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30 Apr’ 2018
World stars all set to compete in IAAF Diamond League
DOHA, May 01, 2018 - Nine reigning world outdoor champions are set to flock to Doha, along with some of the sport's biggest stars, for the opening meeting of the IAAF Diamond League on next Friday.
The meeting in the Qatari capital has traditionally attracted the elite of athletics, and this year's edition is no exception, with 38 champions and 80 medalists from past Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships, indoors and outdoors, expected to compete.
On the men's side, six current or former Olympic champions will be in Doha: American trio LaShawn Merritt, Aries Merritt and Christian Taylor along with Kenyans Asbel Kiprop, Ezekiel Kemboi and Brimin Kipruto.
Fourteen athletes competing have been world champions outdoors - nine alone last year in Beijing - and nine have won a world indoor title.
In the women's events, Doha will welcome 18 global champions and 37 medalists. Kazakhstan's Olga Rypakova and Jamaica's Veronica Campbell-Brown have struck Olympic gold, while 11 have also claimed world titles outdoors - seven in Beijing last year - and seven indoors.
The long list of champions includes seven athletes who have grabbed at least one medal at all three major global competitions: local hero Mutaz Essa Barshim, LaShawn Merritt, Aries Merritt, David Oliver and Taylor, along with Rypakova and Campbell-Brown.
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Younousse and Tijan Claim Men’s Title at AVC Beach Tour Doha Open 2026
DOHA – Qatar’s beach volleyball stars Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan thrilled the home crowd on Tuesday as they claimed the men’s title at the AVC Beach Tour 2nd Doha Open 2026, defeating Australia’s Oliver Merritt and Jed Walker in straight sets in the final at the FIVB International Centre of Excellence in Al Gharafa.The Qatari duo, Asian Games gold medallists, delivered a commanding performance to secure a 21-13, 21-18 victory, capping an impressive campaign in front of their home fans.
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.
Qatar’s Younousse and Tijan Sweep into Doha 2026 Tour Quarterfinals
DOHA – Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan underlined their title ambitions with a dominant group-stage display to advance to the quarterfinals of the Doha 2026 Asian Beach Volleyball Tour.Competing at the International Beach Volleyball Center of Excellence in Al Gharafa, the Qatari duo swept all three Group A matches in straight sets to secure top spot and progress to the knockout stage in emphatic fashion.They launched their campaign on Saturday with a 21-15, 21-19 victory over Thailand’s Nalphadon and Puravich before producing two commanding performances today. They defeated China’s Li Wei and Yuan Ningfei 21-9, 21-15 and followed up with a comprehensive 21-13, 21-9 win against Indonesia’s Firza and Rizki.The results completed a perfect group-stage record for the Qatari pair, who did not drop a set and emerged as strong contenders for the tournament title.
Qatar’s Young Golfers Strike Double Gold at Arab Championship in Egypt
CAIRO – Qatar celebrated a memorable double-gold triumph at the 2026 Arab Junior and Youth Golf Championship in Egypt, as Daniel Sokolov won the Under-18 individual title before joining Kamil Ben Rekia to lead Qatar to gold in the team competition at Madinaty Golf Club.The outstanding results underline the progress of Qatar’s emerging golf talents and reinforce the country’s growing competitiveness across the Arab golfing landscape.Sokolov dominated the individual standings, carding a total of 15 under par across three rounds of competition to secure the gold medal by 15 strokes. Palestine’s Abdulhalim Al Yaqoubi finished runner-up at even par, while Jordan’s Mohammad Al Rawashdeh claimed third place at three over par.Qatar’s success extended to the Under-18 team event, where Sokolov and Ben Rekia combined for a score of seven over par to take gold. Their performance secured a 12-shot victory over Palestine and Libya, who shared the silver-medal position with identical totals of 19 over par.Fahad Nasser Al Nuaimi, head of the Qatari delegation, Secretary-General of the Qatar Golf Association and member of the Arab Golf Federation’s Executive Bureau, praised the players’ achievement, attributing it to ongoing efforts to nurture young golfers and enhance their technical abilities.