Qatar Handball Team Departs for Slovenia Camp

DOHA – Qatar's national handball team has departed for the Republic of Slovenia to begin an intensive overseas training camp as part of its preparations for the upcoming international competitions. The camp forms a key component of the team's preparation program, aimed at enhancing the players' technical, tactical, and physical readiness ahead of a busy competitive calendar.The delegation is headed by an experienced administrative and technical staff comprising Yousef Al Moallem (Team Manager), Yousef Al Hail (Team Administrator), Veselin Vujović (Head Coach), Shuaib Kafi (Assistant Coach), Jesús Revilla (Fitness Coach), Danijel Šarić (Goalkeepers Coach), Shukri Al Khuwaildi (Physiotherapist), Mohamed Makoui (Physiotherapist), and Ravi Totashalil (Assistant).The squad includes Abdulrazzaq Murad, Ahmed Madadi, Ameen Zakar, Yousef Al Tayeb Ali, Alaaeddine Brashid, Frankis Marzo, Amin Qahis, Anis Zouaoui, Mostafa Hiba, Ahmed Magdy Abdelrahim, Eldar Memišević, Nasreddine Megdiche, Ahmed El Miniawy, Ibrahim Shibl, Seifeddine Dhib, Mohammed Ali Hammam, Firas Zamzami, Nidal Masoud, Nidal Issa, Selim Dridi, Sadeq Fathallah, and Malek Soussou.The training camp serves as a crucial phase in Qatar's build-up to several major events, most notably the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The official draw placed Qatar at the top of a highly competitive Group A, alongside Japan, the People's Republic of China, and Hong Kong, China.Qatar heads into the Asian Games determined to reinforce its status as the continent's dominant force in men's handball, backed by one of the most remarkable records in Asian sport. The national team has captured an unprecedented six consecutive Asian Men's Handball Championship titles (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024), won three successive Asian Games gold medals (2014, 2018 and 2022), claimed the silver medal at the 2015 IHF Men's World Championship in Qatar, and secured qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.Through the Slovenia camp, the coaching staff aims to conduct intensive training sessions and a series of international friendly matches to strengthen team chemistry, refine tactical systems, and ensure the squad enters the preliminary stage in peak condition. The ultimate objective is to challenge once again for continental honours and continue Qatar's proud tradition of excellence on the Asian stage.

Qatar Drawn into Tough Group for FIBA U18 Asian Championship India 2026

DOHA - The draw for the 2026 FIBA U18 Asian Championship placed Qatar in Group C alongside China, Iran, and Sri Lanka, setting up a challenging campaign for the young Qatari team in the continental tournament scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, India, from August 13 to 23, 2026.The draw presents Qatar with a major test in the opening round, facing three teams of diverse styles and traditions. China and Iran stand out as two of Asia’s traditional basketball powerhouses, while Sri Lanka enters the competition aiming to achieve positive results.Qatar will open its campaign against Iran on August 14, followed by a clash with China on August 16, before concluding the group stage against Sri Lanka on August 18. All teams will rest on August 19 ahead of the knockout rounds.Qatar’s participation comes after securing qualification through the Gulf U18 Championship held in Doha, where the team finished second with seven points and claimed the silver medal, booking its ticket to the Asian finals behind Bahrain, who topped the standings with a perfect record of eight points.The Qatari team impressed in the Gulf qualifiers, recording three consecutive victories: defeating Saudi Arabia 80–76, overcoming Kuwait 81–53, and sealing qualification with an 80–67 win over Oman. In the final match to determine first place, Qatar fell to Bahrain 45–77, finishing runner‑up and earning silver in a performance that highlighted the progress of Qatari youth basketball.The Asian Championship draw divided the participating teams into four groups:* Group A: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Thailand* Group B: New Zealand, Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria* Group C: Qatar, China, Iran, Sri Lanka* Group D: Korea, Japan, India, KazakhstanGroup stage matches will run from August 13 to 18, followed by the knockout rounds. The quarterfinal qualification stage begins on August 20, with the quarterfinals on August 21, semifinals and classification matches on August 22, and the final and third‑place playoff on August 23.Beyond the continental title, the championship serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in the Czech Republic, with the top four teams earning direct berths. Qatar enters the Asian Championship with ambitions to build on its Gulf success and showcase its talent against the continent’s elite. The team is led by Turkish head coach Cenkiz Karadag, assisted by Abdo Al‑Harji, Hashim Zidan, and Munir Ben Ghalla, with Kenan overseeing fitness preparation and Seif Al‑Humandi handling medical and rehabilitation duties.The administrative staff includes team manager Khalid Ahmed Al‑Mughni, along with Omar Ahmed and Ayoub Rahmatullah. The squad features: Abdullah Yassin, Tamim Ashraf Abu Issa, Mishal Khalid Al‑Mughni, Muath Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohammed Yakin, Ziyad Tamer Al‑Johari, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohammed.With the experience gained from the Gulf qualifiers, Qatar’s young talents aim to deliver strong performances, achieve positive results, and leave a mark in one of Asia’s most prestigious youth basketball competitions.

