Board of Directors of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee holds its first meeting

Doha: The Board of Directors of the Organising Committee for the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030 held its first meeting today, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Organising Committee’s Board. The meeting comes as part of the ongoing preparations to host this major continental sporting event in the State of Qatar.During the meeting, H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Member of the Board of Directors of the Organising Committee for the Doha 2030 Asian Games, reviewed the main master plan for the Games and its key pillars, and highlighted the latest updates related to the organisational and preparatory aspects, supporting the integrated preparation process for this major continental sporting event.The Board also appointed Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain as Chief Executive Officer of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee. In his new role, he will play a central part in overseeing the executive operations of the Organising Committee and ensuring the effective implementation of approved plans and strategies, in line with the highest organisational standards and the objectives set for delivering this major continental sporting event.The meeting also addressed ways to enhance coordination and integration among relevant stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, with the aim of unifying efforts and ensuring close cooperation to deliver a successful edition of the Games that reflects Qatar’s standing and organisational capabilities in hosting major continental and international sporting events.Discussions further covered several themes related to the sustainable legacy of the Games, optimal utilisation of existing sports infrastructure, and leveraging accumulated national expertise in organising major championships. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of adopting best practices in innovation, sustainability, and governance.The first meeting of the Organising Committee’s Board of Directors marks a key foundational step in the preparations for the Doha 2030 Asian Games, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, and reinforces the country’s leading role and growing influence in the development of sport across the Asian continent. 

Team Qatar lose to UAE in AFC U-23 Asian Cup opener

DOHA - United Arab Emirates emerged 2-0 winners against Qatar to get their AFC U-23 Asian Cup campaign off to a fine start Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The result means UAE join Japan as the early pacesetters in Group B with the latter having beaten Syria 5-0 in an earlier match.Qatar spurned the chance to take the lead as early as the third minute when Al-Hashmi Mohialdin’s penalty was saved by Khaled Tawhid.Ali Ghulais was also called into action at the other end, the UAE custodian’s outstretched leg denying Junior Ndiaye after the Montpellier forward had been put through by Ali Al-Memari. Ndiaye’s threat brought about UAE’s opener in the 21st minute when the forward’s strike from outside the box bounced off Ghulais, with the rebound smashed into the bottom corner by al-Memari.A sweeping move in the 37th minute doubled UAE’s lead, Richard Akonnor exchanging passes with al-Memari to glide into space on the left with his cutback then swept home by Ndiaye. Ilidio Vale rang the changes for Qatar for the start of the second half with a triple change, bringing on Moath Taha, Mobark Hamza and Rashid al-Abdulla as the Portuguese tactician looked to find a way back into the game. A couple of long range efforts from Qatar highlighted their improved performance with Anas Abweny and Taha forcing Tawhid to make fine saves.Despite being put under more pressure in the second half, UAE - led by the impressive Leonard Amesimeku in defence - comfortably kept Qatar at arm’s length to claim the points.UAE will next face Japan while Qatar take on Syria with both matches to be played on Saturday. 

Second Round of HH The Father Amir’s Prix Kicks Off Today

DOHA - The three-day Tour 2 of HH The Father Amir’s Prix begins at Al Shaqab Thursday, as part of the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 season.The event will welcome more than 240 riders, with overall series prize money exceeding €3.3mn. The Tour 2 marks a significant step up in competition level, with CSI5 classes taking place for the first time, alongside CSI1 and CSI3 categories. Competitions will be staged across three arenas at Al Shaqab, with action scheduled from morning until evening throughout the weekend.Abdullah Al-Qashouti, Director of Marketing and Communications for HH The Father Amir’s Prix, said the organising committee has prepared a comprehensive programme of accompanying activities and entertainment designed for a wide range of audiences, combining sport and fan engagement while reflecting the event’s international character and Qatari hospitality.He noted that Friday is expected to attract particular attention with the introduction of the CSI5 class. He added that a dedicated fan zone will be available to visitors, featuring entertainment facilities, cafes and retail outlets, along with additional activations in the vicinity of the Longines Square, aimed at delivering an elevated spectator experience and reinforcing Al Shaqab’s status as a world-class equestrian destination.Tickets are available via Road to Qatar, with general admission priced at QR50 per day, with free access to children under 12 years old, and hospitality options including VVIP Tent and VIP Lounge packages.Action begins today at the main outdoor arena with four classes from 1.35m to 1.50m. The second outdoor arena hosts CSI3 and CSI1 events, while the indoor arena features CSI1 and a 60cm National Championship.Thursday 's action is highlighted by a CSI5 1.55m jump-off and the first CSI5 Six Bars at 1.50m. Youth and National Championship classes continue indoors. On Saturday, the Grand Prix concludes with CSI5 1.60m and CSI3 1.50m, alongside youth qualifiers and national competitions. 

