Team Qatar Advances to FIBA U18 Asia Cup Quarterfinals

India - Qatar advanced to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026, currently being held in India, after securing a commanding 90-43 victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday.The tournament, which runs through August 23, features 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top-ranked teams advancing directly to the Quarter-Finals while the second- and third-placed teams compete in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals.Qatar produced a dominant performance against Sri Lanka at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad in the third and final round of Group C, taking control of the game across all four quarters with scores of 20-17, 18-9, 29-10 and 23-7.Qatar captain Abdulla Yassin Mousa delivered a standout performance, finishing as the game’s top scorer with an impressive 37 points, while Sudam Liyanage led Sri Lanka’s scoring with 10 points.The emphatic victory provided Qatar with a major boost of confidence at the conclusion of the Group Phase, with the team finishing third in Group C on four points. China topped the group with a perfect six points after defeating Iran 96-58, while Iran finished second with five points. Sri Lanka ended the group stage in fourth place.As Group C winners, China secured direct qualification to the Quarter-Finals, while third-placed Qatar will face Japan, who finished second in Group D, in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals, with the Qataris aiming to secure their place among the tournament’s last eight.In the other Qualification to Quarter-Finals matchups, Iran will face India, Bahrain will take on Chinese Taipei, and Syria will meet the Philippines.Australia, New Zealand, China and Korea have already secured direct passage to the Quarter-Finals after topping their respective groups.Under the tournament format, the four group winners advance directly to the Quarter-Finals, while the teams finishing second and third compete in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals to determine the remaining four quarter-finalists.The Qualification to Quarter-Finals games will be played on Wednesday, followed by the Quarter-Finals on Thursday and the Semi-Finals on August 22. The tournament will conclude with the Final on August 23.Qatar will enter the next stage with renewed determination, particularly with a place in the Semi-Finals carrying added significance. The four semi-finalists will earn the opportunity to qualify for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Pardubice, Czechia, from June 26 to July 4, 2027.

Asia ready to shine as Aichi-Nagoya to host historic 20th Asian Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee today celebrate one month to go until Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, hosts the largest multi-sport event in Asia from 19 September to 4 October 2026.Bringing together more than 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials from 45 countries for 16 days of world-class competition, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will feature 43 sports and 71 disciplines, with 1,407 medals to be awarded across 469 events in what is set to be a historic celebration of Asian sport.Marking the third time Japan has had the honour of hosting the Asian Games, following Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 stands as Asia’s flagship multi-sport festival, uniting the continent under the official motto, "Imagine One Asia".“Representing the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family, these Games embody the true power, solidarity and shared vision of uniting Asia as one," said OCA President, H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani. “Japan has a world-class track record in hosting major sporting events and I have no doubt that Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will set a benchmark for future editions - empowering our youth and inspiring the next generation of Asian sport."Supported by 10,200 volunteers and covered by 5,300 accredited media representatives, with hundreds of millions of fans tuning in around the world, Japan stands ready to stage an unforgettable event."As we celebrate one month to go to Aichi-Nagoya 2026, I would like to thank our dear friends in Japan who have prepared the greatest stage for Asia’s athletes," said OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam. "These Games will create memories for millions of people not only in Japan, but across Asia, forging lifelong friendships through sport, promoting peace through our diversity and creating a legacy that reaches every corner of our great continent."Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will get underway with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on 19 September and conclude with the Closing Ceremony on 4 October. As the final countdown begins, Asia's diverse nations stand united, ready for sixteen days of world-class sporting competition. 

Qatar Finalizes Preparations to Host FIVB U17 World Championship

DOHA - The Qatar 2026 Organizing Committee has completed all preparations for the second edition of the FIVB U17 World Championship, which Doha will host from Wednesday through August 28.Speaking at a press conference, Secretary-General of the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and Executive Director of the tournament Yusuf Ahmed Kanoo described the hosting of the championship as a historic milestone for Qatari volleyball, underscoring Qatar’s full readiness in terms of world-class facilities, organizational capabilities, and accumulated expertise in staging major international sporting events.The championship’s matches will be played at the Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire Zone and Al Arabi Sports Club. The inaugural edition of the tournament was held in Bulgaria in 2024, with Italy crowned champions.Kanoo highlighted the importance of the championship in showcasing emerging talent and providing a platform for the next generation of volleyball stars. He confirmed that the Qatar U17 national team is fully prepared for the competition following an extensive training program, while calling on Qatari fans to turn out in large numbers and support the team throughout its campaign.For his part, QVA Assistant Secretary-General and Tournament Media Director Saeed Salem Al Nuaimi confirmed that all organizational and media arrangements had been finalized, including the establishment of a fully equipped media center at the Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire Zone.QVA Board Member and Competition Director Mohammed Salem Al Kuwari expressed confidence in Qatar’s ability to deliver a successful championship, noting that the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) had praised the facilities and competition venues.Meanwhile, General Supervisor of the Qatar Men’s National Teams Sherif El Shemerly said the national U17 team had completed a seven-month preparation program featuring intensive training camps and approximately 25 international friendly matches in Doha, Cairo and Slovenia.Qatar will begin its campaign against Venezuela on Wednesday in Group A, before facing France on August 21 and Tunisia on August 23. All three of Qatar’s group-stage matches will be played at the Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire Zone.

Qatar U-18 Team to Face Sri Lanka Tuesday in FIBA U-18 Asia Cup

DOHA - Qatar’s U-18 basketball team will take on Sri Lanka on Tuesday in the third and final round of Group C at the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup in India, which runs through August 23.Qatar, currently third in the group with two points, will be looking to secure its first victory and keep its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive. The group winners will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the teams finishing second and third will compete in qualification games.The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Pardubice, Czechia, with the four semifinalists earning qualification.

Qatar Steps Up Preparations to Host FIVB Volleyball Men’s U-17 World Championship

DOHA - As part of Qatar’s preparations to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U-17 World Championship from August 19 to 29, 2026, the Organizing Committee held a coordination meeting to review the latest developments and assess the progress of preparations for the global tournament.The virtual meeting was chaired by Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) President Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari and attended by members of the various committees overseeing the championship.The meeting reviewed a range of organizational, technical, media and logistical preparations, with a focus on ensuring that all committees remain fully aligned and ready for the tournament’s opening.Al Kuwari commended the dedicated efforts of committee members and tournament staff, stressing the importance of continued coordination, cooperation and teamwork during the final stages of preparation. He underscored the need to maintain the highest levels of commitment and professionalism to ensure the successful delivery of a world-class championship that reflects Qatar’s stature and its proven capability to host and organize major international sporting events.He also urged all members of the organizing team to maintain their close collaboration throughout the coming phase and continue working with the same dedication to achieve the tournament’s objectives and provide outstanding experience for participating teams and delegations, guests and spectators.

Team Qatar to participate in Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship

Amman:  Qatar’s U19 handball team have arrived in the Jordanian capital, Amman, ahead of their participation in the 11th Asian Men’s Youth Handball Championship, scheduled to take place from August 20 to 31.The tournament draw placed Qatar in Group B alongside Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, and Syria.Team Qatar will begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia on Thursday before facing Kuwait in their second match on Friday. They will then take on Iran on Sunday before concluding the group stage against Syria on Monday, August 24.The Qatari team will be aiming to deliver strong performances and compete for the continental title, while continuing Qatar handball’s strong presence at regional and international competitions.