Qatari Saif Mohammed Clinches Gold Medal at Asian U23 Athletics Championships in China

ORDOS, China, July 11 – Qatar’s rising athletics star Saif Mohammed produced a superb performance to capture the gold medal in the men’s pole vault at the Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China, on Saturday, further strengthening Qatar’s impressive medal haul at the continental event.Mohammed cleared 5.54 metres to register the best performance of the competition in the pole vault, comfortably claiming the gold medal and delivering Qatar’s fifth medal of the championships.His triumph adds to an outstanding campaign for Team Qatar, following Hatem Hamed’s gold medal in the 800 metres, Zakaria Ibrahim’s victory in the 3,000 metres, Ahmed Jabrin’s silver medal in the shot put, and Salah Younes’ bronze medal in the 100 metres.The Qatar Athletics Federation is competing at the championships with a talented squad of emerging Olympic-category U23 athletes, reflecting the federation’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of elite competitors.Qatar’s delegation features Saif Mohammed (pole vault), Ahmed Jabrin (shot put), Khaled Hussein Sebaqi (400m and 4x400m relay), Zakaria Ibrahim (3,000m steeplechase and 1,500m), Hatem Hamed (800m and 4x400m relay), Salah Younes (100m), Omar Daoud (110m hurdles), Abdulrahman Mohammed (400m hurdles and 4x400m relay), and Mubarak Abdulkarim (400m and 4x400m relay). 

Board of Directors of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee Holds Its Second Meeting

As preparations continue for the State of Qatar’s hosting of the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030, the Board of Directors of the Organising Committee held its second meeting today, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Organising Committee’s Board of Directors, to review progress and discuss the latest preparations for hosting the major continental sporting event

Qatar Winter Sports Committee Participates in Qatar Foundation’s Summer Sports Camp for Young Athletes

Doha – The Qatar Winter Sports Committee is participating in the Summer Sports Camp for Young Athletes, organized by Qatar Foundation throughout July in collaboration with several national sports federations. The participation reflects the Committee’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness of winter sports among young generations, identify promising talents, and expand the base of winter sports practitioners in Qatar.The first week of the camp’s activities commenced on Tuesday, with the second week scheduled to begin next Tuesday as part of a two-week program featuring a diverse range of sporting activities. The camp includes the participation of the Qatar Football Association, Qatar Basketball Federation, Qatar Chess Association, in addition to the Qatar Winter Sports Committee.The opening of the program was attended by Mr. Hassan Hisham Al Hababi, Secretary-General of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, and Mr. Abdullah Shaheen Al Kaabi, Director of Sports Affairs and Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation.The Committee is taking part in the camp through three winter sports disciplines: ice hockey, curling, and short-track speed skating. Through an engaging and interactive introductory program, participants are introduced to the fundamentals of these sports through practical activities designed to help discover emerging talents and foster a culture of sporting diversity among young athletes.Mr. Hassan Hisham Al Hababi, Secretary-General of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, highlighted that the Committee’s participation aligns with its strategy to promote winter sports and broaden their participation base by strengthening cooperation with national institutions and engaging in sports and community program , particularly those targeting school students.He added that such initiatives contribute to identifying sporting talents, encouraging participation across different age groups, and developing a new generation of athletes capable of supporting Qatar’s national teams and representing the country at regional and international events.For his part, Mr. Abdullah Shaheen Al Kaabi, Director of Sports Affairs and Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, expressed his delight at the participation of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee in the camp, emphasizing that the collaboration reflects the continued fruitful partnership between both sides and contributes to introducing students to new sports while expanding their athletic opportunities.He noted that Qatar Foundation’s Sports Affairs Department is committed to delivering diverse sports programs that enable students at Education City to explore their abilities, develop their skills, and engage in a wide range of sporting activities. Such initiatives help strengthen the culture of physical activity and promote the values of sporting diversity among young people. 

Qatar to Host 2026 and 2028 Editions of FIP Padel World Cup

DOHA  - The Qatar Padel Federation announced that the International Padel Federation (FIP) has awarded Doha the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP Padel World Cup, reinforcing Qatar's position as a global destination for major international sporting events.Both editions will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, a venue that has hosted some of the world's most important international Padel events in recent years – including the Qatar Major Premier Padel four times, and the last World Team Championships – and has established itself as one of the sport's leading destinations.The decision to award the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cups to Doha was based on a series of key criteria, including the high quality of sporting infrastructure, the conditions offered to athletes and national delegations, proven experience in staging major international events, high safety standards, financial guarantees, and the strong sporting legacy developed by Qatar in recent years.A further element reflecting the growth and ambition of the FIP World Cup is the prize money, which will reach unprecedented levels in the history of Padel and will be distributed equally between the men's and women's competitions.The 2026 edition will offer a record prize fund of €1.2 million, rising further to €1.35 million in 2028. This represents the highest prize money ever awarded in an official Padel competition and underlines the commitment of FIP and the Qatar Padel Federation to further enhance the prestige of the event and showcase the highest level of competition among national teams.Tareq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Padel Federation, said: "We are honoured by the International Padel Federation's decision to award Doha the hosting rights for both the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cup. Having previously hosted the championship on two occasions, we are proud that Qatar continues to be entrusted with one of the sport's most watched events.""This confidence reflects the dedication of the Qatar Padel Federation and all our partners to delivering world-class tournaments that meet the highest international standards.Hosting two consecutive editions presents a unique opportunity to build on our experience, further enhance the event, and create an exceptional experience for players, teams and fans from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the global Padel community back to Doha and contributing to the continued growth and success of our sport.""The awarding of the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP World Cup to Doha is a decision that looks to the future of our sport," said FIP President Luigi Carraro. He continued: "Qatar has consistently demonstrated that it possesses all the necessary qualities to host world-class events, and awarding two consecutive editions of the World Cup to the country will provide continuity for the tournament's growth, ensuring an outstanding experience for players, federations and fans."Doha is one of the global homes of Padel. On more than one occasion it has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional standards of organization and hospitality, and it holds a special place in the history of international Padel.We are confident it will once again help write new and historic chapters in the story of our sport, with the invaluable contribution of the Qatar Padel Federation, whom I thank for its commitment and passion in supporting the growth of Padel worldwide.

