Qatar Equestrian Stars shine in the Netherlands and Denmark

Doha -  In another remarkable achievement for Qatari equestrian sport, national show jumping rider Sharifa Khalid Shabib clinched first place at the international Peelbergen Championship in the Netherlands, competing in the youth category.Sharifa outperformed a field of 81 riders with a flawless round over a one-meter course, once again demonstrating her skill and underlining Qatar’s strong presence on the global equestrian stage.Qatar’s dressage team also delivered impressive results at the Aarhus Rideklub Championship in Denmark. Maryam Al Buainain secured second place in the PSG category, with Jassim Al Jehham finishing third in the same event.In the Inter II category, Wedjan Al Maliki claimed second place, while Jassim Al Jehham continued his fine form by taking second in the MA1 category.The Qatar Equestrian Federation expressed its pride in the determination and perseverance of the national team riders, praising their efforts to represent the country in the best possible way and raise its flag high in international arenas. 

Qatar U-23 Men's 3x3 Basketball Team Secures Spot in 2025 World Cup in China

Doha – August 10, 2025- The Qatar Basketball Federation is proud to announce the official qualification of the men's U-23 3x3 national team for the 2025 FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup, set to take place in Xiong'an City, China, from September 17 to 21, 2025.This historic achievement stems from the team's exceptional performance in the 2025 3x3 Youth Nations League, where Qatar's players earned their berth by finishing in a strong position in the final standings, placing the nation aong the world's elite competing teams.Qatar's 3x3 squad asserted its dominance on the continental stage by claiming titles in the third and sixth stages of the 3x3 Nations League – Asia-Pacific region, both hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation in Doha from May 28 to June 3, 2025. The events featured 12 of the world's top teams, with Qatar accumulating 520 points through victories in two stages and runner-up finishes in the first, second, and fourth stages.The 2025 FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup will feature standout international teams alongside Qatar, including Germany, New Zealand, Algeria, Latvia, Lithuania, China, Poland, Italy, Serbia, Argentina, the United States, Croatia, Venezuela, Egypt, and Fiji.The tournament will include 20 teams divided into four groups for round-robin play, with the top performers advancing to the knockout rounds starting from the quarterfinals and culminating in the final. Group seeding will be determined by the FIBA U-23 rankings as of January 1, 2025.On this occasion, Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, stated: "We are immensely proud of this accomplishment, which reflects the significant progress in Qatari basketball, particularly in the 3x3 format that has gained increasing global prominence. Our U-23 team's qualification for the World Cup is the result of collective effort, sound planning, and unwavering support from the Qatar Olympic Committee under the leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani."He added: "We are confident that our players will deliver performances worthy of Qatar's name and sporting heritage. We are committed to providing all necessary resources to ensure they participate at peak readiness."For his part, Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General and Director of National Teams at the Qatar Basketball Federation, commented: "This qualification did not come by chance but is the outcome of tremendous efforts from the players, technical and administrative staff, as well as the preparation programs implemented over recent seasons. We are gearing up for a global challenge that demands high focus and readiness. We will prepare the team across all technical, physical, and mental aspects to compete against the world's strongest squads. Our goal is to make a strong showing and achieve results that align with our ambitions."Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of National Teams for 3x3 Basketball, affirmed: "We have built a robust and cohesive team capable of competing at the highest levels, and this qualification confirms the success of our technical and training strategies developed over time. The players have demonstrated exceptional fighting spirit and full commitment. We will continue equipping them with intensive training camps and skill-development programs to elevate their performance ahead of international competitions. We have great confidence in their ability to represent Qatar honorably and secure new achievements." 

Australia gets better of Qatar in FIBA Asia Cup

Doha – August 11, 2025 - Qatar's national basketball team suffered a 110-83 defeat against Australia in a match held at King Abdullah Sports City's "Al Jawhara" Arena in Jeddah, as part of the third and final round of Group A in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. The tournament, organized by FIBA Asia, runs from August 5 to 17 in Saudi Arabia and features 16 Asian national teams.Australia dominated all four quarters, concluding the first at 22-20, the second at 24-23, widening the gap in the third to 31-20, and sealing the win in the fourth at 33-19.Qatar entered the game following consecutive losses to Lebanon (84-80) and South Korea (97-83), making the clash against Australia crucial for any remaining qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Australia began their title defense with victories over South Korea (97-61) and Lebanon (93-80).This result extended Australia's winning streak in the competition to 15 consecutive victories, dating back to their opening win on August 8, 2017, against Japan (84-68) at the Nouhad Nawfal Arena north of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.On the individual front, Brandon Goodwin led Qatar's scoring with 24 points over 40 minutes, shooting 46.15% from the field (5-of-7 two-pointers, 1-of-6 threes, and 11-of-13 free throws). He also contributed 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Tyler Harris added 15 points at a 70% clip inside the arc, while Zinedine Badri scored 13 points with 5 rebounds, and Alen Hadzibegovic tallied 13 points alongside 6 rebounds and notable defensive plays. Babacar Dieng chipped in 14 points, and Mustafa Ndao managed 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting.For Australia, Jalen Galloway shone with 24 points at an 80% shooting rate (6-of-7 twos, 2-of-3 threes, and 6-of-7 free throws), plus 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Rennie Smith scored 15 points (4-of-6 field goals, 4-of-6 free throws), and William Hickey added 15 points (6-of-10 shooting) with 8 assists. Harry Wessels contributed 8 points in 12 minutes, and Jack McVeigh added 10 points.Australia achieved a 56.52% field goal percentage (39-of-69) and outrebounded Qatar 45-32.With this loss, Qatar sits at 3 points in fourth place in the group, while Australia tops the standings with a perfect 6 points.The Qatari delegation in Jeddah is headed by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams. The 12-player roster includes: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndiaye, Zinedine Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndao, Mohamed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish. 

