Team Qatar to begin World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships Campaign on Thursday

Ismailia (Egypt) :  Team Qatar are set to begin their campaign tomorrow (Thursday) at the World Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, currently taking place in the Egyptian city of Ismailia with the participation of 270 male and female lifters representing 53 countries.Qatar’s Nader Mohammed Bakr will compete in the 94kg category against a strong field of international lifters, while teammate Fares Ahmed Jaber will take part in two events: the Under-20 110kg category and the Under-17 +94kg category.The Qatari team enter the championships aiming to achieve a new milestone at the age-group level and contend for medals, following an intensive preparation program that included an overseas training camp to enhance technical and physical readiness.On the sidelines of the championships, Ismailia also hosted the Executive Board meeting of the International Weightlifting Federation, where officials discussed several strategic issues concerning the future of the sport, including the qualification system for the upcoming Olympic Games, updates to technical regulations, integrity and transparency standards, and mechanisms to support host nations and strengthen organizational capabilities.The meeting was attended by HE Mohammed Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, President of the Qatar and Arab Weightlifting Federations, and Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation. Al Mana reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the development of weightlifting at both the international and Arab levels and strengthening the sport’s global presence, particularly during a period of major transformation within the discipline.In a press statement, Al Mana said the meeting addressed several important topics, most notably the Olympic qualification system and the development of officiating, describing them as important steps toward a more transparent and balanced future for the sport through continued cooperation between international, continental, and national federations.He added that the Qatar federation places significant emphasis on developing young lifters through integrated preparation programs that provide international exposure and competitive experience, helping to build a generation capable of competing at the highest levels. He stressed that investing in young talent remains a cornerstone in the development of any sport.Al Mana also praised the technical and organizational standards of the championships hosted by Egypt, noting that the event reflects the ability of Arab nations to organize major international sporting events with high efficiency and further reinforces Egypt’s status as a global sporting destination. 

QOC President Crowns Al Arabi Champion of HH the Amir Basketball Cup

Doha: HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani crowned Al Arabi champions of the 27th edition of HH the Amir Basketball Cup for Men after their 84-63 victory over Al Sadd in the final held at Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall.The match saw strong competition, with Al Arabi taking control through solid defensive and offensive performance, particularly in the third quarter, which they dominated 32-9 to secure a decisive lead.Al Arabi's Mustafa Hussein was named Player of the Match after scoring 31 points, alongside 4 rebounds and 6 assists. For Al Sadd, Dejan Janjic and Stephen Bernard Leonard Green each scored 17 points.The title marks Al Arabi's fourth HH the Amir Cup triumph and their third final victory over Al Sadd, as they completed a domestic treble this season, repeating their 2023–2024 achievement.

Sheikh Joaan attend closing day of Schools Olympic Program

Doha: HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the closing day of the boys’ competitions at the 19th edition of the Schools Olympic Program, held today at Aspire Dome.The closing day was also attended by Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation; Sheikh Dr. Saqer bin Salman Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain School and Collegiate Athletic Association; Hamad Abdullah Al Hamad, President of the Kuwait School Sports & Higher Education Federation; and Mrs. Hasnae El Ayoubi, Executive Director of the International School Sport Federation.From the Qatari side, the event was attended by HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee;  HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee and the Director General of the Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027;  Mr. Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Aspire Zone Foundation and Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Executive Director of the School Olympic Program,  along with a number of presidents of national sports federations.This year’s edition witnessed wide participation, with approximately 25,000 students from public and private schools competing across 21 sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, padel, fencing, table tennis, athletics, wrestling, taekwondo, shooting, karate, judo, boccia, chess, cricket, weightlifting, esports, rowing and the Mini Basketball World Cup..The Schools Olympic Program was established in response to an initiative by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, with the Qatar Olympic Committee organizing the program in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Qatar School Sport Federation, and the Qatar Paralympic Committee.The Schools Olympic Program was first launched in the 2007–2008 season as a national initiative under the slogan “Sport and Health,” forming part of the legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games. The program aims to promote sports culture in schools, identify and develop young talent, and encourage healthy lifestyles among students. 

