On National Sport Day QOC Half Marathon 2026 and Team Qatar Village Ready with Complete Organizational and Technical Setup

Doha: The Organizing Committee of the second edition of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Half Marathon and Team Qatar Activities 2026 has confirmed full organizational, logistical, and technical readiness during a press conference held today at Lusail Hall at the QOC headquarters. The annual sporting event, along with the short-distance races and Team Qatar Village events , will take place on 10 February 2026, in celebration of Qatar National Sports Day.The press conference was attended by members of the Organizing Committee, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al-Thani, Head of the Marketing Committee of  the Half Marathon and Team Village; Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head  of the Technical Committee of  the QOC Half Marathon 2026; Mrs. Maha Dahawi Al Shamari, Director Communication  and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour; Mr. Abdulla Ibrahim Al-Fakhroo, Manager, Logistics & Security at Qatar Diar Real Estate Investment Company; and Mr. Ahmad Hassan Al-Mahasna, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communication at Qatar Development Bank, in addition to representatives of local and international media.The press conference opened with a welcome note by Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Al Marri, Conference Moderator, who welcomed representatives of official entities, partners, sponsors, and media outlets. He highlighted the significance of the event as a key annual fixture that reflects the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to promoting sport and fostering community participation, in line with the celebration of Qatar National Sports Day.QOC Half-Marathon and Short Distance Races Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber outlined the event’s technical details, race categories, and age-appropriate courses, announcing a new route for both the Half Marathon (21 km) and the 10 km race extending to the Qetaifan Islands  Corniche, with the finish line at Lusail Boulevard. He noted that the Half Marathon will start at 6:00 a.m., Ad’am Village activities at 7:00 a.m., and that the highest standards of safety and medical supervision will be applied, alongside prizes for the winners.Team Qatar Village For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani confirmed that the event’s marketing strategy is fully finalized and ready for field implementation. He praised the swift and effective cooperation of sponsors and partners in delivering a comprehensive package of logistical, medical, catering, and media services for the event. He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Labour (Official Partner), Doha Bank (Team Team Supporter), WHOOP Smart Technology (Gold Sponsor), West Bay Medicare Center (Gold Sponsor), Al Rayyan Water Company (Gold Sponsor), The Look Company (Gold Sponsor), Recovery Lab (Gold Sponsor), and Qatar Development Bank (Gold Sponsor).Hel also added that Team  Qatar Village at Al Sa'ad Plaza will host a vibrant programme of sports and entertainment activities, organized in collaboration with several national sports federations. The event is supported by key partners, led by Qatar Diar Real Estate Investment Company as Host Partner, ASICS Japan as Official Apparel Sponsor, Doha Bank, the Ministry of Interior, and Hamad Medical Corporation, with strong and active engagement from volunteers.Official Sponsors confirm their support to QOC Meanwhile, Mr. Abdulla Ibrahim Al-Fakhroo, Manager, Logistics & Security at Qatar Diar Real Estate Investment Company, highlighted the strength of the strategic partnership between Diar and the Qatar Olympic Committee. He confirmed the readiness of infrastructure, logistical support systems, secured race routes, and coordination mechanisms with all relevant authorities to ensure smooth access to and from Al Sa'ad Plaza and Lusail Boulevard.In turn, Mrs. Maha Dahawi Al Shamari, Director Communication  and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour expressed her appreciation for the invitation and commended the strategic relationship between the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Labour, stressing that both entities are united as partners in success. She noted that today’s labour market is built on a culture of human capital investment across all sectors, including sport.In the same context, Mr. Ahmad Hassan Al-Mahasna, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communication at Qatar Development Bank stated that Qatar Development Bank maintains a strategic partnership with the Qatar Olympic Committee in supporting the implementation of Qatar’s National Development Strategy. He affirmed that five Qatari companies remain committed to supporting all sporting events organized by the QOC, including activities held in conjunction with Qatar Sports Day.For his part, Mr. Fouad Chehade, Head of Marketing at  Rayyan Water Co., said that Rayyan Water is proud to support this sporting event, reaffirming its strong commitment to promoting health and well-being and encouraging an active lifestyle in the State of Qatar. As the Official Hydration Partner of the event, Rayyan Water will provide the necessary water for participants before, during, and after the race, in support of national sporting events and the promotion of physical activity.Team Qatar Volunteer Platform Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber also announced the launch of the Team Qatar Volunteers Platform, a comprehensive and permanent system that manages volunteer registration, data, and task assignments across all major sports events hosted by Qatar. These include the QOC Half Marathon 2026, the 4th Gulf Games 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2029, and the Doha 2030 Asian Games.The platform aims to build an integrated volunteer ecosystem, covering field operations, route guidance, registration support, bib and kit distribution, water and equipment delivery, start and finish assistance, as well as logistical, medical, and safety support. It also facilitates direct engagement with participants, ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-organized event experience.The competition program features a diverse range of categories aimed at maximizing community participation. These include a 1 km race for children aged 6 to 14, a 5 km race for boys and girls aged 15 to 17, and open categories for men and women aged 19 to 39 across 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km distances. Additional categories are allocated for participants aged 40 and above over the same distances. The event also includes dedicated Team Qatar categories for men and women in both age groups, ensuring a fully inclusive and comprehensive sporting experience. 

