Qatar announces readiness to host the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025

Doha: The FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) today announced its full readiness to host the final three matches of the prestigious club competition during a press conference held in Doha.The tournament will be contested at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on the December 10, 13 and 17, during the rest days of the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, further showcasing Qatar’s capability to seamlessly stage world-class football events and reinforcing international confidence in its hosting abilities.Organisers highlighted that the tournament has garnered strong interest from regional and international fans alike.Hassan Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, said: “Qatar's commitment to hosting world-class tournaments stems from our belief in advancing football at every level. This includes strengthening competition within the GCC region, uniting the Arab world at the Arab Cup, supporting the development of young talent and now welcoming global champions for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. By hosting multiple tournaments in parallel, we're showcasing the operational excellence that embodies our nation’s vision and reflects the proud sporting legacy of the Arab region.”Roberto Grassi, FIFA Tournament Lead, said: “We are here to announce our readiness to host the third tournament which Qatar is successfully delivering in a few weeks. This is a reaffirmation of the strong partnership with Qatar. We believe in Qatar’s ability to deliver the best tournaments in the world using world class infrastructure. We want to thank all the stakeholders involved in the delivery of these events and look forward to a second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, one that will echo the success of last year's wonderful tournament.”Organisers also announced that the Doha Metro will be free of charge for ticketholders attending the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final Qatar 2025 on December 17, which will see Paris Saint-Germain face the winner of the FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2025 in the tournament’s decisive match. Throughout the competition, the metro will provide comprehensive accessibility services and direct access to Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium via Al Riffa Metro Station (Green Line).Fans travelling to Qatar are encouraged to explore the country’s cultural and entertainment events during their stay in Doha.Tickets are available at www.roadtoqatar.qa. All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Prices for accessibility tickets start from QAR 20. Fans must download the Road to Qatar app to access their tickets ahead of arrival at the stadium. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased per match.

Curtain comes down on ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals in Doha

Doha: The ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals Doha 2025 concluded today at the Lusail Shooting Range Complex, after four days of high-level competition featuring elite shooters and world champions in shotgun, rifle, and pistol events. A total of 144 athletes representing 33 countries took part.The final day delivered exciting and intense competition, with the finals of the men’s and women’s skeet and trap events taking center stage.American shooter Hinton William clinched the gold medal of Men’s Trap Event after finishing first in the final round, which featured eight athletes. Guatemalan Jon Pierre Brol Cardenas won silver, while American Eller Walton secured the bronze.Italy’s Silvana Maria Stanco earned the gold medal after topping the final round. Alessandra Perilli of San Marino claimed silver, while Turkey’s Rumeysa Pelin Kaya took bronze.China’s Jiang Yuting won the gold medal of Women’s Skeet, followed by American Samantha Simonton who took silver, while Greece’s Emmanouela Katzouraki earned bronze.The awarding ceremony for trap and skeet was conducted by Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), and Ahmed Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation.ISSF President Rossi praised the exceptional success of the World Cup Finals in Doha, commending Qatar’s outstanding organizational capabilities that ensured the global event was delivered in the best possible manner.Rossi highlighted that the organizing committee provided ideal conditions at Lusail Shooting Range for athletes and delegations, allowing them to enjoy an excellent championship atmosphere. He also applauded the sportsmanship shown by all participating shooters.Jassim Shaheen Al-Sulaiti, Tournament Director and Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation, expressed great satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the championship.He stated: “The shooters delivered excellent performances throughout all events, and we witnessed intense competition among world champions aiming for medals and podium finishes.”Al-Sulaiti confirmed that new world records were set in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event. He also noted the dramatic finish in the women’s trap final, which required a shoot-off between Italy’s Stanco and San Marino’s Perilli after they tied—Stanco ultimately prevailing.He added that the organizing committee received extensive praise from ISSF officials and participating delegations for Qatar’s world-class hosting standards and hospitality:“This is not new to Qatar, which has impressed the world through its hosting of major sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup 2022.”Al-Sulaiti emphasized that hosting the ISSF World Cup Finals for the second time reflects the ISSF's confidence in Qatar’s organizational excellence and skilled personnel.He proudly noted that Doha has become a global capital of sport, capable of hosting multiple major events simultaneously.Looking ahead, Al-Sulaiti announced Qatar’s preparations to host the Asian Shotgun Championship next month, as well as the ISSF World Shooting Championship in November 2026, which will serve as the first qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, offering 36 quota places.Ahmed Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation, praised the strong competition witnessed throughout the finals. He expressed pride in the remarkable success achieved across all organizational and technical aspects.He stated that ISSF and all participating delegations recognized the championship’s “exceptional organizational excellence,” adding: “This tournament was an invaluable preparation opportunity for our shooters, who gained significant experience by competing against the world’s best.”Al-Nuaimi affirmed that these experiences will play a key role in achieving Qatar’s future ambitions in shooting sports.