31st WTT Champions Doha 2026 set to kick off Today

DOHA - The 31st WTT Champions Doha 2026 is set to begin on Wednesday at the Lusail Sports Arena and will continue until January 11.The contest features Men’s and Women’s Singles, bringing together an elite roster of world champions and top-ranked players, including the Chinese Fan Zhendong, ranked second globally, and the Chinese Wang Manyu, also ranked second worldwide.The tournament includes the top 32 male players representing 16 countries and the top 32 female players representing 15 countries.The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA), chaired by Hamad Al Hammadi, announced the hosting of an exceptional global WTT series throughout January, an event spanning the month and featuring top Table Tennis talent from over 50 countries.The series opens with WTT Champions, with the Men’s and Women’s Round of 32 scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, followed by the Round of 16 on Friday, and the quarterfinals for both categories on Saturday. The tournament concludes on Sunday with the semifinals and finals for both Men’s and Women’s Singles.In the Men’s Singles, a highly anticipated clash pits tournament top seed Fan Zhendong against rising French star Florian Koto, while experience meets ambition as German Dimitrij Ovtcharov faces Brazilian Hugo Calderano in one of the standout first-round matches.Japanese player Tomokazu Harimoto, winner of the 2025 Hong Kong Finals, opens against Chinese Xiang Bing in a high-profile encounter.Meanwhile, Sweden’s Truls Morkgaard faces American Kanak Jha in another first-round matchup attracting attention.On the Women’s Singles side, Wang Manyu enters the tournament in high spirits after capturing her second World Table Tennis Finals title in December 2025, aiming to start 2026 with a new crown.However, the draw pairs her against Japanese player Satsuki Odo, promising a fiercely competitive opening round.Qatari player Aya Mohamed faces a challenging start, meeting French competitor Prithika Pavade in her first-round match.Spectators are also looking forward to a rematch between Japanese Miwa Harimoto and Chinese Shin Yubin, continuing a recurring rivalry. Harimoto aims to rebound after losing to compatriot Hina Hayata in the Frankfurt Finals, seeking to reclaim her place on the global podium.Following WTT Champions, the series continues with WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 from January 13-18, featuring 170 athletes, followed by the WTT Youth Contender from January 19-22 and the WTT Star Youth Contender from January 23-25, highlighting emerging talent from across the continents.The series concludes with the WTT Feeder event from January 27-31, providing athletes with a crucial opportunity to earn world ranking points, featuring 114 competitors.This final stage underscores the comprehensive, multi-level structure of the series and affirms Doha’s central role in supporting all levels of the sport.Significant cash prizes have been allocated for these tournaments, including USD 500,000 for WTT Champions Doha 2026 and $ 300,000 for the WTT Star Contender.Approximately 50 international referees are participating in overseeing the events, with the organizing committee finalizing all preparations, including venue readiness, athlete accommodations, and delegation reception.Hosting this global series reinforces Qatar’s vision of establishing itself as a world-class sports hub, not limited to football, but encompassing individual and team sports, particularly Table tennis, which continues to gain increasing attention both domestically and internationally.The WTT series in Doha offers spectators an exceptional opportunity to follow the world’s best players and discover the next generation of stars, all within an organizational framework that reflects Qatar’s reputation and extensive experience in hosting major global sporting events.Overall, QTTA looks forward to continuing this successful series of Table Tennis events following the remarkable hosting of the 2025 WTT Championships in Qatar, alongside other combined tournaments held in previous years. 

Team Qatar Set for Friendly Handball Test Against UAE

Doha – The Qatari national handball team will face the UAE  on Wednesday, at Duhail Handball Sports Hall in a friendly match as part of its final preparations for the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship, scheduled to take place in Kuwait from January 15 to 26 and serving as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF World Championship in Germany.The two teams previously met in a friendly that ended in a 21–21 draw, with Qatar competing using its reserve squad. This time, the senior national team will be in action as the coaching staff looks to fine-tune performance and evaluate readiness ahead of the continental challenge.Qatar has been drawn in Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan, while Group C features Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India. Group D brings together Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The top two teams from each group will advance to the main round, where eight teams will be split into two groups and compete in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each main-round group will qualify for the semifinals and secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship.Team Qatar heads into the tournament aiming to retain its Asian crown after winning the title in the last six editions, and to reach the World Championship for the 11th time. The team’s best performance on the world stage remains a second-place finish at the Qatar 2015 World Championship.Qatar is also the defending champion, having won the 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship in Bahrain last year after defeating Japan 30–24 in the final. 

Qatar Handball Team draw with UAE in friendly match

Doha : The Qatar national handball team played out a 21–21 draw against their UAE counterparts in a friendly match held today at Duhail Sports Hall, as part of their preparations for the Asian Men's Handball Championship, which will take place in Kuwait from 15 to 26 January and serves as a qualifier for the IHF Men's World Championship 2027 in Germany.Qatar contested today’s match using their second (reserve) team, as part of efforts to prepare all squad members for the upcoming Asian Championship and ensure the availability of the largest possible pool of match-ready players for the continental competition.A second friendly match between the two teams is scheduled to be held the day after tomorrow (Wednesday), with Qatar set to field their first team. The match will provide an opportunity to assess the team’s level of readiness ahead of the Asian Championship, in which Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan, while Group C features Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India. Group D comprises Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The top two teams from each group will advance to the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups playing a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, in addition to securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship.The Qatar national handball team are aiming to defend the Asian title they have won in the last six editions and to qualify for the World Championship for the 11th time in their history. Their best-ever finish at the World Championship came at the Qatar 2015 edition, where they claimed the silver medal.Qatar were crowned champions of the most recent 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship, held in Bahrain last year, after defeating Japan 30–24 in the final.