Curtain comes down on WTT Feeder Doha 2026

Doha: Last-gasp comebacks decided the fate of the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles titles at WTT Feeder Doha 2026, with Huang Youzheng and Yang Yiyun leaving it late to steal their opponents’ thunder on Saturday night.Chasing his first senior title, 20-year-old Huang saw his resolve tested throughout a challenging week under the lights at Lusail Sports Arena, particularly in the quarterfinals where he overcame a two-game deficit to deny Yuan Licen 3-2 (10-12, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-3).Fighting from behind to navigate his next hurdle in the semifinals, Huang was through to his first Men’s Singles final since his straight games loss to Maharu Yoshimura in the WTT Feeder Bangkok 2023 title match.Facing off against Japanese opposition once again, another denial at the final hurdle was threatened as Ryoichi Yoshiyama responded to an opening game setback with back-to-back successes in the second and third games. However, there was a late sting in the tail as Huang flipped the script, holding his nerve in the face of pressure to finally get his hands on that elusive title (12-10, 6-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5).Meanwhile, over in the Women’s Singles draw, Yang Yiyun fought back twice in an exhilarating title showdown to deny Park Gahyeon in another five-game epic (8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-1, 11-7).The late drama sees Yang return to the winner’s circle for the second time in her young career, adding to her WTT Feeder Cappadocia 2025 title success. 

Doha hosts Chef de Mission Meeting for the 4th GCC Games

Doha: The Qatari capital, Doha, today hosted the Chef de Mission Meeting for the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, scheduled to take place from 11 to 22 May with the participation of top athletes from all six GCC countries.The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Mohammed Al-Subaie, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, and several heads of key organizing committees.Discussions focused on the latest updates regarding organizational and technical preparations, including the operational plans of relevant committees, readiness of sports venues, competition schedules, and athlete/official accreditation processes.The meeting also reviewed registration procedures, venue allocations, and contingency measures aimed at delivering a seamless experience for all participants. It provided a platform for open dialogue to address any anticipated challenges and strengthen coordination among all stakeholders.On Monday, the participating Chefs de Mission will tour key competition venues to assess their readiness and familiarize themselves with the facilities that will host athletes and delegations during the Games.More than 2,000 athletes will compete across 20 sports: handball, athletics, table tennis, squash, padel, fencing, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards & snooker, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian, and bowling.The competitions will be held at 10 venues across Doha, including Aspire Dome, Qatar Sports Club, Women’s Sports Hall, Lusail Shooting Range, Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex, Qatar Billiards & Snooker Hall, Al Gharafa SC, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, Al Arabi SC, and Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club.On this occasion, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee, said:“Today’s meeting marks an important milestone in our journey of preparing for this edition of the GCC Games. We take pride in hosting this platform that brings together the people of the GCC in a spirit of unity, brotherhood, and fair competition.”He added:“The Organizing Committee reaffirms its full commitment to delivering the highest technical and organizational standards, in close coordination with all participating delegations. We are keen to listen to your feedback and suggestions, as we firmly believe that the success of these Games depends on our shared collaboration and collective commitment.”“We highly value the tremendous efforts you are all making in preparation for this event, and we hope this meeting contributes to addressing all operational aspects to ensure the successful delivery of the Games.”For his part, Mr. Mohammed Al-Subaie, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, said:“This meeting is a key step in the preparatory process and an important opportunity to exchange ideas and coordinate efforts to ensure the best possible conditions for a successful edition of the Games.”He added:“The GCC Games represent a cornerstone in promoting regional sports cooperation, strengthening the values of brotherhood and fair play, and empowering Gulf youth—aligned with the aspirations of our wise leadership. I wish this meeting every success and look forward to a distinguished and successful edition that reflects the ambitions and capabilities of our nations.” 

