OCA and 2026 Asian Games Delegations Visit Lusail Boulevard Ahead of Fun Run

Doha: The delegations of  the Olympic Council of Asia and the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee paid a field visit on Monday to Lusail Boulevard, as part of preparations for the Fun Run, which will be held under the umbrella of the Olympic Council of Asia at Lusail Boulevard, in conjunction with Qatar National Sports Day, on Tuesday morning, 10 February.The OCA delegation included Mr. Mubarak Al-Buainain, OCA Media Director, Mr. Jian Zhou, Director of Media and Broadcasting at the OCA, and Mr. Digant Tiwari, Sports Department Officer at the OCA, Mr. Ramireddy Kona, Video & Photography Supervisor in the Technology & Information Department  at  the OCA.The Aichi–Nagoya 2026  Asian Games’s Organizing Committee delegation comprised Mr. Yasuhiro Nakamori, Acting Director General  of Aichi–Nagoya 2026  Asian Games Organizing Committee, and Ms. Manami Okumura,  member of Public Relations Department at Aichi–Nagoya 2026  Asian Games Organizing Committee, ,Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head of the Technical Committee for the Qatar Olympic Committee Half Marathon 2026, provided a concise briefing to the visiting delegations while inspecting the 1-kilometer Fun Run course for children. He explained the start and finish areas, as well as the organization, safety measures, and services provided for the participating children,The visit of the Organising Committee for the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games comes as part of the “Asian Games for All” campaign, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, aiming to introduce the Games and highlight its promotional activities.This visit is part of a series of promotional tours carried out by the Organising Committee across several Asian countries, seeking to broaden participation and ensure wider engagement in the event, which is scheduled to take place in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026.On the occasion of the visit, Mr. Mubarak Al-Buainain, the OCA Media Director, said: "We are delighted to welcome the delegation of the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Organizing Committee and members of the Olympic Council of Asia to the Qatar Olympic Committee Half Marathon 2026, Team Qatar Village activities, and the Fun Run held under the Council’s auspices on the occasion of the Country’s Sports Day."Al-Buainain added that National Sport Day represents an important occasion to promote physical activity and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle across the community, noting that such initiatives align with the vision of the Olympic Council of Asia to expand community participation in sport and reinforce the role of sport as a way of life, contributing to broader health, social, and humanitarian objectives across the Asian continent.Meanwhile, Mr. Yasuhiro Nakamori, Acting Director General of the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games, stated: “ the concept of “One Asia” reflects how, through the Asian Games, all 45 Asian countries and regions come together to promote peace across Asia and contribute to world peace, while also advancing the development of sport. We hope that these Games will continue to strengthen peace throughout Asia. I remember being here during the Doha 2006 Asian Games, which were the first Asian Games held in an Arab country. I was greatly impressed, especially by the opening ceremony, as well as the many new facilities and venues constructed for the event, which helped make the Doha 2006 Games highly successful”.“ I am convinced that the Doha 2030 Asian Games will further contribute to peace among Asian countries, and that Doha will continue to promote initiatives that encourage health and well-being for all Asians” said Mr. Nakamori.He also stated: “ The Qatar Olympic Committee plays a significant role in promoting the success of the Games. Therefore, the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Organizing Committee is eager to cooperate with the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee, including the intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration and mutual support, ensuring the success of both countries’ Asian Games”.

Qatar’s Bassem Hemeida wins 400m gold at Asian C’ships in China

Tianjin: Team Qatar’s athletics squad secured four gold medals at the conclusion of their participation in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, held in Tianjin, China, from 6 to 8 February, with the participation of around 400 male and female athletes representing countries across the continent.The four gold medals were claimed by Bassim Mohammed in the 400m race with a time of 47.05 seconds, Ibrahim Zakaria in the 1500m with a time of 3:43.75 minutes, Ibrahim Abbas in the 800m clocking 1:47.64 minutes, and the 4x400m relay team, which recorded a time of 3:08.68 minutes.The relay team consisted of Mohammed Kala, Ashraf Othman, Ismail Dawood, and Bassim Mohammed.With four gold medals, the Qatari team finished second in the overall standings, behind the host nation China, which topped the table with 13 medals.Following the conclusion of the championships, Mohammed Issa Al-Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, described the team’s achievement as a major accomplishment and the result of sustained efforts by the federation in recent phases, aimed at continuing Qatar’s athletics successes at international, continental, and regional levels.Al-Fadala added in press statements that the Qatari team delivered a strong performance throughout the championships and fully deserved their gold medals, noting that the federation has long been working according to a clear, long-term vision focused on developing athletes’ capabilities to achieve further success.The President of the Qatar Athletics Federation also praised the high competitive spirit shown by Team Qatar’s athletes during the championships, which secured them second place amid strong competition featuring the continent’s top male and female athletes. 

