Qatar Clinches Double Semifinal Spots at Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship

DOHA – Qatar’s men’s and women’s national teams have booked their places in the semifinals of the Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship, currently taking place in Muscat, Oman. The two-day event has drawn strong competition and an enthusiastic crowd, creating an exciting atmosphere throughout the tournament.In the men’s category, the Qatari team featuring Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, Dejan Janic, Miho Harasic, and Nadem Muslic opened their Group B campaign with a 16–12 win over Oman (B). They continued their impressive form with a 17–13 victory over Bahrain in the second round, finishing at the top of their group. Bahrain, meanwhile, edged Oman with an 18–17 win.In Group A, Saudi Arabia defeated Oman (A) 13–11, Kuwait secured a narrow 20–19 victory over Saudi Arabia, and Oman recorded a 19–15 win against Kuwait.Based on the final group standings, Qatar’s men’s team will take on Saudi Arabia in tomorrow’s (Saturday) semifinals, while Kuwait will face Bahrain in the other matchup. The winners will advance to the championship final.In the women’s competition, the Qatari team Maya Rami Al Khatib, Mona Abdel Moneim, Naziha Hossam, and Tania Tawil started strong with a dominant 21–7 win over Oman (B). In the second round, Qatar fell to Bahrain 9–21, while Bahrain comfortably defeated Oman (B) 21–4. As a result, Qatar’s women will meet Saudi Arabia in the semifinals, with Bahrain taking on Kuwait in the other semifinal.The Gulf Championship, held over two days in Al Mouj, Muscat, features 12 teams six men's and six women’s representing five Gulf nations: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and host country Oman. The teams are split into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Teams finishing third will compete for fifth and sixth positions. 

Qatar to take on Lebanon in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

The Qatar national basketball team will be looking to bounce back as they head to Beirut for a highly anticipated rematch against Lebanon in the second round of the first window of the FIBA Asia Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The match is set for Sunday at the Nouhad Nawfal Stadium in Zouk Mikael.Qatar come into the encounter eager to avenge their narrow 75–74 loss to Lebanon in a thrilling opener held Thursday night at Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Doha. That match drew over 8,000 spectators and showcased Qatar’s fighting spirit, particularly in the second half.Sunday’s clash takes on even more importance following Saudi Arabia’s 75–51 win over India, which has left the group standings wide open. Saudi Arabia and Lebanon lead the group with two points each, while Qatar and India have one point apiece. A win in Beirut would not only restore Qatar’s momentum but also keep them firmly in contention for a top-three spot in Group D.The traveling squad is led by Saadon Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams. The team is set to begin training immediately upon arrival in Lebanon.The Asian and Oceanian Qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Group D includes Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India, with the top three advancing to the next round. From there, the best-performing teams will earn their place in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, set to be hosted in Qatar.With confidence high despite the narrow opening defeat, Qatar will aim to convert their strong performance into points when the action resumes in Beirut. 

Sheikh Joaan attends final of FIFA U-17 World Cup

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended today the final match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.The final brought together the national teams of Portugal and Austria and ended with a 1–0 victory for Portugal, who were crowned champions of the event.Following the final, FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino presented the Portuguese team with the gold medals and the championship trophy. Austria took second place, while Italy claimed third place after defeating Brazil 4–2 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in the third-place playoff.H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar Football Association also took part in the awarding ceremony. 

Sheikh Joaan visits Athletics Training Center Project at Aspire Academy

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), paid an inspection visit today to the Athletics Training Center Project at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence.The project, which is being implemented through an integrated partnership between Aspire Academy, the Qatar Athletics Federation, and Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital – aims to develop Qatari athletics and elevate it to new levels.During the visit, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad toured the project's administrative building and reviewed the ongoing work and coordination between the three entities in training, medical preparation, and administrative support. The collaboration is designed to enhance athletes’ performance and support their aspirations for a successful season.He also met with members of the national athletics team, reviewed their training programs, and encouraged them to give their best and prepare thoroughly for upcoming competitions. His Excellency reaffirmed the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to providing the best development environment for athletes.Accompanying the QOC President on the visit were Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy; Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the QOC Sports Sector, Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation; as well as several members of the federation’s board of directors. 

