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25 Sep’ 2026
Qatar Handball Team Face Japan in Decisive Group A Clash
Aichi-Nagoya, Japan - Qatar’s handball team will face hosts Japan today in their third and final Group A match at the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026, being held in Japan through October 4.
Team Qatar will be aiming for victory to secure sole possession of top spot in the group, with both sides currently on four points. Qatar opened their campaign with a commanding 40–17 victory over Hong Kong before defeating China 30–25 in their second match.
The Qatari side will now seek to complete the group stage with a perfect record and advance to the quarter-finals as Group A winners.
The encounter is expected to be a demanding test against hosts Japan, who have also won both of their opening matches. Team Qatar, however, will draw on the experience and ambition of its players as it continues its defence of the Asian Games title, having won gold at the last three editions in Incheon 2014, Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022.
Team Qatar athletes Ammar Ismail and Ashraf Othman will begin their participation in the 20th Asian Games today when they compete in the men’s 400m heats.
The two athletes will be aiming to secure qualification for the final, which is also scheduled for today at Mizuho Park Stadium in Nagoya.
On Wednesday, Moaaz Ibrahim competed in the men’s discus throw, finishing fifth with a best mark of 59.39 metres.
Qatar are represented by a strong athletics contingent across a range of events, with the athletes aiming to deliver strong performances and add to the country’s impressive Asian Games record.
Team Qatar will be looking to further strengthen that record after Qatari athletes won six athletics medals at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou – three gold and three silver.
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Qatar Olympic Academy and Aspetar Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Doha: As part of its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with leading national institutions in the fields of sport, education, and professional development, Mr. Khaleel Ebrahim Al Jabir, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, accompanied by a number of Academy staff members, paid a visit to Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital to explore opportunities for cooperation and develop specialized initiatives and programs that support the sports sector in the State of Qatar.The Academy delegation was received by Mr. Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, Dr. Paul Dijkstra, Director of Medical Education, and Mr. Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of Communication and Marketing. During the visit, an extensive meeting was held to discuss a range of topics of mutual interest and review potential areas of future cooperation aimed at supporting and developing national talent working across both the sports and healthcare sectors.During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities to collaborate in the design and delivery of a number of educational programs and specialized training courses that combine sports, medical, and administrative disciplines. Such initiatives are expected to enhance the exchange of expertise and knowledge between the two institutions and contribute to the delivery of professional and academic programs aligned with international standards and best practices.Both sides emphasized the importance of integration between sports and medical institutions in building a comprehensive system that supports athletic performance and promotes awareness of modern sports and medical sciences, particularly in light of the rapid developments taking place within the sports industry at both regional and international levels. A number of ideas and initiatives were also reviewed as a foundation for future partnerships serving professionals and practitioners in the fields of sports medicine, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and sports management.The discussions resulted in an agreement to jointly develop and deliver a series of specialized training courses and educational programs in priority areas for the sports sector. These include sports psychology, sports injuries, injury prevention, and sports rehabilitation, and sports nutrition, with the aim of preparing qualified professionals equipped with the latest scientific knowledge and practical skills required in today’s sports environment.The two organizations also agreed to collaborate in organizing a series of Olympic and sports education workshops and awareness programs designed to promote Olympic culture and increase awareness of Olympic values and principles among various target groups. The proposed areas of cooperation further include the delivery of specialized programs in a number of shared fields, particularly sports psychology, sports injuries, and sports nutrition, helping to prepare professionals capable of engaging effectively within sports organizations and operating according to international standards and best practices.The meeting also highlighted the importance of investing in continuous education and specialized training as a cornerstone for developing professional competencies capable of keeping pace with modern developments. Opportunities for organizing joint workshops, lectures, and training programs targeting professionals working in sports and medical institutions were discussed, with a focus on facilitating the transfer of specialized knowledge and expertise.For his part, Mr. Khaleel Ebrahim Al Jabir praised Aspetar’s pioneering role at both the regional and international levels in the fields of sports medicine, scientific research, and medical rehabilitation. He emphasized that cooperation with specialized institutions represents a key pillar of the Qatar Olympic Academy’s strategy to deliver high-quality educational and training programs that enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations operating within the sports sector.Aspetar representatives also expressed their appreciation for the role played by the Qatar Olympic Academy in promoting sports knowledge and developing national talent through its specialized academic and professional programs. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in ways that support their shared objectives and contribute to the continued advancement of sport in the State of Qatar.At the conclusion of the visit, both parties agreed to continue coordination and communication to develop practical mechanisms for implementing a number of joint programs and initiatives during the coming period. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the advancement of sports education and training, further reinforce Qatar’s position as a regional leader in sport, sports medicine, and human development, and support national efforts aimed at building a more knowledgeable, sustainable, and high-performing sports community.
