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29 May’ 2025
Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers groups finalised
Kuala Lumpur: The teams aspiring to vie for the title discovered their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers opponents following the official draw at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.
The 44 sides were drawn into 11 groups for the Qualifiers, which will be contested on September 1-9, 2025.
The 11 group winners and four best best-ranked runners-up will join Saudi Arabia, who are hosting the tournament for the first time, in January's Finals.
Group A will see Jordan (hosts), Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei and Bhutan vying for the automatic ticket to the Finals while two-time champions Japan, Kuwait, Myanmar (hosts) and Afghanistan will square off in Group B.
Vietnam (hosts) lead the Group C cast with Yemen, Singapore and Bangladesh also hoping to advance while Australia, China PR (hosts), Timor-Leste and Northern Mariana Islands will battle it out in Group D.
Group E saw 2018 winners Uzbekistan, Palestine, Kyrgyz Republic (hosts) and Sri Lanka being drawn together while Thailand (hosts), Malaysia, Lebanon and Mongolia are the Group F cast.
Inaugural champions Iraq will fancy their chances in Group G but Cambodia (hosts), Oman and Pakistan stand in their way while Group H will see Qatar (hosts), Bahrain, India and Brunei Darussalam jostling for the coveted automatic spot to the Finals.
Group I is set for exciting battles with UAE (hosts), Islamic Republic of Iran, Hong Kong, China and Guam drawn together, Group J will see 2020 champions Korea Republic, Indonesia (hosts), Laos and Macau challenging each other while Group K features Tajikistan (hosts), Syria, Philippines and Nepal.
Draw Result
Group A: Jordan (H), Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Bhutan
Group B: Japan, Kuwait, Myanmar (H), Afghanistan
Group C: Vietnam (H), Yemen, Singapore, Bangladesh
Group D: Australia, China PR (H), Timor-Leste, Northern Mariana Islands
Group E: Uzbekistan, Palestine, Kyrgyz Republic (H), Sri Lanka
Group F: Thailand (H), Malaysia, Lebanon, Mongolia
Group G: Iraq, Cambodia (H), Oman, Pakistan
Group H: Qatar (H), Bahrain, India, Brunei Darussalam
Group I: UAE (H), IR Iran, Hong Kong, China, Guam
Group J: Korea Republic, Indonesia (H), Laos, Macau
Group K: Tajikistan (H), Syria, Philippines, Nepal
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QOC Secretary General: Qatar’s Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Participation Delivers Strong Results and Gains for Doha 2030
Nagoya: H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, affirmed that Qatar’s participation in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, which concluded yesterday in Japan, was positive and achieved its intended objectives, both on the sporting front through the impressive results achieved by the national teams, and on the promotional and cultural fronts through the strong presence of Bayt Qatar in Nagoya.Speaking following the conclusion of the Games, H.E. Al Buenain said Qatar’s participation was not solely aimed at achieving results and competing for medals, but also formed part of the strategic plan to prepare the national teams for upcoming events, foremost among them the 21st Asian Games Doha 2030, helping to develop the teams and strengthen their ability to compete at the highest level in Doha.Al Buenain explained that participation in Aichi-Nagoya 2026 represented an important milestone in the national teams’ preparations for Doha 2030. He noted that the Qatar Olympic Committee and national sports federations were keen to combine experienced athletes with emerging young talents, providing the latter with opportunities to develop and gain experience through participation in major competitions, with the aim of building a strong pool of athletes capable of representing the national teams and competing in future events.He added that the results marked an achievement not seen since the 2010 Asian Games, with Qatar winning medals across 10 different sports for the first time and claiming a total of 18 medals. He stressed that these impressive results at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 were the result of the guidance of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, collective efforts, as well as the continuous monitoring and follow-up of a dedicated working team established by the QOC in coordination with the national federations.The QOC Secretary General pointed to several positive indicators from Qatar’s participation, including winning medals for the first time in some sports, such as padel, as well as the return of other sports to the Asian Games podium, including karate, wrestling and weightlifting. He said this reflected the broadening of Qatar’s competitive base and the progress achieved across several sports.H.E. Al Buenain also praised the results achieved by Qatar’s national teams in team sports, saying that they made a strong impact, with the handball, beach volleyball and 3x3 basketball teams all winning medals, reflecting Qatar’s continued presence in team competitions and the ability of its national teams to compete at the continental level.Al Buenain also highlighted the widespread praise received by Bayt Qatar during the Games, noting that it served as a platform to showcase Qatari culture, heritage and identity, while also providing a space for engagement with fans and participating delegations.He noted that Bayt Qatar welcomed nearly 5,000 visitors during the Games, with an average daily attendance of around 250 visitors, in addition to members of the Qatari delegation and guests attending the reception organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee.The QOC Secretary General said the strong attendance reflected the interest generated by Bayt Qatar and underlined the importance of using sport as a means of bringing people closer together, while showcasing Qatar’s rich cultural heritage and its capabilities in hosting and organising major sporting events.H.E. Al Buenain extended his thanks and appreciation to all members of the Qatar Olympic Committee delegation at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, noting that the results achieved were the product of the collective efforts of the entire delegation, together with the cooperation and coordination of the national federations.He expressed his appreciation to the administrative delegation, which faced numerous challenges during the Games while remaining committed to ensuring the comfort and needs of Qatar’s athletes, and praised them for their considerable efforts. He also thanked the media delegation for their outstanding coverage of the Games.H.E. Al Buenain also thanked and commended the Bayt Qatar delegation, which he said not only represented the Qatar Olympic Committee with distinction, but also reflected a positive image of the State of Qatar at major events and international gatherings. He also thanked the Doha 2030 Asian Games delegation, which was present in Nagoya to observe the organisation and preparations for the Games, noting that their responsibility now begins as preparations move forward towards hosting the event in Doha in 2030.Concluding his remarks, H.E. Al Buenain stressed that the assessment of Qatar’s participation in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 should not be limited to the medal tally, but should also take into account the experience gained by the athletes, the emergence of promising young talents, the progress achieved across several sports, and the strengthening of Qatar’s sporting and cultural presence across Asia, in line with preparations for the next phase leading up to the Doha 2030 Asian Game.
