Orientation Session Highlights Volunteer Registration Process for the QOC Half Marathon 2026 via the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform

DOHA  – The Volunteers and Sustainability Committee of the Organizing Committee of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Half Marathon 2026 organized an orientation session for race volunteers at Lusail Hall, at the QOC headquarters. The session brought together around 80 male and female volunteers, as part of the early organizational preparations for the second edition of the event.The session opened with a comprehensive presentation delivered by members of the Volunteers and Sustainability Committee, including Ms. Noora Al Ahbabi, Mr. Salman Balmahdi, Ms. Manwah Al Mannae, Mr. Ahmed Al Samini, Mr. Mohammed Al Zubairi, and Ms. Noor Loubani. The presentation outlined the core organizational and supervisory roles assigned to volunteers, such as managing and guiding participants, serving designated target groups, and fostering a motivating and supportive atmosphere among runners, in a manner that reflects the professional image of the event.The presentation also covered key operational procedures ahead of race day, including a field visit to the Lusail Boulevard route, collection of official volunteer apparel, and familiarization with race routes, distribution points, and service areas, scheduled for 8 February 2026. In addition, post-race arrangements were reviewed, including the provision of meals for volunteers and the distribution of participation certificates in recognition of their contributions.This orientation session follows the official launch of the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform by the Organizing Committee last Monday, during a press conference held at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters. The conference highlighted the latest organizational, technical, and administrative updates for the second edition of the race, which also includes short-distance races and Team Qatar Village activities dedicated to families and children. The event is scheduled to take place on 10 February 2026 in celebration of Qatar Sports Day.The Team Qatar Volunteer Platform is a comprehensive and sustainable digital system designed to manage volunteer registration, task allocation, and operational roles across a wide range of sporting events hosted by the State of Qatar. These include the QOC Half Marathon 2026, the 4th Gulf Games 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup 2029, and the Doha 2030 Asian Games. The platform aims to enhance sustainability through efficient volunteer management and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the success of events and elevating the overall experience for all participants.In this context, Ms. Maryam Al-Mejaba, Project Manager of the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform and Head of the Volunteers and Sustainability Committee of the Organizing Committee of the QOC Half Marathon 2026, emphasized that volunteers were selected in accordance with precise criteria aligned with the requirements of organizing major sporting events, ensuring a high level of readiness and operational efficiency.She added that volunteer participation in sporting events extends beyond organizational support, representing a comprehensive educational and human experience that enables volunteers to understand field operations, develop communication and teamwork skills, and build valuable social and professional networks that contribute to personal development and open promising future opportunities.Ms. Al-Mejaba also highlighted the fundamental value of volunteer work, noting that it equips volunteers with practical skills in problem-solving and crisis management, in addition to administrative, organizational, and social experience gained under the supervision of specialists, thereby strengthening a culture of community responsibility and institutional teamwork.Reflecting on her experience with the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform, volunteer Fatima Al Haddadi expressed her delight at participating in her first volunteer experience, affirming her enthusiasm to gain organizational and supervisory skills and to build inspiring friendships that open new horizons for a bright future. 

Qatar Masters to begin on Thursday

Doha: A world-class field will take centre stage as the 29th edition of the Qatar Masters gets underway on Thursday at the Doha Golf Club, running through Sunday, 5–8 February. The tournament marks the midway point of the International Swing on the DP World Tour calendar.The Doha Golf Club, which has hosted the championship in 26 of its 28 editions, once again welcomes a strong international line-up. This year’s field is led by Race to Dubai Rankings leader Jayden Schaper, alongside his closest challenger, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed.Several in-form players will also be in contention for the Mother of Pearl Trophy, including Andy Sullivan, Julien Guerrier, Daniel Hillier and Nacho Elvira, as they look to build on their impressive starts to the season.The international contingent will be joined by three Qatari amateurs — Saleh Al Kaabi, Ali Al Shahrani and Daniil Sokolov — who will be aiming to make a strong impression on home soil.Speaking ahead of the tournament, Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East at the DP World Tour, highlighted the long-standing success of the event and the importance of local partnerships. He praised the continued cooperation with the Qatar Golf Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee, noting that their support has been central to the tournament’s sustained growth.Phillips also underlined key milestones surrounding this year’s edition, including the participation of seven former champions and three Race to Dubai winners this season. He added that three-time major champion Padraig Harrington is set to make his 500th DP World Tour appearance, marking a notable moment in the tournament’s history.This year’s course set-up is expected to present a fresh challenge, following upgrades to several tee complexes — notably at the first, sixth, eighth, 13th and 15th holes — enhancing flexibility, turf quality and visual definition. Sustainability remains a central focus, with course management relying on heat-tolerant turfgrasses, efficient irrigation systems and data-driven water usage suited to the desert environment.DP World Tour Senior Tournament Director Mikael Eriksson expressed confidence in both the conditions and the playing surface ahead of Thursday’s opening round, describing the course as being in exceptional condition and forecasting largely favourable weather throughout the week.Meanwhile, Qatar Golf Association General Secretary Fahad Nasser Al Naimi voiced optimism regarding the participation of the Qatari players, describing the Qatar Masters as a valuable opportunity for them to gain experience at the highest level. He also reaffirmed the tournament’s status as one of Qatar’s leading sporting events, highlighting the strength of the 144-player field assembled for this year’s championship. 

