Team Qatar Win 10 Medals on Opening Day of GCC Games Doha 2026

Doha: The competitions of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 officially got underway today in Doha, which will host the event until May 22, with the participation of 1,400 male and female athletes representing six Gulf nations across 17 different sports.Team Qatar made a strong and exciting start, collecting 10 medals across various competitions to finish the opening day in second place overall with three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals. Saudi Arabia topped the standings with eight medals (four gold, three silver, and one bronze), while Bahrain came third with six medals (two gold, three silver, and one bronze). The UAE ranked fourth with two medals (one gold and one bronze), Kuwait fifth with five bronze medals, and Oman sixth with two bronze medals.Qatar Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team Reach Semi-FinalsIn basketball, Qatar’s women’s 3x3 team advanced to the semi-finals after topping Group A with four points following victories over Oman (15-10) and Kuwait (14-13). Kuwait also defeated Oman 13-12 in the group stage. Qatar will now face Saudi Arabia, runners-up of Group B, in the semi-finals tomorrow. Bahrain, winners of Group B, will take on Kuwait in the other semi-final, with the winners progressing to the final.Group B saw Bahrain defeat the UAE 19-8 and Saudi Arabia 17-12, while Saudi Arabia overcame the UAE 19-12.The women’s 3x3 basketball competition features six teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, while Group B consists of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.Meanwhile, Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team also secured qualification to the semi-finals after topping the standings with victories in all three matches played today.The national team produced an impressive technical and physical performance, opening with a dominant 22-9 win over the UAE before defeating Bahrain 21-15 and Kuwait 21-7.Elsewhere, Bahrain defeated Saudi Arabia 16-13 and Kuwait 21-10, Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait 22-10, while the UAE overcame Saudi Arabia 15-13.Qatar currently lead the standings with three wins, ahead of Bahrain with two victories and one defeat. Saudi Arabia and the UAE each recorded one win and one loss, while Kuwait suffered three defeats.Silver and Bronze for Qatar in Bowling CompetitionsQatar’s bowlers won silver and bronze medals in the men’s singles competition on the opening day of the Games.Badr Al Sada claimed silver after finishing second overall with 1,275 points from six games, while teammate Talal Al Marri secured bronze with 1,260 points. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Khulaifi won gold with 1,295 points.Silver and Two Bronze Medals in Taekwondo EventQatar’s taekwondo athletes secured three medals, including one silver and two bronzes, at the start of their campaign in the GCC Games. Maram Fatnasi won silver in the women’s under-67kg category, while Hassan Al Nuaimi claimed bronze in the men’s under-58kg division and Mohammed Shaalan secured bronze in the men’s under-80kg category.Al Obaidli Advance to Billiards Semi-FinalsTeam Qatar player Ali Al Obaidli advanced to the semi-finals of the individual 10-ball billiards competition after defeating compatriot Bashar Hussein 6-4 in the losers’ qualification round.Al Obaidli will face UAE player Mahmoud Sharif in Wednesday’s semi-final after Sharif had previously defeated him 7-6 in the winners’ qualification round.The second semi-final will feature Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Babada against Kuwait’s Suleiman Ghuloom.The individual 10-ball billiards competition features 10 players representing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, with each country fielding two players.The billiards and snooker competitions at the GCC Games include 10 events — five in billiards and five in snooker.Team Qatar is represented in billiards and snooker by seven players: Ali Al Obaidli, Muhanna Al Obaidli, Mansour Al Obaidli, Ahmed Saif, Bashar Hussein, Mishal Turki Al Ali, and Abdul Latif Al Fawwal. 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad crowns Equestrian Champions

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, crowned the top three teams in the equestrian team showjumping competition, which was held today at the indoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation amid strong competition.Team Qatar, represented by riders Faleh Suwaid Al Ajami, Salman Mohammed Al Emadi, Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi and Bassem Mohammed, achieved a major accomplishment after winning the gold medal by topping the competition, which was held over jumps of 145cm across two rounds and a jump-off.The UAE team claimed the silver medal through riders Mohammed Ahmed Al Owais, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Saeed Mohammed Al Mazrouei and Sheikh Ali Jassim Al Nuaimi while Kuwait secured the bronze medal after finishing third with riders Yara Al Hunaidi, Annaz Al Annaz, Hussein Al Kharafi and Ali Al Kharafi.

