Abderrahman Samba and Bassem Mohammed to Compete at Elite Athletics Event in Hungary

Doha: The Qatar Athletics Federation announced that Team Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba and Bassem Mohammed will compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, from September 11 to 13.The Qatari duo will compete in the men’s 400m hurdles on Saturday, alongside some of the world’s leading track and field athletes.Samba heads into the event having clocked a season’s best of 47.77 seconds during the Diamond League, while Bassem Mohammed recorded his best time of the season, 47.56 seconds, at the Bellinzona meeting in Switzerland.Their participation forms part of the Qatar Athletics Federation’s preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, later this month.Samba has established himself as one of Asia’s leading 400m hurdlers over the past five years, while Bassem Mohammed is the reigning Asian champion, having won the continental title in Bangkok in 2023.In addition to competing in the 400m hurdles at the Asian Games, Samba and Bassem will also represent Qatar in the men’s 4x400m relay, alongside Ammar Ismail Ibrahim and Ashraf Hussen Osman. 

Al Buenain participates in Women in Basketball Forum in Berlin

Berlin:  H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, participated in the Women in Basketball Forum, hosted by FIBA in the German capital Berlin on Friday, bringing together leading figures, decision-makers and representatives from the sports, media and business sectors.Al Buenain took part in a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Game: Building a Legacy for the Next Generation,” which explored future opportunities for basketball, ways to expand opportunities for women and girls in sport, and the role Qatar’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 can play in supporting the development of the game and creating a sustainable legacy in Qatar and across the region.During the session, Al Buenain stressed that hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 represents an opportunity that goes beyond staging a major global sporting event, contributing to the growth of the game, encouraging future generations to take up basketball and broadening participation in Qatar and across the region.He said: “Qatar 2027 is not about proving that Qatar can host another major sporting event; Qatar has already demonstrated that, repeatedly, over the past two decades. The real opportunity now is to show what happens when world-class infrastructure, experience and innovation come together, and stay together, long enough to become a lasting, mainstream legacy for basketball, for this region, and for the next generation.”He also stressed that the true measure of the tournament’s success goes beyond the event itself to what it leaves behind once the final buzzer sounds. He highlighted the importance of building on Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, experience and capabilities, and leveraging the hosting of the tournament to support the long-term development of basketball, broaden opportunities for participation, and establish a lasting legacy for the game in Qatar, across the region and for future generations.The Women in Basketball Forum explores the opportunities shaping the future of women’s basketball through a series of sessions and discussions addressing key drivers of growth across the sports ecosystem, including investment, leadership, media, fan engagement and commercial innovation, while highlighting the growing role of women’s basketball in shaping the future of sport.