Team Qatar qualify to semifinals of Gulf U-23 Cup

Doha: The Qatar U-23 national football team secured their place in the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup U-23 Tournament after defeating Bahrain 1–0 today at Aspire Field No. 2, in the second round of Group A matches.Mustafa Al-Sayed scored the match-winning goal in the 90+3 minute, raising Qatar’s tally to 6 points and placing them second in the group, following their 3–0 win over Kuwait in the opening round.The first half saw Qatar dominate play and come close to taking the lead when Yazan Mohammed struck the post in the 34th minute. In the second half, momentum shifted toward Bahrain, who nearly scored through Abdulrahman Al-Khayyat, whose shot hit the crossbar in the 79th minute.However, Qatar managed to seal the win when Mustafa Al-Sayed headed home a cross inside the penalty area deep into stoppage time (90+3).In the other Group A match, Saudi Arabia confirmed their qualification to the semi-finals alongside Qatar after defeating Kuwait 1–0 at Aspire Field No. 1.Abdullah Radif scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute with a powerful strike into the top corner.Saudi Arabia strengthened their lead at the top of the group with 6 points, having opened the tournament with a 5–1 win over Bahrain.With their second consecutive defeats, Kuwait and Bahrain exited the tournament at the group stage.

Qatar Launches ‘Aim Beyond’ Project to Empower Youth Through Sport

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), in partnership with World Athletics and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), has officially launched “Aim Beyond” project that aims to empower youth and underserved communities through the transformative power of sport.The announcement of the project came pursuant to the agreement signed by the QOC Secretary General H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and the QFFD Director General Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, held from 6 to 8 December 2025 under the theme ‘Diplomacy, Dialogue and Diversity’. The signing ceremony was attended by the World Athletics CEO, Mr. Jon Ridgeon.As part of the project, 11 state-of-the-art, eco-friendly, and inclusive running tracks will be constructed across 11 countries around the world including, Palestine, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Cook Islands, Panama, Anguilla, Dominica, Burundi, Tanzania, and Ukraine.The project  reflects Qatar’s deep belief in the power of sport to promote sustainable development, peace, and social cohesion. It also underscores the country’s determination to transform sporting legacy into a tangible tool for positive change in the lives of youth and communities.The tracks to be built are distinguished by their inclusivity, accommodating the needs of athletes with disabilities, and by their sustainability, using eco-friendly materials.  The new tracks will also serve as a community hub that promotes the values of sporting excellence and strengthens young athletes’ sense of belonging to their communities.On this occasion, the QOC Secretary General H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain said:“Aim Beyond is an ambitious project  to create a world where every aspiring athlete has access to facilities to aim beyond their limits. Just as Doha 2019 allowed Qatar to aim beyond its limits in pursuit of its ultimate dream, so too will this project create opportunities for young athletes to reach their full potential”He added:"We are proud that through this ambitious project, the legacy of the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships will continue to shape the future of athletics – transcending borders and serving as a symbol of commitment, hope and opportunity."Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD stated, “At Qatar Fund for Development, we firmly believe that sport is a transformative catalyst for human development and social progress and our partnership today with the Qatar Olympic Committee project reflects this commitment. By establishing inclusive and sustainable athletics tracks in underserved communities, we are creating pathways for young people to develop their talents, strengthen their capabilities, and realize their full potential. This initiative is not merely about constructing facilities, it is about laying the foundations for brighter, more prosperous futures.”“In many communities around the world, athletic talent is abundant, but facilities are not – and that’s where Aim Beyond makes its mark,” said World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon. “Partnerships drive our mission to make athletics accessible and inspiring for all, and the collaboration between World Athletics, QOC and QFFD is exactly the kind of strategic, human-centred teamwork our sport needs.“Together, we are strengthening infrastructure for our Member Federations, opening doors that many young athletes have never been able to walk through, and ensuring the legacy of the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships continues to reach well beyond Qatar.“My sincere thank you to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, whose vision and commitment to athletics are helping to shape the future of our sport. Our sport owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.”The signing ceremony during Doha Forum – a premier global platform for dialogue and diplomacy –highlights how sport can drive sustainable development, peace, and human development. The forum brings together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss critical challenges and shape action-driven solutions. 

