News details Media center
30 Apr’ 2026
OCA President Declares Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games Closed
Sanya, China, April 30 (QNA) - HE President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani has declared the 6th Asian Beach Games, "Sanya 2026", officially closed during a ceremony held at Yasha Park.
In his closing remarks, he described the Sanya edition as "exceptional", saying Asia had created a historic moment through unity. "Together, as one Asia, we made history. Through our love of sport and our shared dream, we have shown the very best of Asia," he said.
He added that the host city had risen to the occasion, strengthening its presence on the global stage, and praised the efforts of the organizing committee, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and the government of China.
"I have no doubt this will be the first of many major sporting events to be hosted by Sanya," he said. "As this edition comes to a close, the spirit of Sanya will remain with us, reminding us that when Asia unites, anything is possible."
The ceremony also included the handover of the OCA flag. The mayor of Sanya passed it to the president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, who then handed it to HE Sheikh Joaan, before it was presented to Abraham Tolentino, marking the transition to Cebu, the Philippines, which will host the next edition in March 2028.
Media Kit:
More NEWS
OCA President crowns Equestrian Jumping team medallists
OCA President H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned the medallists in the Equestrian Jumping team event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games during a ceremony held in Tokyo.H.E. Sheikh Joaan presented the medals to the winning teams: Saudi Arabia claimed gold, the United Arab Emirates took silver, and Japan won bronze.
Qatar to Face Saudi Arabia in Gulf Cup Semi-Finals After UAE Draw
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Qatar drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their final Group B match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Thursday, setting up a semi-final meeting with hosts Saudi Arabia at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah.The result saw both teams finish the group stage on seven points, with the UAE claiming top spot on goal difference. The UAE will face Group A runners-up Oman in the first semi-final on Saturday at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, while Qatar, who finished second in Group B, will take on Group A winners Saudi Arabia in the second semi-final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.With both sides already assured of their places in the last four, the encounter was effectively a battle for top spot and began at a competitive pace, with Qatar looking to exploit quick transitions.Qatar broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Jassem Gaber delivered a well-placed cross that Almoez Ali converted to put his side in front.The UAE responded by stepping up the pressure and creating a series of attacking opportunities. Their persistence paid off in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time when Khaled Al Tanhani played the ball to Ali Saleh, who controlled it before sending a low shot into the net to restore parity.The UAE continued to press after the restart, intensifying its search for a winning goal, while Qatar adopted a more defensive approach and looked to threaten on the counterattack.Despite sustained efforts from both sides, neither team could find a decisive second goal, and the match ended 1-1.Qatar will now turn its attention to Saturday’s semi-final against Saudi Arabia, with a place in the Arabian Gulf Cup final at stake.
Qatar Set for High-Stakes Quarter-Final Clash with Hosts Japan
AICHI-NAGOYA, Japan – Qatar’s national volleyball team face a high-stakes quarter-final against hosts Japan today as their pursuit of Asian Games glory continues at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.The encounter promises to be a demanding battle between two experienced teams with strong technical and physical capabilities. Japan will also enjoy the added advantage of home support, with a passionate crowd expected to create an intense atmosphere.Qatar advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in Group C. They began the competition with victories over Hong Kong and Vietnam before narrowly going down 3-2 to India in their final group match.Qatar made an outstanding start against India, winning two closely fought sets 28-26 and 27-25 to take a 2-0 lead. India then mounted a determined comeback to level the contest and force a fifth-set decider, eventually edging the final set 24-22.The result highlighted Qatar’s competitiveness and fighting spirit, qualities they will need once again against Japan. Unlike the group stage, however, the quarter-final is a knockout encounter, meaning there will be no second opportunity if the team falls short.Argentine head coach Soto and his technical staff have prepared carefully for the challenge, drawing on their knowledge of the Japanese team from a friendly played during Qatar’s pre-Games training camp.The coaching staff are expected to place particular emphasis on Qatar’s serve and reception, limiting Japan’s attacking options and maintaining tactical discipline and concentration when the match reaches its decisive moments.With a semi-final place at stake, Team Qatar will seek to deliver another determined performance and overcome the challenge of facing the hosts on their own court.
Qatar 2027 World Cup Enriches Bayt Qatar Visitors with a Unique Experience
NAGOYA, Japan : A three-day promotional campaign organized by the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee on 20, 23 and 29 September attracted strong interest and engagement from guests at Bayt Qatar, held on the sidelines of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the tournament and showcase the Naismith Trophy to senior Olympic officials, leading figures in Asian sport and visitors to Bayt Qatar, as well as athletes and fans attending the Asian Games. It also sought to engage fans of Asian national teams qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, which will be held in Doha, Qatar, from 12 August to 27 September 2027.The promotional campaign attracted hundreds of basketball enthusiasts, Asian Games fans and athletes, providing a unique experience that brought together sport, its legacy and its impact on people. It also contributed to strengthening basketball culture across Asia.The campaign represents a significant promotional initiative connecting the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 with the Asian sporting community. It also contributes to strengthening sporting ties between Qatar and its Asian counterparts, while reinforcing the role of sport as a bridge for peace, solidarity and greater understanding between people.At its core, the campaign builds on the global momentum surrounding the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games to promote the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and highlight Qatar’s approach to creating a sustainable sporting legacy that extends beyond individual tournaments.This is achieved by building on accumulated expertise, sporting infrastructure and strategic investments and turning them into sustainable assets that serve the community and support the continued development of basketball.The fan experience is a key pillar of the Local Organizing Committee’s preparations. Qatar 2027 aims to deliver an experience that goes beyond the games and competition inside the arenas, offering fans and visitors a comprehensive experience combining sport, entertainment and culture through a range of fan activities and events, while providing opportunities to discover Qatari culture and enjoy diverse tourism experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of Qatar.