Doha 2026 Organising Committee Honours GCC Delegations, Partners and Media at Katara Luncheon

DOHA  – In an atmosphere that reflected the deep-rooted GCC ties and the spirit of sporting unity, the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 hosted a luncheon in honour of Vice Presidents and Secretaries General of the GCC Olympic Committees, heads of administrative and sporting delegations, partners, sponsors and senior GCC media representatives.The luncheon was held at “Feeh Al Afiyah” Restaurant in Katara Cultural Village following a gracious invitation extended by H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games.H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain welcomed the GCC guests to their second home, Qatar, expressing pride in the distinguished Gulf participation and the close cooperation among the Gulf Olympic Committees. He affirmed that Doha 2026 represents a new milestone in the journey of joint Gulf sports cooperation and reflects the growing stature of Gulf sport on both the regional and international stages. He also wished all participating GCC  teams every success during the Games.The luncheon was attended by H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Sports Sector Director at the Qatar Olympic Committee and Director General of the Organising Committee, alongside a number of senior Gulf sports officials, presidents of sports federations, administrative delegations, as well as representatives of local and GCC media outlets, partners and sponsors.The initiative forms part of the Organising Committee’s commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing communication among Gulf participants, while reinforcing the friendly atmosphere that characterises the Games and embodies the noble sporting values and spirit of fair competition shared across the region.For their part, attendees praised the outstanding organizational standards of the Games and the warm Qatari hospitality, expressing their delight with the positive atmosphere surrounding the event and wishing continued success and progress for Gulf sport.The luncheon concluded with cordial conversations and commemorative photographs marking the special occasion.

GCC Games 2026 gets underway in Doha

Doha: In the presence of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the GCC Games – Doha 2026, the competitions of the GCC Games officially got underway this evening in the Qatari capital, Doha, with a distinguished Opening Ceremony held at Al Shaqab, reflecting the commitment of the GCC nations to supporting sport and hosting major sporting events.The opening ceremony was attended by a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, Ministers, Presidents of the GCC Olympic committees, and senior sports officials, including HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee; H.H. Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, President of the Oman Olympic Committee; and Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, alongside a number of GCC sports leaders.The ceremony was also attended by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Games; and Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the Sports Affairs Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee and Director General of the Organizing Committee of the Games.The Games will bring together 1400 athletes and officials where participating athletes will compete across 17 sports over 11 days of competition, in a new edition that further reinforces Qatar’s established reputation as a safe, welcoming and world-class host nation.The Games also build on the spirit of Gulf solidarity demonstrated during the recent Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, where efforts led by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani played an important role in facilitating and supporting the participation of GCC delegations and athletes in the games, reflecting his continued commitment to strengthening Gulf sporting cooperation and ensuring athletes remain at the heart of regional sport.Hosting the GCC Games Doha 2026 further reflects the ongoing efforts led by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani to support GCC sport and create opportunities that bring together athletes and young people from across the region in an atmosphere of friendship, competition and unity.President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Doha 2026 Organising Committee, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, said:“Doha is proud to host this fourth edition of the GCC Games, bringing together athletes and friends from across our region. At a time when the world faces many challenges and uncertainties, these Games reaffirm the important role sport can play in strengthening dialogue, cooperation and understanding between peoples. Sport continues to be one of the strongest platforms for unity and optimism across the Gulf region. We witnessed this clearly during the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, where all 45 National Olympic Committees of Asia came together in a remarkable celebration of sport and friendship.”“In Qatar, we strongly believe in the power of sport to build healthier, more connected and more united societies. Over the past two decades, Qatar has welcomed athletes, fans and delegations from around the world and hosted more than 20 World Championships. This legacy, which dates back to the Doha 2006 Asian Games, has provided us with world-class venues and expertise that today serve the ambitions of athletes from across the Gulf. We extend our appreciation to the GCC Federations, partners and organisers for their support of this event, and to every athlete competing in Doha 2026 — we wish them success in showcasing the true spirit of Gulf sport.”Competitions will be staged across Qatar’s state-of-the-art sports venues, providing athletes with world-class conditions to perform at their best. The venues include Aspire Dome, the Women’s Sports Hall, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Qatar Sports Club, the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, and Duhail Arena.All venues have an established track record in hosting major regional and international sporting events, including Hamad Aquatic Centre, which will stage the swimming competitions and previously hosted the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024, as well as the world-renowned Aspire Dome, which will host taekwondo, table tennis and karate competitions and has previously welcomed numerous international tournaments and world championships.The 17 sports featured at Doha 2026 are archery, athletics, 3x3 basketball, billiards, boxing, bowling, equestrian, fencing, handball, karate, padel, table tennis, taekwondo, shooting, snooker, swimming and volleyball.Qatar’s WADA-accredited anti-doping laboratory will oversee anti-doping testing throughout the Games.Doha 2026 marks the fourth edition of the GCC Games, following the previous edition held in Kuwait in 2022. 