Qatar Winter Sports Committee concludes Advanced Ice Skating Course with ISU

Doha – The Qatar Winter Sports Committee concluded on Saturday Advanced Short Track Speed Skating Training Course, organized in cooperation with the International Skating Union (ISU) at the Ice Rink of Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd.Held from 3 to 9 August, the program came as part of strengthening the partnership between the Committee and the ISU, with the aim of developing Qatari talent among athletes, coaches, and technical staff. The course featured both advanced on-ice practical sessions and theoretical lectures, all conducted under the supervision of international experts in a highly professional setting.The initiative seeks to establish a specialized national technical base in short track speed skating, preparing Qatari talents to compete in regional and international championships and reinforcing Qatar’s presence in global winter sports.Participants showed high levels of technical skill and remarkable progress, reflecting the rapid development and continued support for winter sports in the country.On the occasion, Mr. Ahmed Ali Al-Jaber, Board Member of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, said: “Organizing this course embodies our active partnership with the International Skating Union and underscores the world-class facilities provided by Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, which has become a key hub for winter sports in Qatar and a magnet for expertise from home and abroad.”The course concluded with an official ceremony  attended by international coach and ISU representative Ms. Nicole Garrido, Qatar national team coach Mr. Attila Tarcali, and Mr. Ahmed Ali Al-Jaber. Certificates were awarded to the participants in a vibrant and positive atmosphere, reflecting the program’s success and the strong team spirit.This course is one of several pioneering initiatives aimed at advancing ice skating in Qatar and creating new opportunities for Qatari youth.

Qatar in must-win situation vs Australia at FIBA Asia Cup

Jeddah: Qatar face a formidable challenge against Australia in the third round of Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah on Sunday (11am).Following consecutive losses to Lebanon (84-80) and South Korea (97-83), Qatar need to secure a victory to keep their hopes alive for advancing into the knockouts.Meanwhile, defending champions Australia have dominated Group A, starting with a commanding 97-61 win over South Korea and a 93-80 victory against Lebanon, earning them the top spot with 4 points. Lebanon and South Korea follow with 3 points each, while Qatar have 2 points.Led by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, Qatar are focusing on addressing defensive lapses and reducing turnovers while boosting offensive efficiency. The team will rely on the talents of American professional Brandon Goodwin, alongside key players Abdulrahman Saad, Zain Eldin Badri, and the dominant presence of Alen Hadzibegovic.The match against Australia, known for their physicality and rapid offensive transitions, represents one of Qatar’s toughest challenges in the group stage. A positive result could significantly boost the team’s campaign.The Qatar delegation in Jeddah is led by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, General Secretary of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams. Administrative support is provided by Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani (Team Manager) and Nabil Juma (Assistant Manager). The medical team includes Dr. Adel Saleem, Dr. Adel Hormia, and physiotherapist Nikasio Sagayno.Coach Hakan Demir, supported by assistants Cengiz Karadag, Abdu Su, Attila Yapcilar, and Mohammed Fural, continues to refine the team’s defensive and offensive strategies. Qatar’s 12-player roster includes Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndiaye, Zain Eldin Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndao, Mohammed Basheer, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish. 

Qatar lose to South Korea in FIBA Asia Cup Group Stage

Jeddah: Qatar’s national basketball team suffered an 83-97 defeat to South Korea on Friday in their second Group A fixture at the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, currently underway in Jeddah.South Korea controlled large stretches of the game, capitalizing on their offensive rhythm to convert their advantage into a comfortable victory.The result leaves Qatar still searching for their first win of the tournament, following their narrow 80-84 loss to Lebanon in the opener. South Korea, who lost 61-97 to defending champions Australia in their first match, bounced back strongly to keep their qualification hopes alive.In the other Group A encounter, Australia overcame Lebanon 93-80, moving within touching distance of a place in the knockout stage ahead of their final group clash with Qatar.Elsewhere in Group B action, Iran defeated Japan 78-70 to strengthen their position in the standings.