Qatar Placed in Group C for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Volleyball Tournament

DOHA – The official draw for the men's and women's volleyball competitions at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, scheduled to take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026, has placed Qatar's men's national team in Group C alongside India, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, China.Group A features Japan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, while Iran headlines Group B, which also includes Indonesia, Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan. Group D is expected to be one of the tournament's most competitive pools, comprising Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines.In the women's competition, Qatar has been drawn in Group D together with Vietnam, Korea, and Hong Kong, China, setting the stage for a series of challenging encounters as the team seeks positive results and a place in the knockout rounds.The remaining women's groups see Japan, Indonesia, and Nepal competing in Group A, China, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines in Group B, while Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia make up Group C.The volleyball tournament is expected to feature some of Asia's strongest national teams, with Qatar aiming to deliver competitive performances and make a strong impact on one of the continent's biggest multi-sport stages.

Qatar U18 Clinches Gulf Silver and Books Place at FIBA Asia U18 Championship India 2026

DOHA - The Qatar under‑18 basketball team secured second place and the silver medal in the Gulf qualifiers for the Asian Youth Championship, hosted in Doha amid strong competition among Gulf teams. With this achievement, Qatar confirmed its distinguished presence and booked a spot in the continental championship scheduled in Ahmedabad, India, from August 13 to 23, 2026.Qatar finished runner‑up with seven points after losing the final match to Bahrain 77–45 on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Bahrain topped the standings with eight points from four consecutive victories, winning the championship trophy and gold medals. Saudi Arabia claimed third place and bronze with six points, Oman finished fourth with five points, and Kuwait came fifth with four points.Bahrain started the final strongly, taking the first quarter 20–14, then extended its lead in the second 25–9. The third quarter ended 17–14 in Bahrain’s favor, and despite Qatar’s efforts in the fourth, Bahrain sealed the win 15–8.Qatar had already secured qualification to the Asian Championship before the final round, following three consecutive victories: defeating Saudi Arabia 80–76, overcoming Kuwait 81–53, and beating Oman 80–67 in the decisive match that guaranteed passage to the continental stage.Mr. Mohammed bin Saad Al‑Mughaisib, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, crowned Bahrain with the championship trophy and gold medals, while Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al‑Kuwari, Secretary General of the Federation and Director of National Teams, awarded Qatar the silver medals.Al‑Mughaisib emphasized that the team achieved its primary objective: securing qualification to the Asian Championship. He praised the players’ performance, stating: “The team fulfilled its mission by reaching the Asian finals, which was our main target before the qualifiers. We will now focus on preparing the squad optimally for continental competition, ensuring they represent Qatari basketball at the highest level.” He congratulated the players, technical staff, and administrators for their strong performances and high spirit.Al‑Kuwari highlighted the technical level of the Gulf qualifiers, noting: “The tournament showcased a new generation capable of serving Gulf basketball in the future. We witnessed strong competition among all teams, reflecting the progress of the sport in the region. We are pleased with Qatar’s performance and success in qualifying, and we congratulate Bahrain on their achievement.”Qatar was led by Turkish head coach Cengiz Karadağ, assisted by Abdo Al‑Harji, Hashem Zidan, and Munir Ben Ghalla. Kenan oversaw physical preparation, while Saif Al‑Din Al‑Hamandi managed medical and rehabilitation duties. Team director Khalid Ahmed Al‑Mughni, along with Omar Ahmed and Ayoub Rahmatullah, completed the administrative staff.The squad included 12 players: Abdullah Yassin, Tamim Ashraf Abu Issa, Mishal Khalid Al‑Mughni, Muath Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohammed Yaken, Ziyad Tamer Al‑Johari, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohammed.* Bahrain: Champion, 8 points (4 wins) – Gold* Qatar: Runner‑up, 7 points – Silver* Saudi Arabia: Third, 6 points – Bronze* Oman: Fourth, 5 points* Kuwait: Fifth, 4 pointsQualification to the Asian Under‑18 Championship represents a crucial step for Qatar, offering valuable experience against Asia’s strongest teams and a chance to achieve positive results. The continental event also serves as a pathway to the FIBA Under‑19 Basketball World Cup in the Czech Republic in 2027, with four qualification slots allocated.Hosting the Gulf qualifiers further underscores Qatar’s continued success in organizing major sporting events, as part of its preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, set to be staged for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa from August 27 to September 12, 2027. 