22 Volunteers Play a Key Role in the Success of eFIBA World Finals Qatar 2026

DOHA –Twenty-two volunteers from the Team Qatar Volunteer Program of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) showcased an outstanding example of dedication, social responsibility, and community engagement through their active contribution to the successful organization of the eFIBA World Finals Qatar 2026, held on 3 and 4 July at Mall of Qatar.The participation of the volunteers formed an integral part of the operational efforts behind the success of this global event, organized by the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee in collaboration with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Qatar Basketball Federation, and Qatar Esports Federation, as part of the promotional campaign and preparations for the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.The volunteers played a vital role across various organizational and operational areas, including welcoming guests, assisting athletes and spectators, and supporting event teams at the competition venue. Their efforts contributed significantly to delivering a seamless and memorable experience for all participants and visitors, reflecting the advanced level achieved by Qatar’s sports volunteering ecosystem.On this occasion, Mr. Ahmed Al Jaber, said:"The volunteers were among the key pillars behind the success of the tournament and true partners in achieving its objectives. Their commitment, sense of responsibility, and positive spirit reflected the highest values of volunteering, teamwork, and community service."On this occasion, Mr. Ahmed Ali Al Jaber, Head of the Volunteers Committee at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee, said:"The volunteers were among the key pillars behind the success of the tournament and true partners in achieving its objectives. Their commitment, sense of responsibility, and positive spirit reflected the highest values of volunteerism, teamwork, and community service."He added that participation in major sporting events provides volunteers with valuable opportunities to develop their skills and enhance their expertise in event organization and management, in line with Qatar’s growing status as a global destination for hosting major international sporting competitions.The registration process for volunteers is conducted through the Team Volunteer Platform, launched by the Qatar Olympic Committee. The integrated and sustainable digital platform is dedicated to managing volunteer operations through registration, task allocation, and role coordination across various sports events and tournaments hosted by Qatar.The platform represents a strategic initiative aimed at promoting the culture of volunteering and strengthening sustainability principles. It supports the organization of major sporting events, including the QOC Half Marathon 2026, the 4th Gulf Games Doha 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2029, and the Asian Games Doha 2030, ensuring effective management of volunteer resources and enhancing participants’ experiences according to the highest organizational standards.The volunteers’ contribution to the eFIBA World Finals Qatar 2026 highlighted the essential role of national talents in supporting Qatar’s sporting journey, promoting the values of cooperation and belonging, and contributing to new achievements in the country’s remarkable record of hosting major international sporting events.

Qatar to Face Japan, Republic of Korea in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers

DOHA - The Qatar basketball team will face Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.The tournament is staged for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12, 2027.The team had concluded the First Round of the Asian Qualifiers in second place in Group D with 10 points, behind group leaders Lebanon with 11 points, while Saudi Arabia finished third with 9 points, and India ranked fourth and last with 6 points.According to the qualifying format, the teams advancing from Groups B and D were merged into another group, known as Group F, with Qatar settling in third place in Group F with 10 points, level on points with Japan, which finished second with the same tally.Lebanon topped the group with 11 points, while the Republic of Korea, China, and Saudi Arabia finished fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, with 9 points each.Under the format of the Second Round of the Asian Qualifiers, each team in a group will face only the teams that joined it from the other group in a home-and-away format, with no new matchups against teams that advanced alongside it from the same group during the First Round.Qatar will begin their campaign in the first window of the Second Round by facing China in Doha on Aug. 27 before traveling away to meet Japan on Aug. 30.The second window will see Qatar host the Republic of Korea and Japan on Nov. 26 and 29, respectively, while the qualifiers will conclude with the third and final window in February and March next year, featuring a clash against China on Feb. 26 and a match against the Republic of Korea on March 1, 2027.The Qatar Basketball Federation commended the outstanding campaign delivered by the national team during the First Round of the Asian Qualifiers and its deserved qualification to the Second Round.It stressed that Qatar continue their qualification journey with the ambition of competing and securing the best possible results, despite having already guaranteed their place in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 as the host nation.The Federation emphasized that the team's participation in these qualifiers suggests Qatar basketball's ambitious vision, which aims to strengthen the culture of competition, enhance technical and physical readiness, and reach the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 with a level that reflects the significant development the sport has witnessed in recent years.In addition, the Federation also applauded the high fighting spirit demonstrated by the team and their ability to achieve positive results against teams with extensive experience on both continental and global stages.This reflects the important efforts made by Qatar's players and the coaching and administrative staff during the First Round of the Asian Qualifiers, which featured highly competitive and closely contested games among the participating teams.