Qatar Gears Up for Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 with 34 Athletes

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has announced that it will participate with a delegation of 34 male and female athletes in the Asian Beach Games, set to be held in Sanya, China, from April 22 to 30, 2026, with the participation of 1,790 athletes, competing across 14 sports.Mr. Abdulla Al Abdulla, Deputy Head of the Qatari Administrative Delegation, confirmed during a press conference held at the QOC headquarters on Sunday that Qatar will compete in 7 sports: beach volleyball (men and women), basketball (men and women), beach handball, sailing, aquathlon, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling.Al Abdulla noted that Qatar’s participation in the Asian Beach Games comes as part of the QOC’s commitment to maintaining an active presence in various continental sporting events and to strengthening the country’s sporting presence on the Asian stage.He added that Qatari teams have completed their preparations for the Games through comprehensive training programs overseen by the respective sports federations in coordination with the QOC, emphasizing that the delegation aims to deliver strong performances and compete for medals in a number of sports, particularly beach handball and beach volleyball, in addition to individual disciplines.The Deputy Head of Administrative Delegation further highlighted that the Games are expected to feature a high technical level, given the participation of elite athletes from across Asia, which presents significant challenges requiring Qatari athletes to demonstrate peak readiness. He explained that the primary objective of participation extends beyond results, focusing on maximizing technical benefits by providing athletes with opportunities to compete against diverse sporting schools and gain valuable competitive experience in a multi-sport environment. He added that this participation represents an important step in the development pathway of Qatari athletes, contributing to enhancing their performance levels and readiness for upcoming continental and international events.Al Abdulla also reviewed Qatar’s history in the Asian Beach Games, which began with the inaugural edition in Bali 2008, followed by Muscat 2010, and Haiyang 2012, where Qatar secured its first gold medal through the handball team. Qatar later achieved 12 medals in Phuket 2014 (2 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze), and 7 medals in Da Nang 2016 (5 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), reflecting the country’s consistent presence in the Games.For his part, Mr. Mohammed Al-Zaidan, Head of the Team Qatar Media Delegation, announced the launch of the promotional campaign accompanying Team Qatar’s participation in the Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026. He explained that the campaign comes as part of efforts to support the athletes of the Qatari delegation and enhance their media presence throughout the competition period. He added that the campaign aims to motivate both fans and athletes, while also highlighting the achievements of Qatari athletes.Al-Zaidan further noted that the campaign will focus on showcasing Qatar’s key tourist attractions and the beauty of its beaches, under the slogan “From the Shores of Doha to the Shores of Sanya,” reflecting the connection between sport and tourism and contributing to the promotion of Qatar’s coastal destinations. These include Katara Beach, Old Doha Port, Lusail Marina, the Doha Corniche, The Pearl Island, and 974 Beach.He also emphasized that the campaign will deliver diverse digital content that captures the atmosphere of the competitions and enhances audience engagement, as part of an integrated media vision aimed at projecting a positive image of Qatari sport at both the continental and international levels across the Committee’s platforms and various media outlets in the country.The Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026 will feature 1,790 athletes competing in 14 sports: 3x3 basketball, aquatics (open water swimming and water polo), aquathlon, athletics, handball, kabaddi, football, volleyball, wrestling, rowing, jiu-jitsu, sailing, sport climbing, and teqball. 

Qatar Teams drawn in balanced groups at AVC Beach Tour 23rd Samila Open

Bangkok: The draw for the AVC Beach Tour 23rd Samila Open, scheduled to take place in Thailand from April 12 to 15, has placed Qatar’s two teams in evenly matched groups.Qatar Team (1), featuring Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, will compete in Group B alongside Hong Kong (1) and Oman, while Qatar Team (2), comprising Mohammed Ehab and Mousa Al Khair, has been drawn in Group A with Thailand (1) and Hong Kong (2).The competition brings together 27 teams representing 15 countries, divided into eight groups. Most groups include three teams, with Groups 6, 7, and 8 consisting of four teams each.Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will begin their campaign tomorrow against Oman in a key opening match, as they look to set the tone early and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages in a tightly contested group.The Qatari duo currently hold sixth place in the world rankings with 6,740 points, while Sweden’s David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig top the rankings with 8,200 points.Qatar’s participation in this event forms part of a broader preparation plan, with the team set to continue their training in Thailand through a camp from April 16 to 19. The focus will be on refining physical and tactical elements, as well as enhancing coordination between the pairs, ahead of the Asian Beach Games “Sanya,” to be held in China from April 22 to 30. 