Qatar TotalEnergies Open gets underway

Doha: Karolina Muchova made a robust start to her Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2026 campaign dismissing Jaqueline Cristian in straight sets at the Khailfa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Sunday evening.Muchova needed an hour and a half to go past her Romanian opponent 6-2, 6-3. The Czech, seeded 14, faced pressure right out of the gate but saved four break points in the opening game. Then, the 2023 French Open finalist claimed breaks in the second and eighth games to take the first set.After winning the first set, Muchova also made a strong start to the second set and went 3-0 up. Down by a set and a break, Jaqueline didn’t give much as the world No. 35 responded by taking the next three games and tying the set to three games apiece. However, Muchova remained unfazed, winning the next three games to get the job done in straight sets.In the second round, Muchova will play against the winner of the match between Alexandra Eala of The Philippines and Czech teen Tereza Valentova.Eala and Valentova previously faced each other in October 2025 at the Japan Women’s Open, where the Czech dominated the Filipina ace, 6-1, 6-2, in the Round of 32. Valentova went on to reach the finals of the tournament.The Czech player made her Grand Slam main draw debut last year, reaching the Round of 64 at both Roland Garros and the US Open, and advancing to the Round of 32 at the most recent Australian Open.Valentova is currently ranked 44th in the WTA rankings, just one spot above Eala. 

HH The Amir’s Sword equestrian to feature 283 riders

Doha: Preparations have been completed for the HH The Amir’s Sword equestrian competition, set to take place at Al Shaqab from Wednesday until February 14, with 283 riders and 599 horses confirmed and a total prize purse exceeding €2mn for the prestigious championship.The highlight of the event will be the Grand Prix, offering €1.5mn in prize money and regarded as one of the most prestigious and lucrative competitions in international showjumping. The championship forms the fifth leg of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 and is expected to attract many of the world’s leading riders.Details were announced during a press conference attended by Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) President and Organising Committee member Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish, Sports Director Salmeen Al Suwaidi, and Marketing and Communications Director Abdullah Al Qashouti.The competition opens on Wednesday with two five-star classes at heights of 140cm and 150cm in the outdoor arena. Thursday’s programme will feature nine classes across one-star and five-star levels, three three-star World Cup qualifying rounds, a local 60cm class and an international dressage event. The outdoor arena will also host the Hermes Seller class, a 155cm Grand Prix qualifier with a jump-off.Friday will see 10 rounds, including star and three-star competitions, World Cup qualifiers, junior and youth events, a local 80cm round, an international dressage class and the five-star Grand Prix at 160cm with a jump-off.On the final day, Saturday, action will include the three-star Grand Prix at 150cm qualifying for the World Cup, the star Grand Prix at 130cm, additional five-star and star rounds, FEI Group VII qualifying classes for youth and juniors, further three-star World Cup qualifiers and a local 100cm class.The rider line-up features several world-ranked competitors led by world number one Scott Brash of Great Britain, who currently tops the Doha Equestrian Tour standings in the four-star and five-star categories. Brash also claimed the five-star Grand Prix title in the final leg of the HH The Father Amir’s Prix. Other notable names include Austria’s Max Kuhner, Britain’s Harry Charles, USA rider Eve Jobs, Germany’s Nadia Peter-Steiner and Belgium’s Abdelkader Said.Doha Equestrian Tour Executive Director Khalifa Al Attiyah said Qatar’s equestrian sport was experiencing a strong period of growth following the success of the HH The Father Amir’s Prix. He noted that the Amir’s Sword represents the largest equestrian championship staged in Qatar and the region in terms of prize money, highlighting the country’s world-class facilities at Al Shaqab and increasing international participation.Al Darwish described the event as a strategic step in developing Qatari riders by giving them the opportunity to compete against leading international athletes, while also strengthening sports tourism and reinforcing Doha’s reputation as a global sports destination.Al Suwaidi confirmed that more than 280 riders, including 93 Qataris representing over 30 countries, will compete across show jumping and dressage disciplines, with World Cup qualifying rounds, FEI Group VII qualifiers and local youth competitions included in the programme.A festive closing ceremony will be held on Friday featuring light shows, drone displays and equestrian-themed entertainment, alongside a dedicated fan zone offering cafes, retail outlets and family activities. Cultural events and exhibitions around the Longines Arena will showcase Qatari heritage and hospitality throughout the championship.The HH The Amir’s Sword is the fifth stop of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026, which began with the HH The Father Emir Cup series. Scott Brash leads the overall four-star and five-star standings with 199 points ahead of Harry Charles with 114, while French rider Meghann Moussonnier sits third with 113. In the star category, Qatar’s Saad Ahmed al-Saad leads with 49 points, followed by Hussein Saeed Haidan with 43.The championship is organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, the Qatar Olympic Committee and Al Shaqab.