Qatar Olympic Committee and Dreama Promote Orphan Empowerment Through the “Bader” Initiative

DOHA – Reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable community development, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), represented by its Public Relations Department, joined forces with the Orphan Care Center (Dreama) to organize an awareness seminar introducing the "Bader" Initiative at Lusail Hall, QOC headquarters.The seminar showcased the initiative as an innovative community platform that connects experienced professionals and skilled volunteers with orphaned children, creating meaningful opportunities for education, mentoring, training, and personal development while promoting their full integration into society.Ms. Khadija Al Kubaisi, International Relations Specialist at Dreama, presented the initiative's vision and objectives, describing "Bader" as one of Dreama's pioneering programs designed to mobilize community expertise in empowering orphaned children and nurturing their personal and professional growth.She highlighted the initiative's strong alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizing its contribution to sustainable human development, social cohesion, volunteerism, and social responsibility. Through educational support, knowledge-sharing, and professional mentoring, the initiative equips beneficiaries with the skills and confidence needed to become active and productive members of society.Al Kubaisi also explained that the initiative supports environmental sustainability through digital transformation while contributing to the Third National Development Strategy by strengthening community engagement and empowering beneficiary groups to participate in sustainable development.Expressing her appreciation to the Qatar Olympic Committee, she praised the organization's support in raising awareness of the initiative and encouraged wider public participation in "Bader" to maximize its positive and lasting impact.Established in 2002 under the Qatar Social Work Foundation, Dreama continues to provide comprehensive care for orphaned children, ensuring family stability, social integration, and sustainable development in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.The seminar reflects the Qatar Olympic Committee's continued efforts to strengthen partnerships that create meaningful social impact and reinforce the values of solidarity, inclusion, and community engagement.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Romaihi, Event Coordinator at the QOC Public Relations Department, said the seminar reflects the Committee's strategy of expanding community partnerships and enhancing the role of sport in supporting sustainable social initiatives.He added that the "Bader" Initiative serves as an outstanding example of organized volunteerism, bringing together expertise and community engagement to empower orphaned children while reaffirming the Qatar Olympic Committee's commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable society.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani Named QFA President

DOHA ,  (QNA) - Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced the appointment of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani as President of the association and Sheikh Tamim bin Mohammed Al-Thani as Vice President.In a statement, the QFA said the appointments were approved by the Executive Committee during its meeting today. The statement also said that the decision was intended to complete the current Board of Directors' term through 2027 and will be submitted for ratification at the QFA General Assembly, which is scheduled to convene in September.The QFA Executive Committee had previously decided to nominate two members to fill the positions of President and Vice President following the resignations of Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, the former QFA President, and Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the former Vice President, in accordance with the applicable procedures and regulations.The Executive Committee meeting also reviewed the association's activities and the latest developments, in addition to a report on the Qatar national team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.