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.  

Qatar to Face Oman as Saudi Arabia Takes on Kuwait in Gulf Youth Basketball Qualifiers

DOHA - The Gulf U-18 Basketball Championship qualifiers, leading to the FIBA Asia Cup, enter a decisive stage with the fourth round of matches scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Al Gharafa Sports Hall in Doha, organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation. All eyes will be on the clash between Qatar and Oman at 7:00 p.m., preceded by Saudi Arabia versus Kuwait at 5:00 p.m. The outcomes are expected to shape the race for the two coveted qualification spots to the continental tournament in Ahmedabad, India, this August, ahead of the final round.The qualifiers feature five teams — Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman — competing in a single round-robin format. The top two finishers will advance to the Asia Cup, making every game crucial as the competition nears its conclusion.Qatar enters the fourth round in second place with 4 points from two consecutive victories, while Bahrain leads the standings with 6 points from three wins. Oman and Kuwait each hold 3 points, and Saudi Arabia trails with 2 points, leaving the battle for qualification wide open. Qatar approaches its match against Oman with high confidence after a flawless start, underscoring its readiness to contend for the top spot.The Qatari squad features 12 promising talents led by captain Abdullah Yassin, alongside Tamim Ashraf Abouissa, Mishal Khalid Al-Mughni, Moaz Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohamed Yaken, Ziad Tamer Al-Johari, Mohamed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohamed. The team is coached by Turkish tactician Cengiz Karadag, assisted by Abdo Al-Harji, Hashem Zaidan, and Munir Ben Ghalla, with Kenan overseeing fitness preparation and Saif Al-Hamandi handling medical and rehabilitation duties. The administrative staff includes team manager Khalid Ahmed Al-Mughni, supported by Omar Ahmed and Ayoub Rahmatullah.Oman, meanwhile, seeks to regain momentum and keep its qualification hopes alive after opening with a 62–59 win over Kuwait, followed by a heavy 94–49 defeat to Bahrain, leaving it with 3 points. The earlier Saudi–Kuwait encounter carries significant weight for both sides. Saudi Arabia, with 2 points from losses to Bahrain (62–54) and Qatar (80–76), still has two matches remaining against Kuwait and Oman. Kuwait, winless so far after defeats to Oman (62–59), Bahrain (106–51), and Qatar (81–53), must overcome Saudi Arabia to improve its standing and conclude its campaign positively.Bahrain continues to assert dominance as the strongest team in the qualifiers, securing three consecutive victories over Saudi Arabia (62–54), Kuwait (106–51), and Oman (94–49), raising its tally to 6 points. Bahrain now awaits the outcome of Qatar’s clash with Oman, as a Qatari win would set up a decisive showdown between Bahrain and Qatar in the final round on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to determine the Gulf champion. Any other result could reshuffle the qualification race.Beyond the Asia Cup, the qualifiers serve as a gateway to the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup 2027 in the Czech Republic, with four berths allocated to Asia. Hosting the Gulf qualifiers reflects Qatar’s ongoing preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, to be staged for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa. 

