with a commanding 44–0 victory over Camels, earning a well-deserved place on the podium.In the women’s competition, Doha Ladies were crowned Rugby Sevens champions after defeating Oryx 19–12 in a closely contested match that remained competitive until the final moments. At the conclusion of the tournament, Mr. Abdullah Aman Al-Khater, Secretary-General of the Qatar Rugby Federation, and Mr. Saad Badr Al-Abdullah, Board Member, presented the trophies to the winning teams in front of an enthusiastic crowd.Mr. Talal Mujalli, Head of Rugby at the Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the season, praising the high standards shown by players and highlighting the continued development of rugby in Qatar, particularly the growing participation at youth level.For his part, Mr. Abbas Kharfani, Technical Director of the Federation, praised the high competitive level of the final, stressing the importance of such events in identifying national team players ahead of their upcoming fixture against Saudi Arabia on May 15 in Doha as part of the world rankings structure. He also announced that the season-ending festival will take place on May 21, featuring an exhibition match with top players from Qatari clubs, celebrating the success and growth of the season.

Winter Sports Development Program Kicks Off under Years of Culture Initiative (Qatar – Canada & Mexico 2026)

DOHA  – The Winter Sports Development Program was launched at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena as part of the Years of Culture Initiative (Qatar – Canada & Mexico 2026), in a strategic collaboration between the Qatar Winter Sports Committee and Qatar Museums’ flagship cultural program.Designed as a unique platform bridging sport and culture, the initiative aims to expand awareness of winter sports in Qatar while promoting international exchange, particularly with Canada and Mexico. It combines hands-on sporting experiences, interactive learning, and cultural engagement activities.The opening ceremony carried a strong diplomatic and sporting tone, featuring the ceremonial puck drop by H.E. Mr. Karim Morcos, Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, H.E. José Guillermo Ordorica Robles, Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar, , and Mr. Majid Rashid Al-Sulaiti, President of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, marking the start of an exhibition ice hockey game between amateur players from Qatar and Canadian residents.The program also featured curling demonstrations and public participation sessions led by expert coaches, alongside skating workshops open to all age groups. Families enjoyed a full cultural experience, complemented by Qatari, Canadian, and Mexican culinary offerings, celebrating diversity and cultural exchange.Mr. Al-Sulaiti expressed his delight at the strong public turnout, which exceeded expectations, highlighting the success of the collaboration with the Years of Culture initiative under Qatar Museums, chaired by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani.He stressed the importance of such initiatives in strengthening cultural ties between nations and confirmed that further events will continue at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in the coming period.

Successful Conclusion of Winter Sports Competitions in the School Olympic Program

DOHA  – The short track ice racing competitions of the Schools Olympic Program ended yesterday evening. The event was organized by the Qatar Winter Sports Committee in cooperation with Qatar  School Sports Federation. It lasted for two days at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, in a competitive atmosphere that showed the growing level of young sports talents in Qatar.The competitions, which marked the final event of the committee’s activities this year, saw wide participation from students. A total of 32 boys from five schools qualified for the finals, along with 17 girls from three schools. The races were full of excitement and strong sportsmanship, as all participants aimed to achieve the best results and reach the podium.The boys’ competitions were held on Wednesday, while the girls’ events took place on Thursday at the same venue, which hosted all races. The event was well organized, showing the readiness of the facilities and the efficiency of the technical and administrative teams in charge.At the end of the event, Mr. Hassan Hissam Al-Hebabi, Secretary-General of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, and Mr. Ahmed Ali Al Jaber, Board Member, crowned the winners in a festive atmosphere, with strong applause from the audience, who praised the high technical level and professional organization.These finals come as part of the committee’s strategy to promote winter sports in schools and to discover and develop talents at an early age, helping to build a new generation of athletes who can represent Qatar at regional and international levels.For his part, Mr. Hassan Hissam Al-Hebabi said that the finals were a great success at all levels. He noted that the competition among boys and girls was strong and showed clear improvement in technical and physical performance. He added: “We saw many promising Qatari talents during these competitions, which is the main goal of the program. We will continue to support and prepare them to join the national winter sports teams.” He also explained that the program started with curling and continued with short track races, which are key pathways for discovering talents.