Team Qatar Swimmers Deliver Five-Medal Triumph at GCC Games Doha 2026 Opener

DOHA – Qatar’s swimmers produced a remarkable start to their GCC Games campaign after collecting five medals, including three gold and two silver medals, on the opening day of the swimming competitions at the fourth GCC Games in Doha 2026. The multi-sport event continues until May 22 and brings together nearly 1,400 athletes from across the GCC in 17 different sports.The first gold medal for the host nation was secured by Saad Al Din Saad Al Din, who stormed to victory in the men’s 800m freestyle with a new Games record of 7:57.54 minutes. Bahrain’s Robert Ponsal settled for silver, while Kuwait’s Saud Al Shamroukh completed the podium with bronze. The medal winners were honored by H.E Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.Qatar’s dominance continued through Mohamed Mahmoud, who clinched gold in the 200m individual medley after delivering a record-breaking swim of 2:03.02 minutes. Bahrain’s Saud Ghali claimed silver, while Kuwait’s Khaled Al Otaibi finished third. H.E Jassim Bin Rashid Al-Buenain,  Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee crowned the winners of the event.The third gold medal arrived through Emile Fawzi, who excelled in the 200m butterfly with another new Games record of 2:02.20 minutes. Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Zaki took silver, while Kuwait’s Mohammed Al Otaibi earned bronze.In other results, Ali Tamer earned the silver medal in the 50m freestyle with a time of 22.69 seconds, finishing behind Saudi swimmer Imad Al Din Zaben, who secured gold and set a new Games record of 22.64 seconds. Bahrain’s Mikhail Arkhangelski finished third to take bronze in 22.85 seconds.Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Ghamri won silver in the 100m backstroke after posting a time of 58.32 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al Issa captured the gold medal with a new Games record of 57.39 seconds, while fellow Saudi swimmer Ali Abdulwahab claimed bronze in 1:00.22 minutes.Swimming action resumes Wednesday with the second day programme including the 400m freestyle, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 200m backstroke, and the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Doha 2026 Set to Host Grand Opening of 4th GCC Games with Over 1,000 Athletes Competing Across 17 Sports

