Qatar Set for China Showdown in FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Quarterfinals

Doha – Qatar’s national 3x3 basketball team is set to face China in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash on Sunday, April 5, at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026, taking place in Singapore from April 1 to 5.The Qatari team heads into the knockout stage with strong determination to continue its campaign in one of the tournament’s most competitive editions, featuring 22 teams from across Asia and Oceania.Qatar secured qualification after finishing second in Group D. The team opened its campaign with an impressive 16–11 victory over India, delivering a disciplined defensive performance and an effective attacking display, particularly in close-range scoring. In their second match, Qatar faced a tough challenge against New Zealand and suffered an 11–21 defeat, as the latter topped the group. Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals.China, meanwhile, booked its place in the knockout stage after finishing among the top teams in Group B. Despite a narrow 19–21 loss to Malaysia in their opening match, China responded strongly with a 21–15 win over Australia to secure qualification.The Qatari delegation in Singapore is headed by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, alongside Captain Yaseen Ismail, Director of the 3x3 National Teams. The team is coached by Marco and features players Mohammed Hashem Zidan, Mubarak Jama, Dejan Janic, and Nedim Muslic.With confidence high and ambitions clear, Qatar will look to deliver a strong performance as they aim to advance to the semifinals. 

High-Level Competition Continues at Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup

Doha:  The Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup maintained its strong momentum at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, as part of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026, with a wide international turnout. More than 170 riders from 21 countries are competing across One-Star to Five-Star categories over four days, with total prize money reaching €784,000.The CSI5* 155cm jump-off class saw Qatar’s Faleh Suwaid Al Ajami secure top spot with a time of 44.10 seconds. Brazil’s Sergio Neupman followed in second place in 45.12 seconds, while Santiago Lambert completed the podium in third with 48.49 seconds.In the One-Star 115cm class, Saudi Arabia’s Hala Al Rashid claimed first place in 32.66 seconds, ahead of Qatar’s Ibrahim Khalid Al Kuwari in 34.72 seconds, while Mohammed Al Ghazali finished third in 35.54 seconds.Qatar’s Alia Ahmed Al Khater led the Children’s 105cm class with a winning time of 30.48 seconds. Layan Sultan Al Thani took second place in 32.19 seconds, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Al Anoud Al Rashid in third with 32.81 seconds.In the Junior 115cm class, Saudi Arabia’s Nora Al Rashid delivered a standout performance, securing both first and third places with times of 30.37 and 31.53 seconds. Qatar’s Hadi Nasser Al Hajri finished second in 31.26 seconds.Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Al Hadi continued his strong showing by winning the One-Star 130cm class in 55.68 seconds. Qatar’s Yaqoub Nasser Al Maas placed second in 59.59 seconds, while Abdulaziz Khaled Al Bukhari came third in 61.82 seconds.In the CSI3* 140cm class, Kuwait’s Anaz Al Anaz claimed first place in 65.74 seconds, followed by Austria’s Gerfried Puck in 69.77 seconds, with Kuwait’s Fawaz Rashid finishing third in 72.97 seconds.At 130cm in the same category, Saudi Arabia’s Badr Al Fard took first place with a time of 71.40 seconds. Qatar’s Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker secured second in 74.13 seconds, while France’s Sirine Sherif placed third in 80.78 seconds.The day concluded with the CSI3* 135cm class, where Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Al Hadi claimed another victory in 33.33 seconds. Qatar’s Saad Ahmed Al Saad finished second in 34.69 seconds, while Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani took third place in 34.85 seconds. 

Qatar Reach Quarterfinals of FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

Doha : Qatar’s national 3x3 basketball team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, currently taking place in Singapore from April 1 to 5, 2026, following a strong showing in the group stage.Qatar opened their campaign with a convincing 16–11 victory over India in their first Group D match. The team displayed clear tactical discipline, controlling the tempo from the outset and capitalizing on key scoring opportunities, while effectively limiting India’s attacking threat despite their momentum from the qualification rounds.The opening match was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al-Malki Al-Jehani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Singapore, who was present to support the team. His attendance highlighted Qatar’s continued commitment to backing its national teams in international competitions and reinforcing its presence on the global sporting stage.In their second group match, Qatar faced a strong challenge against New Zealand, one of Asia’s leading 3x3 teams. The match was played at a high intensity, with rapid transitions and physical play, as New Zealand secured a 21–11 victory.Despite the defeat, Qatar advanced to the quarterfinals, where they are set to face China on April 5. China progressed after defeating Australia (21–15), despite an earlier narrow loss to Malaysia (19–21) in Group B.Qatar’s participation reflects the Qatar Basketball Federation’s ongoing efforts to develop its 3x3 program through consistent exposure to continental and international competitions, providing players with valuable experience against diverse playing styles in one of the fastest-growing formats in global basketball.|The Qatari delegation in Singapore is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, alongside Yaseen Ismail, Director of 3x3 National Teams. The team is coached by Marco, with the squad comprising Mohammed Hashem Zidan, Mubarak Jama, Dejan Janic, and Nedim Muslic.The tournament features 22 teams from across Asia, including Mongolia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Tonga, Thailand, Turkmenistan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Macau, the Maldives, and Qatar.The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup continues to attract significant international attention as a key platform to assess team performance in this fast-paced format, which has become an integral part of the global basketball calendar following its inclusion in the Olympic Games. 

