FBWC 2027 LOC launches First-Ever Basketball “Mini World Cup” in the Middle East

Doha – The Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, in collaboration with the Qatar School Sports Association, announced today the launch of the inaugural Basketball Mini World Cup, to be held in Doha across two seasons (2025–2026 and 2026–2027). This pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind in the Middle East.The announcement came during a press conference at the Al Wajbah Hall of the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar School Sports Association; Mr. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaseeb, Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and President of the Qatar Basketball Federation; and Mr. Saadon Sabah Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Sports Department at the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program, alongside senior officials and representatives from the Organizing Committee, the Qatar School Sports Association, and local media.As part of the School Olympic Program, the tournament is being organized under the supervision of FIBA in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation. It will mirror the competitive format of the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, offering a unique school-level simulation of one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles.In a remarkable prelude to the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the Mini Basketball World Cup will bring together 32 secondary schools from across Qatar competing under their official names in the first season from November 4, 2025, to April 2026, and under the names of the qualified national teams in the second season aligned with the 2026–2027 Olympic Program creating an inspiring simulation of the global tournament.The Mini World Cup aims to blend education and sport in a distinctive experience that brings students closer to one of the biggest international events ever staged in Qatar. It will offer young athletes a real taste of competition, while instilling values of teamwork, collaboration, and community service. A series of interactive activities will accompany the tournament, giving students and schools the chance to experience the journey of preparing for the World Cup, deepening their passion for basketball and appreciation of the sport’s cultural and educational legacy.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohamed Saad Al-Mughaiseeb stressed that the launch of the Basketball Mini World Cup represents a pioneering step: “For the first time in the Middle East, we are connecting our youth to one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This initiative offers them a unique opportunity that combines athletic challenge with meaningful educational experiences, nurturing their skills while instilling the values of excellence and teamwork.”Mr. Al-Mughaiseeb added that: “The ultimate goal of this tournament is to raise sporting awareness among students, link them to the legacy of basketball both in Qatar and internationally, and reinforce sport as a cultural, educational, and human value that inspires future generations.”

Qatar’s National Golf Team Excels at Bahrain Open

DOHA – Qatar’s rising golf stars, Daniel Sokolov and Saleh Al Kaabi, delivered exceptional performances at the Bahrain Open Golf Championship, which concluded on Saturday, October 11, further cementing Qatar’s growing presence in regional golf.The young duo demonstrated skill, composure, and consistency across three days of intense competition. Fourteen-year-old Daniel Sokolov impressed the field with remarkable maturity, carding rounds of 65, 70, and 76 to finish with a total of 211 strokes (five under par)  an outstanding achievement that earned him a well-deserved runner-up finish.Meanwhile, Saleh Al Kaabi showcased his trademark steadiness, posting scores of 68, 72, and 72 for a total of 212 strokes (four under par), securing third place overall. The title went to Malaysia’s Zubair Firdaus, who edged Daniel by just two strokes with a final total of 209 after a closely contested final day.These results stand as a testament to the Qatar Golf Association’s (QGA) ongoing commitment to nurturing homegrown talent through advanced technical and developmental programs. The federation’s long-term vision continues to yield results, preparing a new generation of golfers capable of competing at the highest regional and international levels.Commenting on the team’s performance, Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, Secretary-General of the Qatar Golf Association and Head of the Qatari delegation, praised the players’ outstanding showing, noting that the Bahrain Open is one of the region’s most prestigious events recognized by both the World and Arab Golf Rankings.“These results reflect the success of our strategic development programs aimed at enhancing players’ technical and mental readiness,” Al Naimi said. “Qatari golfers continue to lead the Arab rankings, thanks to structured planning, dedication, and the unwavering support of the QGA. We remain committed to providing a comprehensive environment that empowers our young athletes to represent Qatar with pride on the regional and global stage.” 

Team Qatar qualify for 2026 World Table Tennis Championships in London

Bhubaneswar: Team Qatar secured qualification for the 2026 World Table Tennis Team Championships in London after defeating Sri Lanka 3–1 in the ongoing Asian Team Championships, currently taking place in Bhubaneswar, India.The match saw a strong performance from the Qatari players despite a challenging start. Mohamed Abdulwahab dropped the opening match to Sri Lanka’s Mohamed Mohamed in five sets (9–11, 11–4, 9–11, 12–10, 6–11). However, Abdullah Abdulwahab leveled the score by defeating Chameera Jenigge 3–1 (11–7, 11–9, 6–11, 11–6). Rowad Al Nasser then gave Qatar the lead with a 3–1 victory over Nimish Ranshagoda (5–11, 11–2, 11–6, 11–9). Mohamed Abdulwahab returned for the final match, sealing the win with a dominant straight-sets victory over Jenigge (11–2, 11–3, 11–5), earning Qatar a decisive 3–1 overall triumph.With this result, Team Qatar officially booked its spot at the London 2026 World Championships, following a string of impressive performances throughout the Asian competition. The team now continues its campaign in the classification rounds for positions 12 to 15, facing Uzbekistan on Monday.Earlier in the group stage, Qatar recorded victories over Nepal (3–1) and Bangladesh (3–0) before losing to Thailand (0–3), finishing second in the group behind Thailand, which advanced to the knockout stage. Qatar, meanwhile, proceeded to the ranking matches.This qualification marks another milestone for Qatari table tennis, reflecting the sport’s steady growth and consistent presence at the continental level. It also secures a well-earned place for Team Qatar among the world’s elite at the 2026 World Team Championships in London.

