QOC President Crowns Winners at Opening Round of HH Father Amir Prix

Doha: HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of the Doha Equestrian Tour Organising Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani crowned the winners at the conclusion of the first round of HH the Father Amir Prix, which concluded today at the indoor and outdoor Longines arenas at Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation.The final day featured seven competitions across categories ranging from one-star to four-star events, with the participation of 248 male and female riders representing elite local and international competitors. The total prize money for the round exceeded EUR 530,000, in an atmosphere marked by high-level competition and outstanding organisation.British rider Harry Charles claimed the four-star Grand Prix title at a height of 155cm following an impressive jump-off performance, completing the course in 38.20 seconds aboard "Casquo Blue." He narrowly edged compatriot Scott Brash, who finished second in 38.48 seconds riding "Hello Folie," while Thailand's Janakabhorn Karunayadhaj secured third place in 40.14 seconds on "Maxwin."In the four-star competition at a height of 145cm, Italian rider Emanuele Gaudiano claimed first place with a time of 31.12 seconds aboard "Vasco." Fellow Italian Roberto Previtali finished second in 32.27 seconds on "Chacco," while Britain's Millie Allen placed third with a time of 32.68 seconds riding "Quickly."The third and final day of competition opened with the two-star event at 135cm, where Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano once again took top honours, recording a time of 66.71 seconds on "Chabrilo." Jordanian rider Ibrahim Hani Bisharat finished second in 68.8 seconds on "I'll Nino," while Roberto Previtali secured third place with a time of 70.7 seconds aboard "Desandro."In the two-star Grand Prix at 145cm, British rider Oliver Fletcher clinched the title with a time of 33.59 seconds on "Kagos." Millie Allen finished second in 34.02 seconds riding "Quick Diamant," while Germany's Philipp Weishaupt claimed third place with a time of 34.74 seconds aboard "Kalou."Qatari rider Hussein Saeed Haidan won the one-star Grand Prix at 130cm after completing the course in 32.36 seconds on "De Saucedo." Fellow Qatari Saad Ahmed Al Saad placed second in 34.25 seconds riding "Fashion de Douits," while Ghanem Nasser Al Qadi finished third with a time of 36.43 seconds on "Mokaines."In the two-star competition at 130cm, Qatari rider Fares Saad Al Qahtani claimed first place in 56.65 seconds aboard "Cavalina." Saudi rider Fahad Al Juaid finished second with a time of 59.62 seconds on "Fatena," while Egypt's Ali Sabour placed third in 62.16 seconds riding "Nintendo."At a height of 115cm in the same category, Qatari rider Abdulaziz Jassim Al Thani secured first place with a time of 49.21 seconds on "Gabana M." Saudi rider Hassan Al Hadi finished second in 49.33 seconds on "DSB CC," while Qatari rider Ali Omar Al Ansari placed third after completing the course in 50.93 seconds aboard "Nikita."The second round of HH the Father Amir Prix is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10 at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The championship comprises four international rounds featuring categories from one-star to five-star events, in addition to dedicated competitions for junior and youth riders.The second, third, and fourth rounds will include qualifying events for the FEI Group VII Finals, further enhancing the competitive stature of the championship.The inaugural edition of the tournament is being organised through a joint collaboration between the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab, and the Qatar Olympic Committee, with the support of Qatar Airways as the official carrier and Education Above All Foundation as the humanitarian partner.Following the conclusion of the championship, the Sword of HH the Amir Showjumping competition will be held from February 11 to 14 at Al Shaqab's Longines Arena. The event will feature elite international riders across one-star to five-star categories, alongside various dressage competitions.British rider Harry Charles expressed his great satisfaction with winning the four-star Grand Prix at the conclusion of the first round, noting that the strong start to the season provides additional motivation to continue competing at the highest level. He highlighted his enjoyment of competing at Al Shaqab and in Doha, praising the excellent atmosphere, the warm reception from spectators, and the high standard of organisation and hospitality.Charles also indicated that his next objective is to maintain this winning momentum, acknowledging the challenge of doing so, but expressing confidence due to the quality of horses at his disposal. He added that he plans to remain in Doha for two months to take part in upcoming competitions, with the aim of continuing to deliver strong performances.  

Qatar's Handball Team to face UAE's in friendly match

Doha: The Qatar national handball team will face their Emirati counterparts in a friendly at Duhail Handball Sports Hall, Monday.The match will be held in the context of preparing for the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, to take place in Kuwait from January 15 to 26, and to serve as a qualifier for the 30th IHF Men's World Championship in Germany.This friendly is one of a series of preparatory fixtures that the Qatari team will participate in as to reach the highest level of readiness ahead of the Asian Championship.The draw placed Qatar in Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan, while Group C comprises Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India, and Group D includes Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The teams finishing first and second in each group will qualify for the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups playing in a round-robin format.The top two teams from each of these groups will advance to the semifinals and will also qualify directly for the 30th IHF Men's World Championship.Qatar seeks to retain their Asian title, having won the last six editions, and to qualify for the World Championship for the eleventh time.The country's best-ever World Championship result was finishing second at the 2015 edition held here. 