Team Qatar to face India and New Zealand at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

Doha:  Team Qatar men’s 3x3 basketball team will begin their campaign today at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup Finals for men and women, taking place in Singapore from April 1 to 5, 2026. The team will play two key matches in Group D, aiming for a strong start to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stages.Qatar will open their participation against India, with the players seeking to impose their superiority and secure their first win of the tournament. India enter the match after progressing through the qualification rounds, giving them added motivation to continue their positive run.The challenge continues on the same day, as Qatar face New Zealand—one of the continent’s strongest 3x3 teams—in a demanding test that requires high concentration and tactical discipline, given the opponent’s extensive experience in this format.These two matches carry added importance, not only in shaping the group standings but also as a true test of Qatar’s ability to cope with the fast-paced and physical nature of 3x3 basketball, where games are played at high intensity and require strong mental and physical readiness.The Qatari delegation in Singapore is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, alongside Yassin Ismail, Director of 3x3 National Teams. The technical staff is led by head coach Marco. The men’s squad includes Mohammed Hashem Zidan, Mubarak Jama, Dejan Janic, and Nedim Muslic.The tournament features the participation of 22 Asian teams: Mongolia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Tonga, Thailand, Turkmenistan, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Macau, the Maldives, and Qatar.Qatar’s participation comes as part of the team’s efforts to gain further experience and high-level exposure in a tournament that brings together Asia’s top teams, raising the level of competition and providing players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities on the continental stage. 

Vanderveen, Al Marri excel on opening day of Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup

Doha: American rider Kristen Vanderveen opened the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup in style, claiming victory in the CSI5* 1.50m Faults & Time class on the opening day of the competition, part of the Doha Equestrian Tour at Al Shaqab.Riding Starbucks 27, Vanderveen delivered a flawless round to finish in 71.31 seconds and secure top honours ahead of Austria’s Gerfried Puck on Equitron Naxcel V, who clocked 72.95 seconds, while Jordan’s Nasouh Kayali on Kamacho P.S. took third place in 77.24 seconds.The four-day event has attracted more than 170 riders representing 21 countries, competing across one- to five-star categories with a total prize purse of €784,000.In the CSI5* Two Phases 1.40m class, Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri riding Navaronne secured first place with a clear round in 29.97 seconds. Kuwait’s Annaz Al Annaz on Carlsson 69 finished second in 32.11 seconds, while Sheikh Fahad Jassim Al Thani on Lavesther placed third in 32.20 seconds.Kuwait’s Madhy Alkhamis topped the CSI1* 1.25m Faults & Time class riding Caheelah de Beaufour, completing the course in 56.24 seconds. Qatar’s Ahmad Jassim Al Suwaidi on Mona Lansia M finished second in 59.54 seconds, while Abdul Aziz Jassim Al Thani on Steve Jobs secured third place in 60.54 seconds.In the CSI1* Special Two Phase 1.10m class, Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Al Hadi riding DSP Cessy claimed first place with a time of 25.85 seconds. Qatar’s Abdulla Ahmad Al Musafri on Celia Z finished second in 27.03 seconds, while Mohammad Al Ghazali on Palmer - V took third place in 27.16 seconds.Tournament deputy director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin affirmed that the event continues to solidify its position as one of the highlights of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026

Slovakia’s Jakub Hrinada Leads Qatar International Golf Championship

Doha: Slovakia’s Jakub Hrinada moved to the top of the leaderboard at the Qatar International Golf Championship, currently taking place at Doha Golf Club, following the conclusion of the second round. The tournament will conclude tomorrow.Hrinada climbed to first place in the overall standings after recording four strokes over par. South Africa’s Franco Rapp sits in second place with six over par, while Australia’s Andrew Ekstrom and England’s Andrew Saunders share third place with eight over par each.Team Qatar’s Saleh Al Kaabi holds fifth place with a total of 153 strokes (nine over par), followed by England’s Callum Fitzgerald at 11 over par, and the United Kingdom’s Dean Morris with 12 over par.Qatar’s Daniel Sokolov, along with his teammate Waqas Al Balushi and Australia’s Cam Cranor, occupy positions eighth to tenth, each recording 159 strokes (15 over par).A total of 37 players have qualified for the final round, scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday), including nine Qatari players: Saleh Al Kaabi, Daniel Sokolov, Waqas Al Balushi, Abdulaziz Al Buainain, Abdulaziz Al Shahrani, Abdulaziz Al Muhannadi, Fahad Mir, Jassim Al Kuwari, and Kamil bin Ruqayya.The البطولة is being played in an individual stroke-play format, with players competing over the first two rounds to determine the top performers who will advance to the decisive final round, which will crown the champion.For his part, Mohammed Faisal Al Nuaimi, Board Member of the Qatar Golf Association, highlighted the remarkable development of the Qatar International Golf Championship over the past four decades. He noted that the tournament continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading amateur events, attracting a growing number of international players and witnessing a steady rise in technical standards year after year.Al Nuaimi added that the tournament’s prominent status on the International Golf Federation calendar reflects its ongoing growth, emphasizing its role in discovering and developing talent, while providing players with valuable competitive experience.He also stressed that the championship serves as a genuine platform for excellence and a pathway toward professionalism, praising the improved performance of Qatari players in this year’s edition, with nine players qualifying for the final round.