Top Riders Crowned at the Grand Finale of HH The Father Amir Equestrian Prix

DOHA – Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), crowned the top three winners of the Grand Prix during the fourth round of the inaugural HH The Father Amir Equestrian Prix, which concluded on Saturday at Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena. The prestigious event drew a stellar lineup of the world’s leading riders, offering prize money exceeding €3.3 million.In the highlight five-star Grand Prix featuring jumps up to 160 cm with a jump off British rider Scott Brash claimed first place with a flawless time of 52.97 seconds. French competitor Mgane Moissonnier finished second, followed by Switzerland’s Nadja Peter Steiner in third.The final day featured a series of competitions across both the indoor and outdoor Longines arenas at Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation. The main outdoor arena hosted the three-star (150 cm) and five-star (160 cm) Grand Prix categories, while the indoor arena showcased the one-star 130 cm competition.In the five-star 150 cm category, British rider Harry Charles triumphed with a time of 32.02 seconds. Portugal’s Duarte Seabra secured second place, and Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt finished third.Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly won the three-star 150 cm Grand Prix following a thrilling jump-off in 34.73 seconds, edging out Germany’s Janne Friederike Zimmermann in second and Philipp Weishaupt in third.Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano claimed victory in the three-star 140 cm category with a time of 54.45 seconds, followed by American Kristin Vanderveen in second and Brazil’s Marlon Modolo in third. In the three-star 130 cm class, South Africa’s Oliver Lazarus took first place, Egypt’s Abdullah Haitham came second, and Qatar’s Ghanem Nasser Al Qadi secured third.In the Star category, Qatari rider Ali Omar Al Ansari triumphed at 130 cm, ahead of Egyptian Mohamed Farid and Qatari Mohammed Yousef Al Jaber. Estonia’s Meriel Isok also secured first place in the Star class at 120 cm. In the Junior 110 cm category, Hala Al Rashid took top honors, followed by Qatari Ali Khalid Al Obaidli in second. In the local 100 cm class, Al Qaqa’a bin Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani claimed victory.Khalifa Al Attiyah, Executive Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour, highlighted the championship’s remarkable success in its first edition, noting that it marked a strong start to the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour, featuring over 400 riders from 38 countries across four rounds filled with competition and excitement.He emphasized that this achievement resulted from meticulous organizational planning and strong collaboration among key stakeholders in Qatar and internationally. The championship included four international rounds in the one-star and five-star categories, alongside rounds for juniors and youth, as well as qualifiers for the finals of the seventh group of the International Equestrian Federation. 

8th Katara Boxing Championship Concludes Successfully in Doha

DOHA – The 8th Katara Boxing Championship concluded successfully in Doha on Saturday after three exciting days of competition, attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd.Organized by the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation (QBWF), the championship featured both amateur and professional bouts. The amateur competitions were held during the first two days and included around 65 boxers from three age groups—Open, Youth, and Juniors. Athletes represented 15 clubs from Qatar, along with a team from Lebanon, and competed across 10 weight divisions.The professional bouts took place on the final evening of the championship and featured six high-level matches marked by strong technical and tactical performances. World-class fighters competed for Asian and World titles sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC), in addition to the Diamond Belt.In the opening bout, Russia’s Kerim Khan Kerimkhanov defeated Lebanon’s Abdulwahab Mashareqi on points after a closely contested fight. In the second bout, Russian boxer Ruslan Satiev secured a quick victory with a second-round knockout against Azerbaijan’s Bairam Shammadov.The third fight saw Philippine boxer Jadalie Carolina Medeiros win on points over Iran’s Shirin Shabani after an intense eight-round contest. Algerian boxer Idriss Labidi claimed a decisive second-round knockout victory against Indonesia’s Rivo Rengkung in the fourth bout. In the fifth match, Iran’s Sajad Sattari defeated Thailand’s Kaonar with a second-round knockout.The championship concluded with the sixth bout, where Russian boxer Ali Aliev earned a points victory over American Chip Moraza-Pollard following a strong and competitive fight.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al-Thani, President of the QBWF, said the event brought together all age categories, including Prep, Junior, Youth, and Elite/Professional. He explained that the first two days were dedicated to amateur competitions in the men’s, youth, and junior divisions, with 15 Qatari clubs and the Lebanese team competing for 26 gold medals across 10 weight categories.Sheikh Fahad added that the final day was reserved for professional bouts, featuring world-ranked fighters competing for Asian and World WBC titles, as well as the Diamond Belt.He noted that the Katara Boxing Championship is one of the key events on the QBWF calendar and is held annually to discover new boxing talent for national teams in different age groups. The tournament also provides clubs and training centers across the country with valuable opportunities to compete, gain experience, and improve their performance.Sheikh Fahad described this edition as record-breaking, with higher participation than previous championships, including more clubs, academies, and international involvement from Lebanon. He emphasized that QBWF’s long-term strategy focuses on developing boxers, coaches, clubs, and academies, expanding the talent base, and attracting young athletes to represent Qatar at all levels. 