Qatar Gymnastics Federation holds its ordinary General Assembly

Doha – The Qatar Gymnastics Federation convened its Ordinary General Assembly on Wednesday evening, 4 February 2026, at its headquarters in Al Bidda Tower. The meeting reflected a positive and collaborative atmosphere, underscoring the Federation’s aspirations to further advance the sport in the years ahead.The meeting was chaired by Mr. Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Federation, and attended by members of the Board of Directors, representatives of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and the Federation’s auditors.In his opening remarks, Mr. Al-Hitmi welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of the annual General Assembly as a key forum for reviewing the current status of gymnastics and outlining future directions. He emphasized the value of transparent dialogue and constructive discussions in supporting the continued development of the sport in the State of Qatar.The Federation President commended the efforts of the Board, as well as the technical and administrative teams, in implementing the Federation’s strategy. He noted that the strategy focuses on expanding participation, developing emerging talents among male and female gymnasts, and preparing athletes to compete effectively across different gymnastics disciplines.During the meeting, the President and Board members congratulated His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia, describing the achievement as a reflection of his longstanding contributions to sport and the growing stature of Qatari sport at continental and international levels.The General Assembly reviewed its agenda, confirming quorum, approving the minutes of the previous meeting, and ratifying new members. Discussions also covered the administrative and technical reports for the 2025–2026 season, the financial report for the 2025 fiscal year, and the approval of the Federation’s budget for the upcoming year in line with the Qatar Olympic Committee’s directives.The meeting reaffirmed the Qatar Gymnastics Federation’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and cooperation with relevant stakeholders, as part of its efforts to support the sustainable development of gymnastics and achieve its long-term objectives. 

Team Qatar to participate in Asian Indoor Athletics Championships

Doha: The Qatar Athletics Federation has confirmed that the national team will take part in the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tianjin, China, from 6 to 8 February.The continental event is expected to bring together around 400 athletes from across Asia, competing in a wide range of indoor track and field disciplines.According to the federation, the Qatari delegation features a selection of established indoor specialists, including Ammar Ismail, Ashraf Hussein, Ismail Dawood, and Abubaker Hussein.Qatar’s athletes will contest several events during the championships, including the 60m hurdles, 400m, 800m, 4x400m relay, and the high jump, as the team looks to deliver strong performances on the Asian stage. 

Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation Reviews 2026 Plans at Ordinary General Assembly

DOHA – The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation held its Ordinary General Assembly on Thursday evening at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters.The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Federation, and attended by Mr. Sultan Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary General, Mr. Abdullah Hamad Al Mosaifri, Assistant Secretary-General, , along with members of the General Assembly and the Federation’s Board of Directors.The agenda included the approval of financial accounts and a review of the Federation’s strategic plans and programs for the 2026 season.Members also discussed preparations and upcoming commitments for participation in championships and sporting events at the Gulf, continental, and international levels.The meeting highlighted the Federation’s commitment to strong governance and structured planning, aimed at developing boxing and wrestling and strengthening Qatar’s competitive presence regionally and internationally. 

Stage set for Qatar Masters

Doha: The International Swing on the DP World Tour reaches its midway point as a strong field has been assembled for the 29th edition of the Qatar Masters, which will be held from Wednesday through Sunday in Doha.This week’s host, Doha Golf Club (DGC), has staged the event in 26 of its 28 editions, becoming a regular and popular stop for players. This year’s field is headlined by Race to Dubai Rankings leader Jayden Schaper of South Africa and his nearest challenger, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed of the United States.Andy Sullivan, Julien Guerrier, Daniel Hillier and Nacho Elvira will also be looking to continue their impressive starts to the season as they vie for the Mother of Pearl Trophy. The international stars will be joined by a trio of Qatari amateurs aiming to impress - Saleh al-Kaabi, Ali al-Shahrani and Daniil Sokolov.“Twenty-nine years is an incredible run and what we always do is work closely with our friends at the Qatar Golf Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee, whose support is so crucial,” said Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East at the DP World Tour, while addressing a press conference Tuesday.“Next year marks 30 years, which will be a huge landmark, and we look forward to reaching it and celebrating properly. This tournament continues to grow stronger every year. We have seven past champions teeing it up this week, along with three winners from the Race to Dubai so far this season. Another significant milestone will also be celebrated, as three-time major champion and 2003 winner Padraig Harrington is set to make his 500th DP World Tour start, which is remarkable. We are delighted to mark that achievement here,” he added.The course, however, may present a slightly different challenge this year, with several new and upgraded tee complexes - notably at the first, sixth, eighth, 13th and 15th holes - allowing greater flexibility in set-up while enhancing turf quality and visual definition.These improvements support a more strategic test for players while ensuring consistency across all tournament rounds. Operating in a desert environment, sustainability remains a core focus of course management, with DGC utilising warm-season turfgrasses selected for heat tolerance, reduced water demand and long-term durability.Irrigation practices are closely monitored and data-driven, ensuring water is applied efficiently and only where required, while ongoing soil health programmes help minimise inputs without compromising performance.“The forecast is looking very good. There may be a bit of wind on Thursday afternoon, but for the rest of the week conditions should be sunny with very light winds. We could see a little bit of rain over the weekend, but not very much,” said DP World Tour Senior Tournament Director Mikael Eriksson.“I have been coming here for around 12 years and I do not think I have ever seen the course in such immaculate condition. I received several messages from key players saying how grateful they are to be back and to see how much the course has improved over the past few years. We are looking forward to a very good and challenging week.”Speaking about the participation of Qatari players, Qatar Golf Association General Secretary Fahad Nasser al-Naimi expressed optimism. “We have three players from our national teams and they are in very good shape. This tournament is a significant opportunity for them and we truly hope they benefit from the experience,” he said.Al-Naimi also praised the strength of the field and confirmed that DGC is in perfect condition to host the event. “The Qatar Masters is one of the most significant sporting events held in Qatar. Once again, we have a strong 144-player field featuring many regulars from the circuit,” he said.