Germany Becomes First Team to Reach Semifinals of FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships

Doha: Germany became the first team to secure a place in the semifinals of the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships, currently taking place at the Al Gharrafa Beach Courts in Doha and concluding today (Saturday).Germany’s Team A booked their semifinal berth with a dominant straight-sets victory over Ukraine (21–13, 21–11) in Friday’s quarterfinal match.Other teams advancing in the men’s competition included Netherlands A, who edged Brazil (2–1), Colombia A, who defeated Egypt (2–0), and Italy A, who swept Venezuela (2–0). In additional results, Italy B overcame Australia (2–0), Turkey beat Gambia (2–0), and Norway prevailed over Brazil (2–1) to continue their campaign.In the women’s category, Belgium, Germany, and Canada advanced to the quarterfinals after recording straight-set wins over Mexico, Brazil, and Italy, respectively. Netherlands also reached the next round with a 2–0 win over Australia, alongside Italy, who defeated Venezuela (2–0), and Brazil B, who outlasted Switzerland (2–1).The championship concludes today with the semifinals and medal matches, bringing an exciting finish to this historic first edition of the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships hosted in Qatar.

Doha Falcons claim GCL podium in Rome

Rome: Doha Falcons claimed the runners-up place in the Global Champions League (GCL) of Rome as the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames delivered the only four flawless rounds to claim victory and draw level on points with championship leaders Valkenswaard United.With just two stages left in the 2025 season, both Cannes Stars and Valkenswaard on 277 points, but the latter retain lead given their more number of wins this year.At the Circus Maximus arena, it was the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames duo of Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella and Katrin Eckermann aboard Chao Lee & Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS who were simply untouchable across both rounds. The pair produced immaculate clear rounds, combining precision and power to secure a commanding win on 0 faults and an overall time of 151.17 seconds.Eckermann praised the team’s cohesion: “It’s always special to win with this team - we trust each other completely, and the horses were in fantastic form today. Rome is one of the most beautiful shows on the circuit, and this win means everything for our championship fight.”It was a high-intensity showdown from start to finish. Doha Falcons played a great strategy not making a horse or rider change between rounds and impressed with consistency from Sheikh Ali Al Khalid al-Thani and Com’on Stanley alongside Bassem Mohammed with Rocket Man, securing second place on a total of 4 faults after two gritty rounds.Sheikh Ali said, “I am really happy with my team and my horse who jumped amazing today. This results is really amazing and to help the team rise a bit in the rankings so we are so happy.”Teammate Bassem explained: “We always try to stick to our plan and jump clear rounds in these team competitions. I am really happy to have my old team member back in the game and I couldn’t be more happy to have this result today standing beside him.”The Paris Panthers completed the podium with a combined total of 6 faults, led by Guido Grimaldi aboard Gentleman and Clara Pezzoli with Fantasia de Beaufour & Hadewyn van't Ravennest to secure their first-ever podium of the season. 

UAE fight back to beat Oman, set up crucial decider against Qatar

Doha: United Arab Emirates produced a remarkable turnaround to defeat Oman 2-1 in Group A of the Asian World Cup Qualifiers play offs at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha Saturday.Goals in the closing minutes of the match completed a comeback with the victory meaning UAE only have to avoid defeat against hosts Qatar on Tuesday to book their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 while Oman’s dreams were dashed as they ended their campaign with a single point.For Qatar, a win against UAE would guarantee a spot at the World Cup. While a draw would keep their chances alive as they would finish second in the group ahead of Oman, but face a two-legged showdown across November 13 and 18 against a side which finishes runner-up in Group B. This knockout stage will determine the AFC’s representative at the FIFA Playoff Tournament, where they will have to fend off opponents from other confederations to claim one of two berths.On Saturday, UAE started with Fabio Lima and Caio Lucas leading the line, while Oman made two changes from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Qatar with Nasser al-Rawahi and Harib al-Saadi startling. Oman’s early pressure almost produced the opener in the sixth minute after Abdulrahman al-Mushaifri's challenge on UAE’s Abdalla Ramadan set Issam al-Sabhi through on goal but the Air Force Club forward’s attempt was denied by a timely intervention.UAE, however, were left stunned in the 12th minute when Oman broke the deadlock after Amjad al-Harthi drilled home Majed Hassan’s cross, which took a wicked deflection off Kouame Kouadio before settling in the back of the net.Cosmin Olaroiu’s UAE almost unlocked the Omani defence in the 21st minute when Lima’s lofted pass found Caio, who nodded the ball on for Nicolas Gimenez but the midfielder’s effort was parried by Oman keeper Ibrahim al-Mukhaini. A poor pass from Khalid Eisa almostgifted Oman their second eight minutes later when the keeper’s attempted chip was intercepted by al-Sabhi, only for Eisa to recover quickly and reclaim the ball.The Emiratis wasted their best chance just after the hour mark when Yahya al-Ghassani started a move on the left before ending his surging run down the centre by laying the ball for Gimenez, who dragged his effort wide. Olaroiu had sent on Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader and Harib Abdalla at different stages in the second half and a long ball from Gimenez found Canedo, whose volley was saved by al-Mukhaini.UAE thought they had a lifeline in the 70th minute when Thani al-Rushaidi looked to have brought down Ali Saleh inside the box with referee Alireza Faghani pointing to the spot but the decision was overturned following a VAR decision.The Emiratis, however, found the equaliser six minutes later when Saleh whipped in a pin-point cross for Marcus Meloni to finish with a thumping header past al-Mukhaini.Oman pushed forward but Eisa made a brilliant save to deny al-Mushaifri from close range in the 79th minute before UAE turned up the tempo to turn the match around four minutes later. Caio struck a curling effort from distance which dipped at the right time and bounced past a sprawling al-Mukhaini into the bottom right corner.Eisa then made a brilliant save when he got his fingertips to Zahir al-Aghbari’s shot from inside the box in the 89th minute as the UAE edged closer to a return to the FIFA World Cup, with their sole appearance coming in 1990.