Beach Handball Match Schedule Announced for Asian Beach Games

Doha: The Asian Handball Federation has announced the match schedule for the beach handball competitions set to take place during the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, scheduled from April 21 to 30.The draw placed **Team Qatar**, the defending champions, in Group B alongside Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Mongolia—making it a highly competitive group that will require strong focus from the opening rounds to secure one of the two semifinal qualification spots.Team Qatar will begin their campaign on April 21 with matches against Pakistan and Oman. They will then face Bangladesh and Mongolia on April 23, followed by a clash with Jordan on April 24. The team will meet Thailand on April 26 before concluding their group-stage matches against the Maldives on April 27.The semifinals will be held on April 28, with the final scheduled for April 30.The Qatar national beach handball team is preparing to defend the title they have won in the last three editions. The technical staff has selected a squad featuring some of the أبرز players from Qatari clubs. The 10-player roster includes: Hasanein Aziz Bouzar (Al Ahli), Malik Faisal Sousou and Osama Bakr Mousa (Al Duhail), Saif Al-Din Al-Bashir, Osama Al-Toumi and Al-Sadiq Adel Fathallah (Al Rayyan), Mohammed Hassan Saleh (Al Wakrah), Hassan Bashir Mohammed and Abdulrahman Helmi Dakhil (Qatar SC), and Bilal Masoud Mararha (Al Khor).Team Qatar enters this edition as the overwhelming favorite, backed by an exceptional record that includes three consecutive gold medals in previous editions: the third Asian Beach Games in China (2012), the fourth in Thailand (2014), and the fifth in Vietnam (2016).The team will be aiming to relive their golden success in China, where the 2012 edition marked the beginning of Qatar’s dominance in Asian beach handball.

Doha Equestrian Tour resumes with Al Shaqab Cup

Doha: The Doha Equestrian Tour resumed on Wednesday with Al Shaqab Cup, while the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup will be held from April 2 to 4.The competitions, which are being held at Al Shaqab Arena, feature elite international riders alongside competitors from across the region and Qatar, contesting multiple categories at varying heights.On the opening day of the Al Shaqab Cup, American rider Kristen Vanderveen claimed victory in the CSI5* Faults and Time 150cm class, guiding Bull Run’s Jireh to a clear round in 66.77 seconds.Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly finished second aboard Frenchy Vds with a time of 69.38 seconds, while Austria’s Gerfried Puck secured third place on Equitron Naxcel V in 73.48 seconds.Earlier, Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed delivered a strong performance to win the CSI5* Two Phases 140cm class on Wathnan Chaccball, completing the course with two clear rounds in 35.79 seconds. Qatar’s Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri also impressed to take second place riding Navaronne in 36.70 seconds, while his compatriot Faleh Suwead Al Ajami finished third aboard Wathnan Quality Street in 40.52 seconds.The Al Shaqab Cup, which features one-star, three-star and five-star classes, has attracted more than 150 riders and offers a total prize purse of €784,000. The Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup is expected to host more than 200 riders competing across one-star to five-star categories, with an identical prize purse of €784,000.Both events are of particular importance as they serve as qualifying rounds for Group VII of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) individual competitions.Deputy Director of the Doha Equestrian Tour Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said preparations to conduct the events were carried out with meticulous planning and strict adherence to the highest safety standards due to the current regional tensions. He noted that competitions are being held without spectators in a controlled environment, in line with official guidelines and in coordination with partners and relevant bodies, including the FEI.He stressed that the safety of all participants, including horses, remains a top priority, adding that the championship holds special significance within the season as it provides riders with an opportunity to qualify for the FEI Group VII finals. He also highlighted the continued presence of elite international riders competing for titles until the closing stages.Al Khayarin added that the substantial prize money has been a key motivator for riders, contributing to the high level of competition seen throughout the tour so far, while also attracting top-ranked riders from around the world to a series that is growing in importance on the international equestrian calendar.In the overall standings for the four-star and five-star categories, Great Britain’s world number one Scott Brash leads with 199 points, followed by compatriot Harry Charles with 144 points. Saudi Arabia’s Alsharbatly sits third with 125 points, ahead of France’s Megan Moissonnier (113 points) and American rider Eve Jobs (109 points).In the one-star standings, Qatar’s Saad Ahmed Al Saad leads with 75 points, followed by Khalid Jassim Al Suwaidi with 49 points and Hussein Saeed Haidan with 43 points. Egypt’s Fatima Mohand El Kashawi is fourth with 34 points, while Ali Omar Al Ansari and Ghanem Nasser Al Qadi are tied with 32 points each.Launched in 2025, the Doha Equestrian Tour is a prestigious international showjumping and dressage series comprising 10 championships held at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, one of the world’s leading equestrian venues. The tour brings together elite riders and showcases top-level competition, further strengthening Doha’s status as a global equestrian hub. 

