Ali Tamer Reaches Asian Games 100m Freestyle Final with National Record

TOKYO – Qatari swimmer Ali Tamer booked his place in the men’s 100m freestyle final at the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) on Sunday, setting a new national record in the process.Competing in the preliminary heats at the Aquatics Centre, Tamer finished second in his heat in 48.65 seconds to qualify for the final and lower his previous national record of 49.10 seconds.Tamer will look to build on his strong showing in the final as he seeks to deliver a notable performance for Qatari swimming.Qatar’s swimming team will return to action on Monday in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay, aiming to produce another strong performance at the continental Games.Qatar’s swimming delegation comprises seven athletes: Mohamed Mahmoud, Ali Tamer, Saad Eddin Saad Eddin, Emil Mounir Fouzai, Abdullah Al Ghamri, Tamim Al Humaida and Mohamed Aziz Jilani.The swimming program at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 features 41 individual and relay events.The 20th Asian Games are being held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani holds media dialogue session at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Aichi-Nagoya-His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, held a wide-ranging dialogue session with a number of media representatives covering the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The session addressed a range of topics related to the Games and the Olympic Movement in Asia, including the role of sport in bringing the continent’s peoples closer together and strengthening unity, as well as the importance of providing athletes and participating delegations with the best possible conditions to perform at their highest level. His Excellency also outlined the OCA’s vision for the continued development of sport across the continent and for further strengthening the Asian Games as a platform that brings together athletes from diverse cultures in a spirit of fair competition and mutual respect. The session featured an open discussion, during which the OCA President answered questions from media representatives about the Games and a number of issues related to Asian sport. He reaffirmed the OCA’s commitment to working closely with National Olympic Committees, sports federations and organising committees to serve athletes and enhance their overall experience. The session reflected the OCA’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the media, sharing its vision and strategic direction, and highlighting the important role of the media in conveying the message and values of the Asian Games to audiences across the continent and around the world.

OCA President Sheikh Joaan visits Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Nagoya

Aichi-Nagoya - His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, visited the Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, accompanied by International Olympic Committee Her President Kirsty Coventry. Sheikh Joaan and President Coventry toured the various facilities and operational areas, where they were introduced to the advanced technical infrastructure, cutting-edge production services and innovative solutions being used to manage the broadcast and media coverage of the Games. They also visited the workspaces, studios and broadcasting facilities, and reviewed the services provided to media representatives and rights-holding broadcasters from across Asia and around the world, as well as the systems in place to support their work and enable them to deliver high-quality coverage of the Games. Following their tour of the International Broadcast Centre, Sheikh Joaan and President Coventry met with nine OCA young reporters at the Main Press Centre. The young reporters, selected from across the continent as part of the OCA’s “Asian Games for All” project, were warmly welcomed by Sheikh Joaan and President Coventry. During the meeting, they gained insight into more about the young reporters’ experiences covering the Games and the program’s role in developing the skills of the next generation of sports journalists by providing them with valuable hands-on experience at one of Asia’s largest sporting events. The visit formed part of the ongoing review of the media and operational arrangements for the Games and highlighted the important role of the state-of-the-art facilities in bringing Asia’s premier multi-sport event to audiences around the world.

In Presence of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad, Emperor Naruhito Opens Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya -  H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), attended the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026, held at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Emperor Naruhito of Japan officially declared the Games open, in the presence of Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, as well as a number of senior officials and sports leaders. In his address during the ceremony, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad said that the eyes of Asia and the world are now on Japan, and that what unfolds over the coming days will inspire people across the continent and demonstrate what can be achieved when Asia comes together through sport. On behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia and all 45 National Olympic Committees, His Excellency expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan, Aichi Prefecture, the City of Nagoya, the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee and the Japanese Olympic Committee for their significant efforts in organizing the Games. His Excellency praised Japan as a nation that prides itself on excellence, discipline and respect, and one that brings together ancient traditions and modern ambitions. He also highlighted Japan’s longstanding position at the forefront of world sport and its ability to rise to the challenge whenever the world has needed it. Reflecting on his personal journey with the Asian Games, H.E. Sheikh Joaan said: “We all carry our own personal journey with the Games. For me, that journey began as a torch relay ambassador at the Doha 2006 Asian Games. Twenty years later, I stand here as OCA President. And in those twenty years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the Games.” His Excellency concluded his address by saying: “Japan has set the stage. Now it is time for Asia to inspire the world once again.”Aichi-Nagoya 2026 brings together 11,000 male and female athletes representing 45 National Olympic Committees, competing across 43 sports and 469 events. The Games will continue until 4 October. 