Formation of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee Board Announced

Doha, State of Qatar, 7 December 2025 | The formation of the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee for the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030 was announced today, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, with the membership of H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality; H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Khalaf Khattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; and H.E. Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism.The committee also includes H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Mr. Yasser bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth; H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation; H.E. Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer, President of the Public Works Authority; and Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Yousuf Jolo, Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Policy Affairs at the Ministry of Finance.H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee for the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030, said: “Forming the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee for the Doha 2030 Asian Games is a fundamental step in preparing for this major continental event and places us on a practical path toward implementing our hosting plans. This formation embodies the principle of joint national work, which experience has shown to be the foundation for achieving national success. It also reflects the leadership’s confidence in the ability of national talent to organize major sporting events.”His Excellency affirmed that the Doha 2030 Asian Games represent a continuation of the development path witnessed in Qatar’s sports sector, as the committee works to deliver an edition that meets the aspirations of the Asian continent, adopting an approach based on innovation and sustainability that establishes a legacy benefiting future generations. He noted that Doha possesses the experience and capabilities that enable it to deliver an exceptional edition that adds to the achievements of Asian sport.He added that preparations for this edition build on the legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games, a milestone that marked an important turning point in Qatar’s sporting journey. He emphasized that its impact remains present to this day, providing a strong foundation from which Doha moves toward a more advanced edition that reflects the status of the State of Qatar, its achievements over recent years, and its ambitions for the next stage.The State of Qatar had won the hosting rights for the 2030 Asian Games in December 2020 after presenting an outstanding bid that confirmed its full readiness to host the Games for the second time, supported by advanced infrastructure and sports facilities that meet the highest international standards. Today, Qatar reaffirms this readiness years ahead of the event, drawing on an exceptional legacy built over the past years.This legacy rests on a system of modern sports facilities, stadiums, integrated training complexes, transportation networks, and supporting service infrastructure, allowing Qatar to deliver an exceptional edition of the Asian Games without the need to construct new facilities.In addition to the physical legacy, the major sporting events hosted by Qatar in recent years have contributed to building a sustainable human legacy represented in the operational and organizational expertise gained by national cadres through a series of milestones that solidified Qatar’s position as a global capital of sport.The Qatar Olympic Committee has played a pivotal role in developing this legacy by supervising sports federations, enhancing governance, improving institutional readiness for hosting continental and international events, and preparing national cadres with strong operational and organizational experience through their participation in hosting events such as the Doha 2006 Asian Games and many championships held under national federations.This institutional, human, and operational legacy forms a solid foundation for the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee, as the Qatar Olympic Committee now possesses an integrated system of experience, knowledge, and expertise that enables it to lead preparations for this continental event with high efficiency and deliver an edition that meets the aspirations of the Asian continent and reflects the development of Qatari sport.By hosting the Doha 2030 Asian Games, the State of Qatar seeks to reinforce its leadership in the sports field by presenting an exceptional edition that combines organizational excellence, expanding the base of sports and sporting culture within the community, and building a lasting legacy that contributes to enhancing the capabilities of future generations.

Asian and European Shooters Dominate Medals on Day 3 of the ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals

Doha: Asian and European shooters swept the medals on the third day of the 2025 ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals, held at the Lusail Shooting Complex and set to conclude tomorrow, Monday. The event features 144 elite shooters and world champions representing 33 countries across all shotgun, rifle, and pistol disciplines.The level of competition was exceptionally high, with finals held in Men’s and Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, and Women’s 25m Pistol.Rifle 50m 3 Positions – MenThe Czech Republic’s Jiri Privratsky won the gold medal after topping the eight-shooter final with 414.2 points.India’s Tomar Pratap Singh secured silver with 413.3 points, while China’s Liu Yukun claimed bronze with 388.9 points.Rifle 50m 3 Positions – WomenNorway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad captured the gold medal with 414.3 points, followed by Britain’s Seonaid McIntosh who earned silver with 413.4 points. Germany’s Anna Janssen took bronze with 392.3 points.25m Rapid Fire Pistol – MenChina’s Li Yuehong dominated the final, securing gold with 33 hits.India’s Anish Anish earned silver with 31 hits, while France’s Clément Bessaguet finished third with 28 hits, taking bronze.25m Pistol – WomenIndia’s Simranpreet Kaur Brar clinched the gold medal with 41 hits, ahead of China’s Yao Qiannxum, who won silver with 36 hits. Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp took bronze with 30 hits.Following the competitions, ISSF President Luciano Rossi and Jassim Shaheen Al-Sulaiti honored the medalists and presented international coaching certificates to participants of the ISSF coaching course held alongside the championship.Prince Saud bin Al-Hassan bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Honorary Member of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Association, praised Qatar’s outstanding organization:“My testimony may be biased as an honorary member, but I am convinced that no place in the world can host a championship of this size with such quality and professionalism better than Doha. Qatar has set new standards for global sporting events.”He expressed delight at participating in the five-day ISSF Coaches Course held in Doha, noting its significant value and the strong partnership with Qatar.“Forty-two participants graduated with the highest-level ISSF ‘A’ coaching certificate—a major addition to the region’s technical manpower and to the development of shooting sports.”