Qatar Overcomes Kuwait to Take Top Spot in Gulf U18 Basketball Championship

DOHA - The Qatar U18 national basketball team took another decisive step toward its goal in the Gulf qualifiers for the Asian Championship, continuing its strong performances with a second consecutive victory in the tournament currently underway in Doha. The win strengthened Qatar’s position at the top of the standings with 4 points, level with Bahrain.Qatar’s triumph came in the second round of the qualifiers after defeating Kuwait 81–53 on Monday evening, 27 July 2026. The result confirmed the team’s readiness to compete strongly for one of the two qualifying spots to the continental finals, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, India, this August.The Gulf qualifiers are staged at Al Gharafa Sports Hall from 25 to 30 July, featuring five teams: Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. All teams compete in a single round‑robin format to determine the top two finishers who will advance to the Asian Championship.Qatar’s second win reflected its impressive start to the competition, having edged Saudi Arabia 80–76 in a thrilling opening match. The team showed high focus and fighting spirit in crucial moments to secure victory. Across both games, Qatar displayed growing cohesion, tactical flexibility, and effective use of defensive organization, fast transitions, and individual talent.The match against Kuwait saw Qatar dominate early, winning the first quarter 20–14 and extending the lead in the second (26–13). The third quarter continued in Qatar’s favor (25–14), while Kuwait produced its best spell in the fourth, edging 12–10, though the overall score remained firmly in Qatar’s hands.Qatar’s Abdullah Yassin was the game’s top scorer with 21 points, while Kuwait’s Ali Al‑Hindal led his side with 11 points.The Qatari squad features 12 promising talents led by captain Abdullah Yassin, alongside Tamim Ashraf Abouissa, Mishal Khalid Al‑Mughni, Moaz Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohammed Yaken, Ziad Tamer Al‑Johari, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohammed.The team is managed by Khalid Ahmed Al‑Mughni, with head coach Cengiz Karadag assisted by Abdo Al‑Harji, Hashem Zaidan, and Munir Ben Ghalla, plus Kenan (fitness coach) and Saif Al‑Din Al‑Hamandi (physiotherapist). Administrative staff include Omar Ahmed and Ayoub Rahmatullah.In another second‑round clash, Bahrain maintained its unbeaten run, defeating Oman 94–49 to also reach 4 points. Bahrain controlled the game from the outset, winning the first quarter 22–12 and the second 30–10, before sealing the third 25–9. Oman improved in the fourth (18–17), but Bahrain’s dominance secured a 45‑point margin. Bahrain had earlier opened its campaign with a 62–54 win over Saudi Arabia, underlining its credentials as a top contender alongside Qatar.Oman, meanwhile, seeks to recover after its opening win over Kuwait (62–59) was followed by defeat to Bahrain. Kuwait hopes to rebound from losses to Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, with the round‑robin format keeping all teams in contention until the final day.After two rounds, Qatar and Bahrain share the lead with 4 points each, while Oman and Kuwait sit third and fourth with 3 points apiece, and Saudi Arabia is fifth with 2 points.Teams will rest on Tuesday, 28 July, before action resumes Wednesday, 29 July, with Saudi Arabia facing Kuwait at 5:00 p.m. and Qatar meeting Oman at 7:00 p.m. at Al Gharafa Hall. The qualifiers conclude Thursday, 30 July, with Oman vs. Saudi Arabia (5:00 p.m.) and Qatar vs. Bahrain (7:00 p.m.), a decisive encounter likely to determine the champion and final standings.The Gulf qualifiers carry major significance as the pathway to the Asian U18 Championship, which in turn offers four tickets to the FIBA U19 World Cup 2027 in the Czech Republic. 

Qatar’s Scalzone Secures Silver in Thrilling Trap Shooting Showdown

China - Angelo Scalzone of Qatar to secure a hard-fought victory for silver in the men’s trap event at the ISSF World Cup 2026 in Hangzhou on Monday.William Hinton of the United States held off a relentless challenge from Scalzone in the final series to clinch gold.The victory represents another important milestone for Hinton, who demonstrated exceptional consistency throughout the competition and converted it into one of the biggest international successes of his career.In a final packed with Olympic medallists, world champions and rising talents, Hinton delivered the composure required when the pressure was at its highest.After dropping two targets in the opening stages, the American settled into an outstanding rhythm, producing long sequences of perfect shooting to build momentum heading into the closing rounds.Scalzone refused to let the contest slip away. The Qatari shooter matched Hinton target for target through much of the final, ensuring the battle for gold remained alive until the very end.Ultimately, one late miss proved decisive as Hinton finished with 28 hits, one ahead of Scalzone’s 27, to capture the World Cup title. The home crowd had further reason to celebrate as Qi Ying claimed the bronze medal for China. Remaining firmly in medal contention throughout the eliminations, Qi finished with 22 hits, earning a well-deserved place on the podium after another composed display.Italy’s Massimo Fabbrizi, the London 2012 Olympic silver medallist and one of the most experienced athletes in international trap shooting, narrowly missed out on the medals.He finished fourth with 16 hits, ending his campaign just short of another ISSF World Cup podium.Chinese Taipei’s Yang Kun-Pi took fifth place with 13 hits, while India’s Bhowneesh Mendiratta followed in sixth on 11 after reaching another World Cup final.The United States placed a second athlete in the final, with Jack Brosseau finishing seventh after scoring eight hits. Completing the eight-athlete field was Italy’s Giovanni Pellielo, one of the most decorated shotgun shooters in ISSF history.The four-time Olympic medallist exited in eighth place with seven hits, bringing an early end to his bid for another World Cup medal.The men’s trap final provided another thrilling conclusion to the shotgun programme in Hangzhou.France’s Carole Cormenier reaffirmed her status among the world’s leading shotgun athletes by capturing the women’s trap title yesterday, holding off a strong challenge from the United States’ Rachel Tozier to secure gold.Cormenier was in control throughout much of the final. After opening with a perfect first round, the French shooter maintained remarkable consistency as the eliminations unfolded, missing just three targets on her way to 27 hits.Even as the pressure mounted in the closing stages, she remained composed to seal her first World Cup victory of the season.The gold medal adds another significant achievement to the résumé of the French star.A World Championship medallist, European champion and regular finalist on the ISSF circuit, Cormenier has been one of the most consistent trap shooters of the past decade, and her performance in Hangzhou demonstrated exactly why.The battle for silver remained alive until the final series. Rachel Tozier matched Cormenier through the early stages before a handful of late misses left her with 25 hits.The American nevertheless enjoyed an outstanding competition, collecting another ISSF World Cup medal and continuing her steady rise among the discipline’s leading athletes.Australia’s Kiara Sioux-Lin Dean completed the podium with 22 hits. The young Australian impressed throughout the final, staying in medal contention before securing bronze ahead of her experienced teammate Penny Smith.