Lebanese School Wins the Title of the Inaugural Edition of the Mini World Cup

DOHA – In a remarkable sporting spectacle and an inspiring educational setting, the season 2025-2026 of the Mini World Cup concluded this Tuesday at Aspire Academy. The tournament was held under the auspices of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Federation.The final delivered a thrilling contest, with Lebanese School overcoming Philippine School by a score of 58-47 to claim the title of the inaugural edition of the Mini World Cup. The match was held in a vibrant atmosphere, attended by members of the Organizing Committee, enthusiastic Lebanese and Filipino supporters, and representatives of the media.During the awards ceremony,  Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of Qatar Basketball Federation joined by Predrag Bogosavljev FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 Director   , and Mr. Ahmed Al Darwish – Competitions Director, Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 crowned Lebanese School with the championship trophy and gold medals. Philippine secured second place with silver medals, while GEMS American Academy Qatar claimed third place and bronze medals.The Tournament stood as a pioneering and unprecedented initiative in the Middle East and globally, delivered through an innovative competitive format inspired by the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. It reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainability in sport, its dedication to building a lasting basketball legacy, and its efforts to expand the game’s popularity across the region.This event coincided with the finals of the School Olympic Program for the 2025–2026 seasons, within a comprehensive vision that blends athletic excellence with educational values. This approach contributes to developing a generation that is both sports-aware and socially responsible, capable of supporting the future of basketball while strengthening sport as a platform for human connection and friendship among nations.Approximately 32 secondary schools from across Qatar participated in the season 2025-2026 of the Mini World Cup, representing a diverse and vibrant educational landscape.Based on the final standings of the 2025–2026 season, participating schools in the second edition (2026–2027) will be granted the opportunity to represent the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. This innovative initiative strengthens students’ connection to the global event and adds a strategic dimension beyond competition, contributing to a sustainable sporting legacy and reinforcing basketball’s growing presence locally and regionally.On this occasion, Predrag Bogosavljev FIBA World Basketball Cup Qatar 2027 Director  said:  “I am a great supporter and admirer of this event, which serves as an important platform for promoting the Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. By empowering young talents and students, we are not only raising awareness but also laying the foundations for a strong and sustainable basketball legacy. Attracting more youth to the sport in this region remains a key objective. The tournament has been exceptionally well organized, and I am confident that the next edition will be even more outstanding.”likewise, Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of Qatar Basketball Federation, highlighting its success as an advanced model for leveraging sport as a tool for education and development. He emphasized that the Tournament fostered teamwork, encouraged active student participation, and expanded opportunities for volunteering, further supporting the growth and popularity of basketball among youth.For his part, Mr. Ahmed Al Darwish – Competitions Director, Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 praised the outstanding success of the World Cup season 2025-2026, highlighting it as a progressive educational model that seamlessly integrates sport and learning within a unified vision. He emphasized that this exceptional initiative has helped nurture a well-rounded school generation with a strong passion for sport, characterized by positive competitiveness, discipline, and teamwork, thereby reinforcing the school’s central role in shaping students’ sporting values.He further noted that the tournament represents a pivotal milestone in strengthening the legacy of school sport by transforming it into a sustainable platform for talent identification and development. He also underlined that such initiatives open new horizons for cooperation and exchange between educational institutions regionally and internationally, positioning sport as a powerful tool for education and a bridge for mutual understanding among nations.From his side, Mr. Marwan Egho , Director of the Mini World Cup Project, emphasized that the tournament’s organization embodies our unwavering commitment to applying the standards of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), across officiating, competition formats, and court specifications. At the heart of this initiative lies our mission to cultivate a love for basketball among students, beginning within schools as the foremost nurturing ground for athletic talent and future generations.The championship injected a vibrant and inspiring competitive spirit among participating schools, where exceptional technical levels stood out, ultimately propelling the best teams to the final of the inaugural edition.Mr. Egho  affirmed that the second edition, to be held in October and November 2026, will adhere to the same high standards. Schools will compete under the names of national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, with Lusail Sports Arena set to host the final in a realistic simulation of one of the most eagerly anticipated global sporting spectacles.Sharing his thoughts and joy after securing the inaugural Mini World Cup title, Lebanese School coach  Mr. Gaspard Ishak, commended the excellent organization of the tournament and that his team is determined to defend their crown in the next edition.Meanwhile, Mr. Arsenio Lacson, head coach of the Philippine School, the runners-up, voiced his satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their solid display despite some lapses in rebounding and ball control, and conceding that the better side prevailed in the end. 