Day 2 of FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Continues in Doha

DOHA  - The second day of the 10th FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Doha 2026, taking place at Education City until Sep. 12, with the participation of 116 male and female athletes representing 21 countries, in a global university sporting event that reflects the State of Qatar's growing presence on the international championships hosting landscape.The day's competition was intense across the four weight categories contested at Education City, comprising the women's 57kg and 61kg categories and the men's 70kg and 75kg categories.In the women's 57kg category, Chinese Taipei champion Yi-Ci Juang swept all three gold medals, winning the snatch with a lift of 85kg, the clean and jerk with 105kg and the overall title with a total of 190kg.British weightlifter Asees Dhanda claimed all three silver medals, lifting 82kg in the snatch, 99kg in the clean and jerk and recording a total of 181kg. Puerto Rico's Santiago Gutierrez took all three bronze medals, lifting 81kg in the snatch, 96kg in the clean and jerk and posting a total of 177kg.In the women's 61kg category, Chinese Taipei champion Yu-Ling Chiu won two gold medals and one bronze, taking gold in the clean and jerk with a lift of 108kg and in the overall with a total of 191kg, as well as bronze in the snatch with a lift of 83kg.Poland's Maria Polka claimed one gold and two silver medals, winning the snatch with a lift of 85kg and taking silver in the clean and jerk with 105kg and in the overall with a total of 190kg.Canada's Alexandrine Genereux won one silver and two bronze medals, taking silver in the snatch with a lift of 85kg, bronze in the clean and jerk with 103kg and bronze in the overall with a total of 188kg.In the men's 70kg category, Moldova's Dan-Dorin Betca swept all three gold medals, lifting 134kg in the snatch, 160kg in the clean and jerk and recording a total of 294kg. Chinese Taipei's Lin Pao-Ti claimed all three silver medals, lifting 126kg in the snatch, 156kg in the clean and jerk and posting a total of 282kg, while South Korea's Im Dohyeon took all three bronze medals, lifting 115kg in the snatch, 151kg in the clean and jerk and recording a total of 266kg.Finally, in the men's 75kg category, South Korea's Seong-hyeon Hong won two gold medals and one bronze, taking gold in the clean and jerk with a lift of 175kg and in the overall with a total of 301kg, as well as bronze in the snatch with a lift of 126kg.Hungary's Lajos Ujvari claimed one gold, one silver and one bronze medal, winning the snatch with a lift of 131kg, taking silver in the Total with a total of 295kg and bronze in the clean and jerk with a lift of 164kg.Poland's Michal Kosciuk won two silver medals and one bronze, taking silver in the snatch with a lift of 127kg and in the clean and jerk with 165kg, as well as bronze in the overall with a total of 292kg. Head of Sports Programs at Qatar Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation Hamad Saleh Al Shiba affirmed that Education City's hosting of the 10th FISU World University Weightlifting Championship Doha 2026 represents an important event and reflects Education City's ability to host major international sporting events.In press remarks, Al Shiba said that hosting the championship competitions at Education City comes as part of the State of Qatar's prominent presence on the global sports landscape, particularly with the participation of 116 male and female athletes representing 21 countries, giving the event significant technical and organizational value.He added that staging the FISU World University Weightlifting Championship at Education City represents an important addition to Qatar's record of hosting international sporting events and confirms the readiness of its venues and facilities and their ability to provide an appropriate environment for participating athletes and delegations.Al Shiba said the significance of hosting the event was not limited to staging the competitions, but also included providing an integrated experience for athletes, delegations and spectators, while utilizing the capabilities available at Education City to support the event and ensure that its competitions are conducted in accordance with the highest organizational standards.The championship is scheduled to continue tomorrow, Thursday, with competition in two new weight categories: the women's 69kg category and the men's 85kg category, which will be contested in two groups.The FISU World University Championship Weightlifting Doha 2026 features competition across 16 weight categories. The eight men's categories are 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and over 110kg, while the eight women's categories are 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and over 86kg.

QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 Gets Underway Saturday

Doha: The QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 will get underway on Saturday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, bringing together the world’s leading men’s and women’s players for one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. The event will run until September 18.The Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation announced on Thursday that all preparations have been completed for the tournament, which features a total prize purse of USD 484,000 across the men’s and women’s competitions.Saad Al Muhannadi, Executive Director of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, said the Organizing Committee had completed all logistical and venue preparations to ensure the tournament is delivered to the highest organizational standards.He noted that the main glass court and the additional courts at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex have been prepared in line with the latest international standards, providing players with optimal competition conditions and spectators with an outstanding viewing experience.“The Organizing Committee is currently facilitating the arrival of the world’s leading players through Hamad International Airport, while providing five-star accommodation and transportation to the training and competition courts,” Al Muhannadi said.He added that preparations have also been made to accommodate the expected number of spectators, while the media centre at the complex is ready to provide local and international media with the facilities required to cover the tournament.This year’s edition features a strong field of the world’s leading players, headed by men’s world No. 1 Mostafa Asal, New Zealand’s Paul Coll, the defending champion, and women’s world No. 1 and defending champion Hania El Hammamy.The opening round will feature 32 matches across the men’s and women’s draws, played on the glass and side courts at the complex.Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi faces a challenging opening-round encounter against Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, while fellow Qatari Salem Al Malki will take on France’s Melvil Scianimanico.Since its launch in 2001, the Qatar Classic has developed a distinguished history, with champions from Egypt, Britain, France, Peru and New Zealand lifting the men’s trophy.Egyptian players have won a total of 12 titles, led by Mohamed ElShorbagy, who has lifted the trophy four times. He won three titles representing Egypt in 2013, 2015 and 2017, before adding a fourth representing England in 2022. Ali Farag has won the tournament three times, in 2018, 2020 and 2023.Karim Darwish won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2010, while Ramy Ashour and Amr Shabana were champions in April and October 2007 respectively. Karim Abdel Gawad added his name to the list of Egyptian champions in 2016.British players have claimed five titles, with Peter Nicol winning the first two editions in 2001 and 2002, followed by Lee Beachill in 2003, James Willstrop in 2005 and Nick Matthew in 2009.Peru’s Diego Elias won the title twice, in 2021 and 2024, while France’s Grégory Gaultier was crowned champion in 2011. New Zealand’s Paul Coll became the latest addition to the roll of honour with his victory in 2025.The men’s tournament was not staged in 2004, 2012 or 2014, when Qatar hosted the World Championships in those years.The women’s competition also began in 2001. It was not held in 2002 due to the staging of the Women’s World Championship, before returning from 2003 to 2011. Following a three-year absence, it was held again in 2015 before returning to the calendar in 2023 after a seven-year break.Malaysia’s Nicol David holds the record with five women’s titles, winning in April and October 2007, as well as in 2008, 2010 and 2011. The Netherlands’ Vanessa Atkinson won twice, in 2004 and 2005, while Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy has also claimed two titles, in 2023 and 2025.Australia’s Sarah Fitz-Gerald won the inaugural women’s title in 2001, followed by the USA’s Natalie Grainger in 2003. England’s Jenny Duncalf and Laura Massaro were champions in 2009 and 2015 respectively, while Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini lifted the trophy in 2024. 

