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32 Schools to Compete in Mini World Cup for 2026–2027 Season

DOHA – The Local Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Federation (QSSF), has announced the group allocations for the new season of the Mini World Cup, which will bring together 32 schools in a competition designed to broaden student participation in basketball and strengthen their connection with the highly anticipated global event.The announcement was made at a press conference held today, attended by Abdulla Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of the Communications and Guest Relations Committee at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee; Predrag Bogosavljev, Director of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027; and Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program, alongside representatives of participating schools, organizing committee officials and members of the media.The group allocations were determined based on the final standings from the inaugural edition, held during the 2025–2026 academic year, with schools ranked from first to 32nd place. The draw also gave schools the opportunity to select the countries they would represent, creating an experience inspired by international basketball competitions and enabling students to explore the sport from both an athletic and cultural perspective.The initiative combines sporting competition with learning, encouraging students to play basketball, develop teamwork and embrace the values of respect, sportsmanship and intercultural understanding.

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Countdown Begins to FIP World Padel Championships Qatar 2026

DOHA – The countdown has begun to Qatar’s hosting of the 2026 World Padel Championships, scheduled for November 2–7, as the world’s attention turns to Doha, which is preparing to deliver another exceptional edition of a major international sporting event and further consolidate its standing as a global sports capital.The eagerly anticipated championships will take place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, featuring 32 national teams , 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams , comprising some of the world’s leading players and highest-ranked stars. The event is expected to attract large crowds and extensive international media coverage.Tariq Zainal, Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, said Doha’s hosting of this prestigious global event reflects the international confidence in Qatar and its distinguished position on the world sporting map.Mr. Zainal said the start of the countdown placed renewed responsibility on the organizers to deliver an exceptional event that lives up to the reputation of Qatari sport.He noted that the International Padel Federation’s decision to award Qatar the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions represented a significant vote of international confidence and recognition of Doha’s world-class infrastructure and facilities, particularly the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, as well as the expertise accumulated by national personnel through the successful organization of major sporting events.Zainal added that the federation was working closely with the International Padel Federation and all national and international partners and sponsors to ensure ideal competitive conditions for the 32 participating men’s and women’s national teams.“Our courts and facilities are fully prepared to welcome the world’s best players and the passionate fans who will travel to Doha. We promise an exceptional edition that will remain etched in the memories of enthusiasts of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” he said.The Qatar 2026 edition is also expected to mark a significant milestone, with the International Padel Federation announcing unprecedented record prize money for the championships, to be shared equally between the men’s and women’s competitions, underscoring its commitment to developing the sport and promoting gender equality.From an organizational perspective, awarding Qatar the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions represents another achievement for the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Padel Federation. Upon completion of both editions, Qatar will equal Spain’s record of hosting the World Padel Championships four times, following Doha’s successful staging of the 2021 and 2024 editions.As preparations continue, the International Padel Federation and the local organizing committee have announced a strategic partnership with renowned brand Bullpadel, which will serve as the official sponsor and authorized supplier of sporting equipment and the official championship ball for the next two editions in Doha. The partnership will help ensure the highest technical standards for players throughout the competition.The organizing committee has also begun operational preparations for the courts and facilities, including the setup of media centres and the development of implementation plans for ticket sales through the official website and authorized outlets, enabling local and international fans to secure their seats in advance.Doha previously hosted the World Padel Championships in 2021 and 2024, with both editions earning acclaim for their organizational excellence and strong spectator attendance at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

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