Suhail to light up the court as Official Mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027
DOHA - With less than a year to go until the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, Suhail has been revealed as the official mascot of the flagship men's competition in Doha, Qatar.Inspired by the main star that has guided brave people of the Gulf region to journey beyond the horizon, Suhail, which is also known as Canopus in Western culture, has watched over sailors, nomads, and pearl divers for centuries.Beneath its light, the people of Qatar and the Gulf region have crossed deserts, navigated seas, and built the foundations of nations.Unveiled in the host city of Doha, the Suhail star is a well-known natural calendar marker across the Gulf region. Traditionally associated with the transition from peak summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings, the star is expected to be visible in the night sky during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.Now as the official mascot, Suhail will provide inspiration for players and fans ready to experience the many magical moments that lie in wait at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.Suhail has been created from meteorite origins. A body made of crystalline facets, fragments of a star fused with meteorite metal, and each surface catching the light and glowing with energy drawn from the sun. Suhail is a being of both sky and earth, strength from stone, brilliance from the cosmos.With official mascot Suhail ready to add an unforgettable touch and light up the biggest event in the FIBA calendar, fans are now counting the days before they can attend the flagship event.On this occasion, Mr. Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications & Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee “The unveiling of Suhail marks an important milestone in our preparations to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, with the official mascot reflecting our commitment to showcasing Qatar’s cultural identity and celebrating its rich heritage. Inspired by the Suhail star, which holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf cultural traditions, the mascot symbolizes our connection to the past and our aspirations for the future.”He added: “We hope Suhail will help strengthen engagement with fans of all ages, and play an active role in promoting the tournament in the coming months. We are also committed to ensuring that the FIBA Basketball World Cup experience extends beyond the basketball court to encourage younger generations to take up basketball, and contribute to the sport’s growth in Qatar and across the region.
Qatar’s Mousa Al Khair and Mohamed Ihab Advance to Arab Championship Quarterfinals
Abu Dhabi: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Mousa Al Khair and Mohamed Ihab have advanced to the quarterfinals of the 31st Arab Men’s Beach Volleyball Championship, currently underway in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with teams representing Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen taking part.The Qatari pair opened their group-stage campaign with a straight-set victory over Iraq’s Islam Sajet and Ali Hassan Jabr, winning 21-18 and 21-12, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Bahrain’s Jaafar Al Jeshi and Hassan Abdullah, with set scores of 16-21, 22-20 and 10-15.Al Khair and Ihab will face Lebanon’s Joe Azzi and Saleh Shafiq in the quarterfinals.The quarterfinal stage will also feature three other matches, with Lebanon’s Jad Abi Karam and Hadi Al Shabib taking on Iraq’s Islam Sajet Matrawi and Ali Hassan Jabr, while Bahrain’s Jaafar Al Jeshi and Hassan Abdullah will face the UAE duo Zayed and Rashid Hassan.In the remaining quarterfinal, Bahrain’s Khalid Abdullah and Ali Hussein will meet Iraq’s Osama Muneef and Hassan Haider.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 trophy tour to kick off at DFC on Oct 29
Doha: Football enthusiasts and families across Qatar will have the opportunity to see the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 trophy, as the prestigious tournament trophy will make its way to key vibrant destinations nationwide ahead of the global showpiece.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026trophy tour will take place at the following locations: Doha Festival City on Thursday, 29 October 2026 (6pm – 10pm); West Walk on Thursday, 5 November 2026 (6pm – 10pm); Msheireb Downtown Doha on Thursday, 12 November 2026 (6pm – 10pm).Each stop will feature engaging fan activities and photo opportunities with the official trophy, as Qatar once again prepares to host 48 international teams competing across 104 matches from 19 November to 13 December.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029. The tournament will take place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone with as many as eight matches a day.Tickets now on saleGeneral public tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 are now on sale at www.roadtoqatar.qa, as Qatar gets ready to welcome TMRW’s GOAT for yet another spectacular edition of the prestigious youth competition.Taking place from 19 November to 13 December, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will be held at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches.Fans can be part of the electrifying football festival-like atmosphere by purchasing a Day Pass, which will enable them to attend up to eight matches a day at Aspire Zone, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone.Day Passes are priced at QR20 per matchday for the group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals. A maximum of six Day Pass tickets per person can be purchased per matchday. All tickets are digital.A Prime Pass is also available, which will enable fans to reserve seats for high demand matches. Tickets are priced at QR35 for the group stage, Round of 32 and Round of 16, the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals, and QR20 for the Third-place Play-off. A maximum of four Prime Passes per person can be purchased for each main pitch per matchday.Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside Egypt, Greece and Panama, and will play their opening match against Panama on 19 November, 6.30pm.The Final will take place on 13 December, 7pm, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Tickets are available in Category 1 at QR30 and Category 2 at QR15. A maximum of six tickets per person can be purchased for the Final. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will offer a barrier-free experience, with accessible seating options available for disabled fans.Accessibility tickets are priced at QR20 for group stage through to Third-place Play-off, and QR15 for the final, and include one complimentary companion ticket. Disabled fans can purchase accessible seats as well as request for accessible parking spaces by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029, continuing the 48-team format introduced in Doha last year. The 2025 edition drew more than 197,000 fans, who were able to watch several matches a day while enjoying a full day of festivities at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex.Adding to the tournament’s excitement, BOMA the Desert Owl returns as the official mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, following the character’s debut at the 2025 edition.For tournament updates, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.