Qatar Claims Silver Medal at Asian Karate Championships

Amman, September 9 (QNA) – Qatar’s Hassan Mansour won the silver medal in the junior men’s +76kg division at the 24th Asian Karate Championships for Cadets, Juniors and Under-21 athletes, currently being held in Amman, Jordan, through September 11.Mansour secured his place on the podium after a series of challenging bouts against strong Asian competitors. He delivered a confident performance that demonstrated his technical ability, physical strength and competitive readiness, eventually finishing second after a determined campaign marked by focus and fighting spirit.President of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation (QTJKF) Eid Ali Al Meraikhi praised Mansour’s achievement, saying the silver medal reflects the hard work of the athlete and the federation’s technical and administrative teams, as well as the steady progress of Qatari karate.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Meraikhi dedicated the achievement to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), in recognition of his strong and continued support for sport.Al Meraikhi also praised Mansour’s outstanding performance throughout the championship, stressing that the continental medal will provide an important boost to the athlete and his national-team teammates as they continue to develop their performances.He added that the result reflects the progress of Qatari karate and the federation’s continued efforts to develop athletes and prepare them for major continental and international competitions.Al Meraikhi said the federation hopes to build on this positive momentum during the remainder of the championship, with competition still underway.He also highlighted the upcoming participation of Abdulrahman Mustafa, who will compete Thursday in the Under-21 men’s -60kg division, expressing hope that he will deliver a strong performance and further demonstrate the progress of Qatari karate.Qatar is represented at the championship by Mansour in the junior men’s +76kg division and Mustafa in the Under-21 men’s -60kg division. The Qatari delegation is headed by QTJKF Assistant Secretary-General Rashid Al Hajri. Mustafa will begin his campaign Thursday, with Qatar hoping to add another medal to its tally.The 24th Asian Karate Championships feature kata and kumite competitions across the cadet, junior and Under-21 categories, bringing together athletes from across Asia in one of the continent’s leading age-group karate events.The four-day championship features 338 athletes from 30 countries, competing at Arena Hall in Al Hussein Youth City.

Hosts Qatar Drawn in Group A of Gulf U17 Cup

Doha:  Hosts Qatar have been drawn alongside the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and China in Group A of the second edition of the Gulf U17 Cup, following the draw held via videoconference at the Gulf Football Federation headquarters on Thursday.Group B features defending champions Saudi Arabia, alongside Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen and Egypt.The tournament will be held in Qatar from October 16 to November 4, with 10 national teams taking part, the largest number of participants in the competition’s history. The Local Organizing Committee will oversee preparations and delivery of the tournament in coordination with the Gulf Football Federation.For the draw, the participating teams were divided into five pots based on their results in the most recent Gulf Football Federation competition for the same age category.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the remainder of the tournament played on a knockout basis.This year’s expanded edition brings together all eight member associations of the Gulf Football Federation – Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait and Yemen – along with invited teams Egypt and China.The expanded field will give the participating teams valuable competitive experience against opponents with different playing styles as they prepare for upcoming international competitions, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.