Eight Teams Secure Quarterfinal Berths at 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup

DOHA  – The race for glory continues as eight schools booked their places in the quarterfinals of the Mini Basketball World Cup 2025–2026 after securing victories in the second phase of the Round of 16. The advancing teams represent the Lebanese School, Al Andalus Private School, Philippine International School, Global Academy  International – Muaither Branch, DPS Modern Indian School, Edison Global Academy – Lusail, GEMS American Academy – Qatar, and Lycée Bonaparte French School – Doha. All matches took place on Thursday at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts.The quarterfinal stage will take place on February 4, followed by the semifinals on February 11 and the third-place playoff on February 12. The championship will conclude with the final match on April 30 at Aspire Academy Stadium, in parallel with the conclusion of the Schools Olympic Program season. In recognition of their final standings, each school will be entitled to select the jersey of one of the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 during the second season of the Mini World Cup.The tournament is a pioneering sporting event, held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa under the supervision of FIBA, in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Association. Its innovative competitive format mirrors the atmosphere of the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, blending elite sportsmanship with a holistic educational experience.The Mini Basketball World Cup is part of the Schools Olympic Program for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 seasons, serving as both a sporting and educational milestone. In the first edition, schools compete under their official names, while in the second edition in 2027 ,  students will represent the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, reinforcing a sense of pride, identity, and connection to the global basketball stage.The championship aims to integrate sport and education through a unique national experience, connecting students with one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. It provides them with the opportunity to participate in real competition, develop teamwork, discipline, and collaboration, while opening doors to community engagement and volunteerism. Complementary interactive activities offer students a comprehensive journey into the preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, fostering a love for the game and promoting a sustainable sports and cultural legacy that inspires youth in Qatar and beyond.A total of 32 secondary schools from across Qatar are taking part in the championship, competing under their official names: 1 - American Academy School, 2. Alpha Cambridge School, 3. Al Khor International School – British Curriculum, 4. Al Khor International School – CBSE, 5. Institute for Religious Studies Preparatory and Secondary School for Boys, 6. Al Andalus Private School, 7. Beverly Hills International School, 8. Beta Cambridge School, 9. Belgravia High School, 10. DPS Modern Indian School, 11. Edison Global Academy – Lusail, 12. GEMS American Academy – Qatar, 13. Global Academy  International – Al Waab Branch, 14. Global Academy  International – Muaither Branch, 15. Harvard American School, 16. Hassan Bin Thabit Independent Secondary School for Boys, 17. Ibn Taymiyyah Independent Secondary School for Boys, 18. The Jordanian School, 19. Lycée Français Bonaparte – Doha, 20. Loyola International School, 21. The Lebanese School, 22. The Ideal Indian School – Abu Hamour Branch, 23. Monarch International School (DPS), 24. Newton International Academy, 25. Philippine International School – Qatar, 26. Podar Pearl School, 27. Qatar-Finland International School, 28. Rajagiri Public School, 29. Stafford Sri Lankan School – Doha, 30. Cambridge School, 31. Next Generation Private School – Al Wakrah, and 32. Birla Public School.Speaking about his impressions of the tournament, student Imaad Hussain, a player for DPS Modern Indian School, expressed strong confidence in his team’s ability to continue their journey with consistency and reach the top of the podium in this exceptional championship. He also highlighted his great enthusiasm to take part in the second edition of the tournament in 2027.Imaad added that wearing the jersey of either the Indian national team or the Qatari national team, among the teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, represents a source of pride and honor for him, and an inspiring experience for young people in Qatar, the region, and around the world.Mr. Chris See, coach of Global Newton Academy, stated that this exceptional tournament has helped sharpen the students’ skills and provided them with valuable experience in a game that demands both physical strength and speed. He added that it has played a key role in developing their athletic character, expressing his hope that the results of their hard work and dedication will shine in the upcoming knockout stages.Mr. Marwan Egho, Project Director of the 2025–2026 Mini Basketball World Cup, highlighted that this edition of the tournament has showcased advanced technical levels and exceptional skills among the students. He emphasized that it provides a promising opportunity to discover new talents capable of supporting Qatar’s clubs and national teams across all age categories. He added that the championship offered students a rich and valuable experience, helping them deepen their understanding of the tournament structure, game rules, and officiating procedures.