Saudi’s Alsharbatly continues winning streak at Al Shaqab

Doha: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly continued his dominant run at the inaugural HH The Father Amir’s Prix, adding two more victories on Saturday after claiming two wins on the opening day, including the feature event at Al Shaqab.Running from 2–4 January, Tour 1 offers a total prize fund of €538,000. Across the full four-tour HH The Father Amir’s Prix series, prize money totals €3,303,000, with Tours 1 and 2 welcoming 248 riders competing with 524 horses.Alsharbatly secured top honours in the CSI4* Jump-Off (1.50m), delivering a faultless double-clear round aboard Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junio. He topped a field of 33 starters, stopping the clock at 39.95 seconds in the jump-off to pocket the winner’s prize of €26,500. Austria’s Max Kuhner finished second on Eic Quantum Robin V after another clear jump-off in 40.73 seconds, earning €21,200, while Britain’s Sienna Charles completed the podium in third place aboard Stardust with a clear round in 41.04 seconds to take home €15,900.Earlier in the day, Alsharbatly also claimed victory in the CSI2* Special Two-Phase (1.30m). He finished first on Dr Scarpo with a double-clear round in 32.44 seconds, ahead of Qatar’s Suhaim Hamad al-Yafei on Flash du Puits (0–0/34.28) and fellow Saudi rider Fahad Aljuaid on Fatina (0–0/36.28).The 43-year-old, who was part of the Saudi team that won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, said winning two classes on two different horses made the day especially memorable. He said: “It’s been a fantastic day – two wins with two different horses is always special. Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior was exceptional in the 1.50m jump-off, and Dr Scarpo was equally sharp and responsive in the earlier round. I’m really pleased with how both horses performed.”In other results, Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano won the CSI4* Faults & Time (1.45m) on Vasco 118 with a clear round in 65.34 seconds, followed by compatriot Roberto Previtali on Chaquano PS (67.33 secs) and Austria’s Gerfried Puck on Idiaal Special H.J. (68.47 secs).Britain’s Millie Allen topped the CSI2* Faults & Time (1.45m) on Quick Diamant HR in 64.86 seconds, ahead of Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt on Callao L (66.85 secs) and France’s Megane Moissonnier on Qoup de Coeur de Muze (67.08 secs).Egyptian riders dominated the CSI2* Faults & Time (1.35m), with Mohamed Elshenawy winning on Kamelia DS (65.44 secs), followed by Haya Osama El Borai on Kadoky (68.53 secs). Megane Moissonnier finished third on Chacarija PS (68.87 secs).In the CSI1* Faults & Time (1.15m), Qatar’s Ali Omar AH Al Ansari claimed victory on Nikita Eindeken Z with a clear round in 52.60 seconds. Syria’s Sarah Al Masri placed second on Georgia de Maugre (56.63 secs), while Saudi Arabia’s Abdulmohsen Alshammari finished third on Felton des Cinq Chenes (56.76 secs).Al Ansari said: “It’s a great feeling to win here at Al Shaqab. Nikita Eindeken Z jumped with confidence, and everything came together for a clear round. We’re happy with this result and will keep building through the weekend.”Saudi rider Bader Alfard won the CSI1* Faults & Time (1.25m) on Murdock (58.38 secs), ahead of Egypt’s Fatima Mohanad Alkishawi on Quintalou (59.90 secs) and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Fahad Aleid on Kayenne Of de Rocky Mounten (59.91 secs).Tour 1 concludes on Sunday with a full programme featuring CSI2* 135cm (Table C), CSI2* 130cm (Faults & Time), CSI4* 145cm (Special Two-Phase), CSI1* 130cm Grand Prix (Jump-Off), CSI2* 145cm Grand Prix (Jump-Off), and the CSI4* 155cm Grand Prix (Jump-Off) as the final feature class.The inaugural HH The Father Amir’s Prix is organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab and the Qatar Olympic Committee. 