Alsharbatly claims Diamond Tour honours at Hathab

Doha: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly delivered a commanding performance to secure victory in the Diamond Tour during the tenth round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour Longines Hathab at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) main arena on Saturday.Competing in the Accumulator with Joker class over 150cm, Alsharbatly guided Frenchy Vds to the top of the podium after collecting 65 points in a time of 55.62 seconds. Qatar’s Nasser Al Ghazali finished second with Heavens Light H on 65 points in 60.65 seconds, while Kuwait’s Yara Al Hunaidi secured third place aboard Caprice 563 in 62.00 seconds.The Bronze Tour individual class, staged as a Table A one round against the clock over 120cm, witnessed a fiercely contested finish among the large field of riders. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Gohal clinched victory with a faultless round aboard Apollon du Banney, clocking 49.51 seconds. Qatar’s Ahmad Jassim Al Suwaidi followed closely in second place with Power Girl Jmg in 49.52 seconds, narrowly ahead of Saudi rider Khaled Al Hadi, who completed the podium with Carlton de Sauvageonn in 49.67 seconds.In the team standings of the Bronze Tour, Al Shaqab Team delivered a composed performance to secure first place with a combined clear effort in 110.13 seconds. Marwan Al Shaqab finished second in 112.26 seconds, while Aladeed Al Shaqab claimed third place after accumulating eight faults in 102.51 seconds.Young talents also showcased their developing skills in the Future Riders class over 90cm, staged in a two-phase format.Qatar’s Abdulla Faisal Al Mana emerged victorious riding Brooq with a double-clear round in 17.47 seconds. Fahad Talal Al Naimi secured second place aboard Kroaat Van Orchid’s in 19.36 seconds, while Norah Jassim Al Thani completed the podium with Sandor in 20.73 seconds.Commenting after the conclusion of the tenth round, Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, emphasised that supporting riders remains a central priority within the QEF’s strategy.He highlighted that providing an ideal competitive environment is fundamental to the committee’s vision, noting that the support extends beyond elite riders to include emerging talents in junior and future rider categories through dedicated competitions designed to build experience and confidence.Al Rumaihi added that the current phase represents an important milestone in the championship calendar as the series enters its decisive closing stages following the completion of the international competitions earlier this year. He stressed that continued participation in these rounds plays a key role in maintaining riders’ readiness, sharpening technical abilities, and translating experience into stronger performances in the arena.The Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour features 14 rounds staged across the QEF’s facilities and the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, and remains one of the country’s most prominent domestic equestrian championships. 

Sheikha Al Mayassa crowns Future Equestrians in 10th round of Qatar Equestrian Tour

DOHA: Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned the top three finishers in the Future Equestrians round, part of the 10th round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour, held on Friday at the main arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation.The 10th round of the ninth edition of the tournament, organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation in partnership with Al Shaqab - a member of Qatar Foundation - continued with the Future Equestrians round at a height of 70 cm, followed by the Gold Tour at a height of 140 cm for both individuals and teams, and then the Open round at a height of 110 cm with six obstacles, all held at the Federation's main arena.Rider Alia Ahmed Al Khater won the Future Equestrians round at a height of 70 cm with a time of 13.54 seconds on the horse "Fahin." She was followed in second place by rider Noura Jassim Al-Thani with a time of 13.9 seconds on the horse "Sandor," while rider Nasser Hamad Al Thani came in third with a time of 14.4 seconds on the horse "Coco Chanel."In the Open round, rider Khalid Al Hadi took first place with a clear round on the horse "Carlton." He was followed in second place by rider Abdullah Khalid Al Jalandani with four penalty points on the horse "Nawas," while rider Mohammed Mansour Al Sulaitin came in third on the horse "Mazeltov."In the Junior category, rider Mohammed Mansour Al Sulaitin secured both first and second place on the horse "Mazeltov," while Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim Al Thani came in third on the horse "Kiara."In the 140cm Gold Tour, rider Yara Al Hunaidi secured first place with a time of 55.29 seconds on her horse "Caprice." Rider Mohammed Saeed Haidan came in second with a time of 58.33 seconds on his horse "Wathnan," while rider Frederick Stark finished third on "Wathnan Bobby" with a time of 59.49 seconds.In the team competition, Team Wathnan claimed first place with a total time of 119.99 seconds. Team Lekhwiya finished second with a time of 121.84 seconds, and Team Al Fardan came in third with a total time of 112.09 seconds.The 10th round of competitions will conclude on Saturday with the Diamond Tour at a height of 150cm, the Bronze Tour for both individual and team categories at a height of 120cm, and the Future Equestrians competition at a height of 90cm.

Team Qatar Drawn in Group B for 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Cup

New Delhi : The draw for the 2026 Asian Men’s Volleyball Cup, set to be held in Ahmedabad, India from June 20 to 28, has placed Team Qatar in Group B alongside South Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Oman.Group B appears balanced but presents several technical challenges, as Team Qatar enter the competition with strong ambitions to maintain their presence on the Asian stage, particularly following their recent results and steady rise in the continental rankings.Group A includes hosts India, Australia, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, and New Zealand.The organizing committee has divided the 12 participating teams into two groups, with the tournament expected to feature highly competitive matches given the close level among teams and their shared determination to contend for the continental title 

Team Qatar Ready for 25th Asian Beach Volleyball Tour in Thailand

Doha:  Team Qatar have wrapped up their preparations ahead of competing in the 25th Asian Beach Volleyball Tour, which will take place in Thailand from Sunday through April 15.Qatar will be represented by two teams, with the first pairing bringing together Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, while the second team features Mohammed Ehab and Mousa Al Khair, as part of efforts to strengthen Qatar’s presence and competitiveness on the continental stage.The team delegation departed today for Thailand, where they will enter a training camp from April 16 to 19 following the conclusion of the tour, in preparation for the upcoming Asian Beach Games “Sanya,” scheduled to be held in China from April 22 to 30.Mohammed Salem Al Kuwari, Board Member of the Qatar Volleyball Association and Head of the Beach Volleyball Committee, said that the team’s participation forms part of the federation’s ongoing plan to develop the sport and enhance players’ readiness for international competitions, with the aim of reinforcing Qatar’s presence at both continental and global levels.