DOHA: The 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 will officially open tomorrow (Monday) at Al Shaqab Arena, as Qatar hosts one of the region’s largest and most prestigious multi-sport events from May 11 to 22.The opening ceremony will be attended by presidents of the National Olympic Committees, secretaries-general, senior officials of the Olympic committees and sports federations from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, in addition to the participating delegations.The ceremony will feature a variety of artistic and cultural performances, including a special operetta titled (One Gulf, One Heart) celebrating the unity, solidarity and shared identity of the GCC nations.Hosting this edition reflects the commitment of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Fourth GCC Games – Doha 2026, to delivering a tournament that embodies the deep-rooted bonds among GCC nations and contributes to strengthening the presence of Gulf sport, while presenting an exceptional edition that matches Qatar’s established position as a leading host of major regional and international sporting events.More than 1,000 male and female athletes from the six GCC countries will compete in 17 different sports: handball, table tennis, athletics, padel, fencing, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards, snooker, 3x3 basketball, shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian and bowling.The Games will also witness strong women’s participation in 3x3 basketball, athletics, padel, taekwondo, fencing, shooting and archery events.Qatar will be represented at the 4th GCC Games by a delegation of 300 male and female athletes competing across all sports featured in the Games.Competitions will officially begin the day after tomorrow (Tuesday), with swimming events taking place at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, while 3x3 basketball competitions will be held at Al Gharafa Club Hall.Taekwondo and table tennis competitions will be staged at Aspire Dome, while billiards competitions will take place at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, and bowling events will be hosted at the Qatar Bowling Center.On Wednesday, equestrian competitions will begin at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, while fencing and boxing competitions will be held at Aspire Dome. Shooting events will also commence at the Lusail Shooting Range.Athletics competitions are scheduled to start on Thursday at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar SC, in addition to handball competitions which will take place at Duhail Sports Hall.Friday will witness the launch of snooker competitions at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, while volleyball competitions will begin next Saturday at the Women’s Sports Hall, alongside padel competitions at Aspire Dome.Archery competitions are scheduled to commence next Sunday at the Lusail Shooting Range, while karate competitions will be held for one day only on Thursday, May 21, the penultimate day of the Games, at Aspire Dome.Historically, Kuwait topped the overall medal standings at the inaugural GCC Games held in Bahrain in 2011 with a total of 48 medals, including 27 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze medals.Bahrain finished second with 21 medals, including 10 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze medals, while Qatar secured third place with 26 medals, including 7 gold, 12 silver and 7 bronze medals.The United Arab Emirates came fourth with 30 medals, including 5 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals, followed by Oman in fifth place with 11 medals, including 4 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals, while Saudi Arabia finished sixth with 23 medals, including 3 gold, 7 silver and 13 bronze medals.Saudi Arabia topped the medal standings at the second edition of the Gulf Games held in Dammam in 2015 with 115 medals, including 57 gold, 35 silver and 23 bronze medals.The United Arab Emirates finished second with a total of 73 medals, including 26 gold, 20 silver and 27 bronze medals, while Qatar claimed third place with 59 medals, comprising 11 gold, 17 silver and 31 bronze medals.Bahrain came fourth with 43 medals, including 7 gold, 20 silver and 16 bronze medals, while Oman finished fifth with 29 medals, including 4 gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze medals.Kuwait also topped the overall medal standings at the third GCC Games, which it hosted in 2022, with a total of 96 medals, including 36 gold, 28 silver and 32 bronze medals.Bahrain finished second with 64 medals, including 20 gold, 23 silver and 21 bronze medals, while the United Arab Emirates secured third place with 50 medals, including 18 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze medals.Saudi Arabia came fourth with 67 medals, including 16 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze medals, while Qatar finished fifth with a total of 52 medals, including 16 gold, 21 silver and 15 bronze medals.Oman placed sixth with 33 medals, including 12 gold, 5 silver and 16 bronze medals.The Doha edition of the Games is expected to further strengthen Gulf sporting cooperation and solidarity while showcasing Qatar’s world-class sports infrastructure and outstanding organizational capabilities in hosting major international sporting events.