Thrilling Start to the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027

DOHA  – Lusail Arena came alive on Thursday evening as Qatar faced Lebanon in a thrilling match during the first window of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The atmosphere was electric, with passionate fans of the Qatari team and the Lebanese community in attendance, while the game received extensive media coverage from traditional outlets and social media influencers both locally and internationally.In a match filled with intensity and excitement, Lebanon triumphed over Qatar with a score of 75-74, showcasing exceptional individual and team skills. The high-level performance throughout the game delighted fans and confirmed the readiness of both teams for the major event awaiting in August 2027.Qatar’s national team, is the only team to have already secured qualification as the host of the tournament in August 2027, yet it continues to participate fully in all Asian Qualifier windows to maintain competitive readiness for the World Cup finals.The first window of the Asian Qualifiers is divided into four groups: Group A: Australia, Guam, New Zealand, Philippines, Group B: Chinese Taipei, China, Japan, South Korea,  Group C: Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Group D: India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, LebanonOn this occasion, Mr. Mohammed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb, Director-General of the Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, said: “The State of Qatar takes pride in hosting the first window match of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, which brought together our national team and Lebanon. This reflects Qatar’s commitment to delivering an exceptional sporting experience that meets the expectations of fans.”Mr. Al-Mughaiseeb added: “Although our national team has already secured its qualification as the host of the tournament in August 2027, it will continue to participate fully in all windows of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, reaffirming its competitive commitment. The Qatar–Lebanon match represents one of the key fixtures, given the Lebanese team’s strength and widespread popularity.”He continued, “We promise that the Organizing Committee will sustain the media and promotional momentum for Qatar 2027 across all media platforms and social networks, giving the tournament a distinctive public and popular dimension, and ensuring exceptional organization that meets the expectations of fans locally, regionally, and internationally, all the way through to the finals in 2027. I am pleased to announce that the Organizing Committee has launched the first promotional initiative for the tournament by unveiling the official identity of the Qatar 2027 Basketball World Cup, which embodies a comprehensive vision linking Qatar’s cultural and sporting heritage and reflects the exceptional nature of the event, offering the public a clear preview ahead of its official launch.”Mr. Al-Mughaiseeb explained: “We have further strengthened our promotional campaign through a cooperation agreement with Education Above All, leveraging sport as a tool to support education, human values, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, we have established a historic cultural partnership with the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum to celebrate basketball’s heritage and open new avenues for cultural collaboration in preparation for the Qatar 2027 Basketball World Cup, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a global sports destination combining organizational excellence with a spirit of achievement. Hosting the mini Basketball World Cup in the Middle East and North Africa for the first time during the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 seasons represents a strategic step, highlighting Qatar’s leadership in promoting youth participation in global sports and elevating the media campaign in preparation for the landmark event set for August 2027.”Meanwhile,  Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the LOC, said: "The launch of the first window of the Asian Qualifiers marks an exciting start, igniting enthusiasm across the region and reflecting the growing interest in basketball. Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup will boost the sport’s popularity and create a lasting legacy in Asia and globally."He added: "Qatar’s investment in world-class sports infrastructure , including state-of-the-art arenas, training facilities, hospitality services, and logistics provides a solid foundation for hosting a historic edition of the World Cup. We are proud of the progress made and look forward to making the 2027 championship a milestone in the history of international basketball and a proud addition to Qatar’s global sporting achievements." 

Qatar Shines with Youth and Women’s Titles at Arab 3x3 Basketball Championship in Muscat

MUSCAT – Qatar delivered an outstanding performance, claiming both the Youth and Women’s titles at the Arab 3x3 Basketball Championship, which took place over two days in Muscat.The Qatari youth team captured the gold medal with a strong 20–17 victory over Kuwait in the final, while Lebanon secured third place. In the women’s event, Qatar triumphed over hosts Oman with a convincing 21–13 win, as Kuwait earned the bronze.Abdullah Sultan Al Jaber of the Qatar Basketball Federation said the double victory highlights Qatar’s steady progress in 3x3 basketball and the effectiveness of its player development programs. He also praised the high level of competition and the excellent organization of the tournament.Qatar’s teams now shift their focus to the Gulf 3x3 Championship for men and women, set to take place in Muscat from November 28–29.