Qatar U18 basketball team Opens Asian Qualifiers with victory over Saudi Arabia

DOHA - Qatar’s U18 basketball team made a strong start in the Gulf Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asian Championship, defeating Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the tournament hosted in Doha from July 25–30. The competition features teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.Qatar secured an 80–76 win in a thrilling contest at Al Gharafa Sports Hall. Both sides delivered closely matched performances, with Saudi Arabia starting strong before Qatar rallied to take control and claim their first two points in the qualifiers, boosting their chances of securing one of the two direct spots to the continental finals.The game began cautiously, reflecting the importance of the opening round in the single‑round league format, where each team plays only four matches. Saudi Arabia imposed its rhythm early, ending the first quarter ahead 18–15. Qatar regrouped in the second quarter, improving both defense and offense to edge the period 15–11, leveling the contest. The hosts continued their momentum in the third quarter, winning 21–17, while Saudi Arabia narrowly took the fourth 30–29.Qatar’s Abdullah Yassin was the game’s top scorer with 24 points, while Ali Al‑Somal led Saudi Arabia with 21 points. The victory carried significant morale value for Qatar, giving the players confidence ahead of upcoming clashes with other Gulf rivals.In another match, Bahrain confirmed its strength with a dominant 106–51 win over Kuwait, marking its second consecutive victory after beating Saudi Arabia 62–54 in the opener. Bahrain controlled all four quarters decisively, underscoring its readiness to contend for the top spot. Meanwhile, Oman edged Kuwait 62–59 in the tournament’s opening game, in a contest marked by fluctuating momentum and scorelines.The standings currently place Bahrain at the top with four points from two wins, followed by Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, each with two points.The qualifiers continue Monday, July 27, with Oman facing Bahrain at 5:00 PM, followed by Qatar against Kuwait at 7:00 PM, both at Al Gharafa Sports Hall. After a rest day, play resumes Wednesday, July 29, with Saudi Arabia meeting Kuwait at 5:00 PM and Qatar facing Oman at 7:00 PM. The tournament concludes Thursday, July 30, with Oman vs. Saudi Arabia at 5:00 PM and Qatar vs. Bahrain at 7:00 PM — a match likely decisive in determining the qualifiers.The Gulf Qualifiers follow a single‑round league format, awarding two points for a win and one point for a loss. The top two teams will advance to the FIBA U18 Asian Championship in Ahmedabad, India, this August. The Asian Championship will in turn qualify four teams to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027 in the Czech Republic, adding further weight to every game in the Gulf competition.

Qatar Olympic Academy Advances Sports Education, Capacity Building in First Half of 2026

DOHA – The Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) reinforced its position as a leading regional center for Olympic education and professional sports development during the first half of 2026, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs, specialized training courses, and community initiatives that strengthened professional capacities in Qatar and across the region.From January to June, the Academy organized an extensive range of educational and professional development programs designed for sports administrators, coaches, athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts. The curriculum covered key disciplines including leadership, sports governance, event management, strategic planning, sports marketing, sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, equipping participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills aligned with international best practices.During the same period, the Academy further expanded its network of strategic partnerships, enhancing collaboration with national Olympic committees, sports federations, academic institutions, and educational organizations to advance Olympic education and promote knowledge exchange throughout the region.The Academy also strengthened its contribution to sports research by participating in specialized conferences and seminars, while broadening its digital presence to make its educational programs and initiatives more accessible to audiences in Qatar and internationally.Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber, said the Academy's achievements during the first six months of 2026 reflected its continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality in Olympic and sports education.He emphasized that the Academy remains dedicated to developing national and regional expertise while promoting Olympic values in accordance with internationally recognized standards.Al Jaber attributed the Academy's continued success to the dedication of its staff and the strength of its strategic partnerships with sports and academic institutions, noting that the growing demand for its educational programs underscores the confidence placed in the Academy's role in developing qualified sports professionals.He also highlighted the importance of representing both Qatar and the Qatar Olympic Academy at major international forums, noting that participation in the National Olympic Academies Forum, alongside strengthened cooperation with the Saudi Olympic Academy, has fostered valuable knowledge exchange, enhanced Gulf collaboration, and supported the advancement of Olympic education and sustainable sports development.Looking ahead, Al Jaber affirmed that the Academy will continue expanding its academic offerings, integrating advanced educational technologies, and strengthening its regional and international partnerships in support of Qatar's vision of becoming a global hub for sport, education, and human development.