Team Qatar step up preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026

Doha: Team Qatar have intensified their preparations as they continue their ongoing training camp in Doha, laying the groundwork for their participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026.Under the guidance of Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui, the technical staff have placed strong emphasis on increasing both the physical and technical demands of training sessions, with the objective of reaching optimal readiness during this crucial stage of preparation.Lopetegui is also focusing on implementing a range of tactical approaches while enhancing team cohesion, as he works to shape a balanced and competitive squad capable of meeting upcoming challenges.The Qatar Football Association is expected to announce in the coming days a series of friendly matches scheduled during the camp. These fixtures will provide valuable opportunities to evaluate players’ readiness and further assess the team’s tactical harmony.The camp has been marked by a high level of discipline and focus, with players demonstrating strong commitment and determination to perform—both experienced members and emerging talents alike—as competition intensifies for places in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.A total of 32 players are currently involved in the camp, allowing the technical staff to assess a broad pool of talent and identify those best suited to strengthen the team. Additional camps are also expected to introduce new faces, reflecting an open selection approach based on performance and merit.The technical staff remain confident that this preparatory phase will enhance the team’s readiness across all aspects, paving the way for a strong showing on the global stage.

Draw held for FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship

Lausanne: The pool compositions for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship were confirmed following the Drawing of Lots held at the FIVB headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, ahead of the tournament in Doha, Qatar from 19 to 29 August.The 24 qualified teams have been distributed across six pools of four, with defending champions Italy, winners of the inaugural edition in 2024, among the leading teams in the field.The 2026 edition will introduce a revised competition format, with the top two teams in each pool and the four best third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 16 before the competition moves into a knockout phase to determine the medallists.The draw followed a seeding system, with hosts Qatar, defending champions Italy and the leading teams distributed across the six pools using the serpentine system, while the remaining places in each group were determined during the draw.Hosts Qatar were placed in Pool A, where Mexico were also drawn, with France and Poland completing the pool composition. In Pool B, defending champions Italy headline the group alongside Tunisia, with India and Romania completing the line-up.Argentina were drawn into Pool C together with Puerto Rico, while Pakistan and Algeria complete the four-team line-up. Spain were placed in Pool D, where they are joined by Cuba, with Venezuela and Czechia filling the remaining spots.Iran lead Pool E, with Brazil also in the group, alongside Bulgaria and Japan, while Chinese Taipei were drawn into Pool F with Egypt, with United States and Türkiye completing the final pool composition.The 2026 edition marks the second staging of the Boys’ U17 World Championship following its inaugural tournament in 2024.

Doha to host inaugural Gulf Minifootball Cup in April 2026

Doha – Qatar’s capital will host the inaugural Gulf Minifootball Cup from April 1 to 5, 2026, under the supervision of the International Minifootball Federation (IMF). The tournament will feature the participation of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.The official draw ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel in Aspire Zone. The tournament matches will also take place at Aspire Zone’s state-of-the-art facilities, renowned for their world-class sports infrastructure and capacity to host major international events with the highest organizational standards.Mohammed Mubarak Al-Muhannadi, former Qatar international player and Tournament General Director, emphasized that hosting the Gulf Minifootball Cup reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to organizing prominent sporting events across various disciplines. He praised Aspire Zone Foundation for its cooperation and professionalism in preparing for the tournament, noting that the smooth and timely completion of all arrangements further strengthens confidence in delivering a successful championship.Al-Muhannadi also welcomed the participating Gulf delegations to Doha, highlighting the city’s reputation for hospitality, unity, and excellence in hosting regional and international sporting events. 

Team Qatar Shooters Impress at Nishan Ramadan Championship

Doha: Team Qatar’s shooters made a strong start at the Nishan Ramadan Shooting Championship, delivering notable performances amid wide participation across various categories. The tournament features amateur competitors in the junior boys and girls, men’s and women’s divisions, as well as seniors aged 60 and above, alongside professional shooters representing the national team.Events in the professional category witnessed intense competition. In the 10m Running Target Rifle event, Amal Mahmoud secured first place, followed by Mohammed Sobhi in second and Sara Hamad in third.In the 10m Air Rifle event, Abdulrahman Al Sulaiti claimed top honors, while Abdullah Al Sunaidi finished in second place.The 10m Air Pistol competition saw Saud Abu Taima take first place, with Nasser Al Sunaid finishing second and Ahmed Al Ali securing third.