Al Buenain Visits Team Qatar Delegation

H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, visited Team Qatar’s delegation headquarters at the Athletes’ Village today, ahead of the opening of the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026.Upon his arrival at Team Qatar’s delegation headquarters in the Athletes’ Village, Al Buenain was welcomed by Ahmed Al Darwish, Head of Team Qatar’s Administrative Delegation, and a number of delegation members.Al Buenain also visited the various facilities at Team Qatar’s delegation headquarters, where he was briefed on the ongoing work and arrangements being undertaken by the administrative delegation to provide athletes and technical staff with their various requirements and facilitate the delegation’s operations throughout their participation in the Games.Al Buenain praised the efforts of the administrative delegation members, stressing the importance of continuing their work and coordination to provide Team Qatar athletes with the best possible conditions, enabling them to focus on their competitions and perform at their best throughout the Games.The 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 – will officially open tomorrow, Saturday, and continue until 4 October, with 45 Asian nations competing across a wide range of sports.Qatar are participating in the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 – with a delegation of 427 members, including 243 athletes – 184 men and 59 women – in addition to 142 technical and administrative staff, 23 members of the administrative delegation and 16 members of the media delegation.Team Qatar athletes will compete in 26 sports and 32 disciplines through 18 sports federations, with ambitions to achieve outstanding results and further strengthen the presence of Qatari sport on the Asian stage.Qatar will compete in athletics, football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, squash, padel, taekwondo, judo, artistic gymnastics, golf, shooting, swimming, jiu-jitsu, esports, sailing, equestrian, karate, fencing, archery, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and table tennis.

Al-Kuwari and Al-Sharshani to carry Qatar’s Flag at Opening Ceremony

JAPAN — In a moment that embodies the highest expressions of national pride, the eyes of Qatari, Arab and Asian fans will turn today to the Japanese city of Nagoya, where Team Qatar stars Mohammed Saadoun Al-Kuwari and Reem Al-Sharshani will carry the national flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, in a scene that reflects Qatar’s proud presence at the continent’s premier multi-sport event.The Qatari flag will take centre stage during the Opening Ceremony, proudly flying among the flags of the participating nations as Al-Kuwari and Al-Sharshani carry the national colours. The moment carries deep significance, reflecting the confidence placed in Qatar’s sporting talent and the high hopes and aspirations surrounding the nation’s participation in the Games.The honour of carrying the flag holds particular significance for the duo, as the moment represents not only the two athletes, but every member of the Qatari delegation taking part in the Games, as well as the athletes who have travelled to Japan carrying their dreams and ambitions to represent the Team Qatar colours and achieve the best possible results.Mohammed Saadoun Al-Kuwari, captain of Qatar’s national padel team, expressed his pride at being selected to carry the Team Qatar flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, reaffirming his honour in representing the national padel team and carrying its emblem at this major continental sporting gathering.Carrying the national flag at a major sporting event is both an honour and a responsibility. For Al-Kuwari and Al-Sharshani, being entrusted with Qatar’s flag makes this an exceptional moment in their sporting journeys and a unique opportunity to express their pride in their country and represent it at an event that brings together Asia’s finest athletes.With the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, the competition journey will officially begin, as feelings of excitement and pride give way to responsibility on the courts, fields and in the arenas. Qatar’s athletes will take to competition with the ambition of delivering strong performances and once again seeing the national flag raised on the medal podiums.From the heart of Japan, Team Qatar embarks on a new Asian Games journey, carrying with it ambition, determination and the unwavering desire to excel. Above all, the Qatari flag remains the symbol that unites every member of the delegation under one banner: Qatar.