Strong Crowd Engagement at Mizuho Stadium
Aichi-Nagoya - Qatar captured the spotlight during the Closing Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan, where it received the flag as host of the 21st Asian Games in 2030.The artistic performance, which drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, featured The Games We Live For film and the Return of an Old Friend segment, creating a link between Doha 2006, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and the journey towards Doha 2030.The Games We Live For, the slogan of Doha 2030, reflects the ambitions of athletes, people and nations, and the shared sporting experiences that bring Asia together.Qatar made a striking impression through a showcase of its identity and culture. Dana Al Meer performed the Qatari national anthem live to an enthusiastic reception from the audience, while Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim received the Asian Games flag wearing traditional Qatari attire. Qatari rider Jassim Al Kuwari then entered the stadium on horseback carrying the flag, evoking memories of the iconic scene from the Opening Ceremony of the Doha 2006 Asian Games. Together, these elements reflected Qatar’s identity and culture and underlined its readiness to host an exceptional edition of the Asian Games.The new Doha 2030 identity places the Olympic Council of Asia sun inside the letter “O” in “DOHA”, symbolizing the special place the Asian Games hold in the city of Doha.H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee, said Team Qatar’s achievements at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games represented a significant and proud accomplishment, noting that the Qatari delegation won 18 medals, the country’s highest Asian Games tally since Guangzhou 2010.He said: “We achieved an outstanding result at Aichi-Nagoya by winning 18 medals. The diversity of these medals reflects the progress of Qatari sport. We won medals across 10 different sports, while three sports — padel, wrestling and karate — were added to Qatar’s Asian Games medal record for the first time. This diversity confirms that our work is moving in the right direction and that there is clear progress in the level of our athletes across different sports.”
Gold and Bronze for Team Qatar Equestrian on Final Day of Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Aichi-Nagoya - Team Qatar’s equestrian riders claimed two medals one gold and one bronze, as competition concluded at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan.Team Qatar delivered an impressive performance in the equestrian competitions, with Faleh Sweid Al Ajami claiming the gold medal in the individual show jumping event.Al Ajami produced an outstanding performance in the final stages of the competition to secure first place and top the podium, underlining his strong showing in show jumping and adding another gold medal to Qatar’s tally at the Games.Qatari rider Bassem Mohammed also secured a bronze medal in the individual competition, adding another achievement for Qatar in show jumping and ensuring Team Qatar riders were represented on the podium.The individual competitions featured some of Asia’s leading riders and were contested across two categories based on fence height, with Team Qatar riders reaching the podium in both categories.The medals won by Al Ajami and Bassem Mohammed underlined the strong presence of Qatari equestrian sport at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and reflected the high level demonstrated by Team Qatar’s riders throughout the show jumping competitions.The achievement provided a fitting finale to Qatar’s participation in the 20th Asian Games in Japan, taking Team Qatar’s final tally to 18 medals — six gold, six silver and six bronze — in one of Qatar’s strongest Asian Games campaigns. Attention will now turn to the next edition, Doha 2030, where Qatar will look to build on the achievements of Aichi-Nagoya and pursue further success across a wide range of sports.
Aichi–Nagoya Hands OCA Flag to Doha as Qatar Begins Journey to 2030
Nagoya, Japan: Qatar today formally received the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Flag at the Closing Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026, marking the transition from the current host to Doha, host of the 21st Asian Games in 2030. Alongside the Handover, Doha 2030 introduced its new identity and slogan, The Games We Live For.The Flag Handover marks the beginning of Qatar’s responsibility as the next Asian Games host, 20 years after Doha welcomed the Games for the first time in 2006.His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, received the OCA Flag on behalf of Qatar during the formal Handover ceremony.The Prime Minister then handed the Flag to H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, OCA Vice President for the 2030 Asian Games and Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, who entrusted it to Olympic and Asian champion Mutaz Essa Barshim for the Doha 2030 presentation that followed.The ceremony also marked the public introduction of the Doha 2030 identity and The Games We Live For, the overarching platform that will guide Qatar’s journey towards welcoming Asia back to Doha in 2030.The slogan is built around the dreams of athletes, people and nations. Every athlete arrives with a dream, every nation brings its own hopes and ambitions, and the fans, families and communities who support them become part of that journey. Doha 2030 brings these individual dreams together and turns them into something shared: the moments athletes spend years working towards, the moments fans and families experience with them, and the moments that inspire another generation.The new Doha 2030 identity places the OCA sun, the unifying symbol of the Asian Games, within the “O” of DOHA, setting the Asian Games at the heart of the city. The sun represents light and aspiration, and the dreams that athletes and nations bring to the Games. The identity is rooted in Qatar’s heritage while looking towards the future and the next generation.Following the formal protocol, the artistic program opened with “The Games We Live For”, a short film celebrating the human moments that give sport its meaning: the moments athletes work towards, the moments families and fans share, the moments communities experience together and the moments that inspire the next generation. The film is built on one thought: “Some moments in sport last only seconds. Some stay with us for a lifetime.” It closes on the Doha 2030 slogan, The Games We Live For.The performance then continued with “The Return of an Old Friend”, in which the Flag is the guiding thread: an old friend returning to a city it already knows, travelling from Nagoya towards Doha.