Qatar Basketball Team Steps Up Preparations with Turkey Camp Ahead of FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Doha – The Qatar men’s national basketball team has stepped up preparations for the second window of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 by launching an overseas training camp in Turkey.The camp, which will run for several days, provides an ideal setting for intensive technical, physical, and practical work, as the team aims to reach peak readiness ahead of the resumption of official competition.The Qatari delegation is headed by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams.The Turkey camp comes on the back of a strong showing in the first qualification window, highlighted by a historic away victory over Lebanon national basketball team (86–83) in Beirut during the second round, after Qatar narrowly lost the opening game in Doha (74–75).Following the opening window, Qatar occupy second place in Group D with three points, level with Lebanon and one point behind group leaders Saudi Arabia national basketball team, who have four points. India national basketball team sit fourth with two points, making the upcoming matches decisive in shaping the race for qualification.The technical staff, led by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, opted to hold the camp in Turkey to allow for high-intensity daily training sessions. The programme includes physical conditioning, technical and tactical drills, fitness and endurance work, and exercises aimed at strengthening team cohesion across all positions.Qatar will face two crucial fixtures in the second window: against India on Friday, February 27, 2026, followed by a clash with Saudi Arabia on Monday, March 2, 2026. Both matches will be staged at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.The Asian and Oceanian qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Group A includes Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Guam; Group B features Japan, China, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei; Group C comprises Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq; while Group D brings together Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India. The top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, where they will be redistributed into two groups. From there, three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed team, will qualify for the World Cup finals.The qualification campaign spans six windows over more than 18 months, running from November 2025 to March 2027, allowing teams sufficient preparation time between official windows.

Reed claims Qatar Masters for second title in three weeks

Doha: Patrick Reed continued his great start to the 2026 season with a two-stroke victory at the Qatar Masters Sunday.At the Doha Golf Club, Reed secured his second title in three weeks on the DP World Tour as the American held off a final-day challenge from Scotland’s Calum Hill with a winning total of 16 under par. The Scot finished in second place at 14 under.Reed, who won the European Tour event in Dubai two weeks ago and was tied for second after a three-way playoff in Bahrain last week, led from the first round in Doha.“This little run I’ve had, two wins and a second, it’s awesome,” said Reed.“It’s special, to come out here especially to get two wins early on in the season.”Reed started the final round two shots ahead of Jacob Olesen and the two were paired. After the Dane birdied the first hole and Reed bogeyed the second the pair were tied at the top. Finn Oliver Lindell caught and passed them after making six birdies and two bogeys in the first eight holes. Lindell bogeyed 12 and 13 as Reed picked up shots on 10 and 11 to move two ahead again.“It wasn’t looking very good there on the front nine,” said Reed.“To lose the lead like that and then to be able to kind of flip the switch there on the back nine obviously felt amazing.”Hill, who finished in a tie for second with Reed a week earlier in Bahrain, claimed second again. He eagled the tenth and then made four straight birdies from 14 to shoot a 67 to launch a late run into contention, while Olesen was one under on the back nine.“Golf feels good at the minute,” said Hill. “I feel like I did a lot of things well and if you put me in that position again I feel like I could convert from there. I had a little bit of a blip on the front nine and it was a tough first nine holes. Dug in really well and played some really good golf on the back nine, I had a chance on every single hole and managed to convert a few towards the end,” The 31-year-old Scot said.Olesen and American Johannes Veerman finished joint third.Jayden Schaper produced Sunday’s lowest round, a bogey-free seven-under-par 65, to set the early clubhouse target at 11 under - which was improved to 13 under when Veerman holed a long birdie putt at the last to finish off his 68.Padraig Harrington, a 54-year-old tripe major winner, played his 500th DP World Tour event and was under par in every round to finish five under in a tie for 34th.