Curtains come down on SOP Competitions

Doha: The curtain came down on the 19th edition of the School Olympic Program for the 2025–2026 season under the Aspire Dome, following a highly successful edition across all levels.Winners were crowned across the various competitions. In football, Hassan Bin Thabit Secondary School claimed the Level 4 title after defeating the Religious Preparatory and Secondary Institute 4–3 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in regular time, while Khalifa Secondary School for Boys secured third place.At the preparatory school level (Level 3), Al Shamal Preparatory School for Boys won the title after defeating Omar Bin Al Khattab Preparatory School for Boys 2–1, while the Religious Preparatory and Secondary Institute for Boys finished third.In Level 2, Ahmed Mansour Primary School for Boys captured the title after defeating the Lebanese School – Al Hitmi 3–2 on penalties, while Hittin Model School for Boys claimed the Level 1 title.In volleyball competitions, Khalifa Secondary School secured first place at the secondary school level, while M.E.S Indian School won the preparatory school category. Gulf Arabic School claimed first place in Level 1 of the primary stage, while Muadh Bin Jabal School topped Level 2 of the primary stage.In esports, Abdulaziz Eid from Al Shahaniya Secondary School took first place, followed by Khaled Saad from Qatar Leadership Academy in second, while Khaled Mohammed from Al Shahaniya Secondary School finished third.In chess, Harich Kaviarasu claimed first place with five points, ahead of Toshant Serniva and Daya Vasantha Kumar, who both collected four points. Qatar national team player Khaled Al Jomaat finished fourth on tie-break difference.The chess competition was held under the Swiss system, with each player allocated five minutes plus a three-second increment per move, creating a fast-paced and exciting atmosphere throughout the matches.Winners across all competitions were honored during the closing ceremony, amid outstanding organization that reflected the major success achieved by this year’s edition of the School Olympic Program.HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Qatar School Sports Association and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the School Olympic Program, expressed his delight with the success achieved by the 19th edition on all fronts.He said: “We were honored by the attendance of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, alongside a number of prominent sports figures at the closing ceremony.”

Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 Concludes Tuesday at Aspire Academy Arena as the First-Ever Edition in the Middle East and Worldwide

DOHA – The Qatari capital, Doha, is set to deliver the closing scene of the first-ever Mini World Cup, which will be held on 5 May 2026 at the Aspire Academy Arena, in an exceptional sporting experience introduced for the first time in the Middle East and world, under the guidance of FIBA and in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Association.The tournament is being delivered through an innovative competitive format that mirrors the atmosphere of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to the principles of sporting sustainability, its determination to build a lasting global basketball legacy, and its vision to expand the game’s popularity across the region, while also highlighting Qatar’s achievements in the sport and strengthening its presence on the international sporting stage.Both schools secured their places in the final of the Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 after winning their semi-final encounters against GEMS American Academy and Global Academy International, in games held at the Qatar Basketball Federation courts, confirming their merit in reaching the final stage of the first edition of this pioneering sporting initiative.Each school participating in the second season will be granted the opportunity to represent one of the national teams qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. This initiative is designed to strengthen students’ direct connection with the upcoming global event, create lasting and meaningful memories, and further cement basketball’s status in Qatar and the region.This step will deepen the direct connection between students and the upcoming global event, giving the tournament a dimension that extends far beyond competition itself, transforming it into a sustainable sporting legacy whose memories will remain deeply embedded in the hearts of students, while helping to further establish basketball as one of the most promising sports in Qatar and across the region.This tournament brought together 32 public and private secondary schools from across Qatar, each participating under its official designation. Held within the framework of the 2026 Schools Olympic Program, the event reflects a holistic vision that combines sporting excellence with educational principles. It plays a key role in developing a sports-literate generation that can advance the future of basketball and strengthen sport’s role as a platform for cultural exchange and international friendship.The Mini Basketball World Cup aims to seamlessly integrate sport and education into a unique experience proudly celebrated by the State of Qatar, by connecting school students with one of the world’s largest global sporting events. The tournament offers students the opportunity to engage in authentic sporting competition that fosters teamwork and collaboration, while also opening pathways for volunteering and active community participation.On this occasion, Mr. Ahmed Al Darwish – Competitions Director, Organizing Committee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 ,stated that the Mini World Cup season 2025-2026 was organized according to high organizational and technical standards.He praised the outstanding technical level demonstrated by the students throughout all stages of the tournament, which reflected the remarkable progress of school sports. The competitions showcased exceptional performances and a strong competitive spirit that embodied the promotional, educational, and sporting objectives upon which the championship was founded.He further added that the strong turnout from schools and various expatriate communities gave the event a unique atmosphere and special character, emphasizing that this success has established a distinguished foundation for promoting the culture and love of basketball across the region and the world.