Qatar squad named for AFC U-23 Asian Cup

Doha: Qatar's coach Ilidio Vale yesterday announced the Qatar U-23 team’s 23-man squad for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup set to kick off on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.The national squad departed for Saudi Arabia following their final training session at home. The tournament will see 16 teams vying to lift the coveted trophy.This will mark Qatar's sixth appearance in the continental tournament’s seventh edition. Qatar are aiming to surpass their previous best achievement of a third-place finish, which they secured in 2018.The selected players include goalkeepers Amir Hassan, Abubaker Mohammed, and Ali Ghulais. The outfield players are Tahsin Mohammed, Al-Hashemi Al-Hussain, Ahmed Reyad, Anas Abdulsalam, Ayuob Alaoui, Abdullah Mujeeb, Saifeddine Hassan, Hassan Al-Ghareeb, Rashid Abdulaziz, Abdulaziz Mohammed, Jassem Al-Sharshani, Fares Saeed, Mubarak Shanan, Mohammed Khaled, Marwan Sherif, Moath Ibrahim, Mahdi Al-Mejaba, Mohammed Suraj, Nabil Irfan, and Mostafa Al-Sayed.Qatar have been drawn into Group B, where they will face two-time champions Japan, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.Team Qatar will open their campaign against the UAE on Wednesday followed by their second match against Syria on January 10. They will play their last group match against Japan on January 13.The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the final on January 25. 

Her Highness Attends Opening Tour Competitions of the HH the Father Amir Prix

Doha: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), attended  opening day at Al Shaqab as Tour 1 of the HH The Father Amir Prix 2026 officially commenced in Doha.Tour 1 brings together international and regional riders across CSI1, CSI2 and CSI4* categories, with a total prize fund of EUR 538,000. Across the full H.H. The Father Amir Prix four-tour series, prize money totals EUR 3,303,000, with Tours 1 and 2 welcoming 248 riders competing with 524 horses.The opening day programme featured competitions across the Indoor Arena and Outdoor Arena, with classes spanning multiple categories, reflecting the Tour's role in supporting both international-level performance and the continued development of regional talent within the FEI competition structure.Day 1 delivered a strong start to the Tour, with riders competing in CSI1*, CSI2* and CSI4* classes throughout the day. The schedule included CSI4* competitions at 140 cm and 145 cm, alongside CSI2* classes at 140 cm and CSI1* classes at 120 cm, with performances marked by technical consistency and competitive pacing across both arenas.In class CSI4* 1.45m, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Alsharbatly, on Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, won timing 57.93 seconds.In class CSI4* 1.40m, Germany's Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann, My Lady Lavista, won timing 27.41 seconds.In class CSI2* 1.40m, Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano on Diarouge Blue PS, won timing 30.19 seconds.In class CSI2* 1.25m, Jordan's Ibrahim Hani Bisharat on El Nino Bull's Eye Z and Egypt's Yassin Khalifa on Camelija shared the first place timing 60.70 seconds each.In class CSI2* 1.30m, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Alsharbatly on Dr Scarpo won timing 38.02 seconds.In class CSI1* 1.10m, Saudi Arabia's Hasan Alhadi on DSP Cessy won timing 26.45 seconds.In class CSI1* 1.20m, Egypt's Youssef Nassar on Orestes van het Tolhuis won timing 54.69seconds.Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann commented: "It was a good day for us. My Lady Lavista jumped very well, and we're delighted to open Tour 1 with a win."In turn rider Emanuele Gaudianosaid: "Today was a positive start for us. Diarouge Blue PS felt focused and responsive, and we were able to deliver a clear round and keep a good rhythm in the second phase. We'll take this result and stay concentrated as the competition continues".For his part Abdullah Alsharbatly said: "I'm pleased with how Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior performed today. It was a smooth round and a positive start to the competition. We'll take it step by step and keep our focus for the rest of the tour".Throughout the event period, the fan zone around the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will offer entertainment facilities, cafés and retail outlets, alongside outdoor activations delivered by local service providers, entrepreneurs and artists, reflecting Qatari hospitality and cultural heritage.Competition continues Saturday with a full programme across both arenas, including further CSI1*, CSI2* and CSI4* classes scheduled throughout the day.HH The Father Amir Prix is delivered as a four-tour series. Tours 2, 3 and 4 will include FEI Group VII qualifiers, supporting regional riders in their pathway to higher-level international competition.Inaugurated in 2025, the Doha Equestrian Tour is a premium international show jumping series hosted at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, one of the world's leading equestrian venues. The Tour brings together elite riders, world-class horses, and top-level competition, combining sporting excellence with a refined event experience. Its mission is to reinforce Doha's position as a global equestrian hub while promoting performance, horsemanship, and the highest standards of organisation, integrity, and international competition. (QNA) 

Qatar Olympic Committee Unveils Sports Calendar of the year 2026

DOHA: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has officially announced today its comprehensive calendar of sports events and competitions for 2026. The calendar features 83 championships, including 39 international events, 16 world championships, 10 Asian tournaments, three GCC competitions, one Arab championship, and 14 domestic events, scheduled throughout the 2026 sporting season.The sporting calendar kicks off in January 2026 with a distinguished series of events, led by the First Tour of HH the Father Amir Equestrian Prix, followed by the WTT Contender and the Second Tour of HH the Father Amir Equestrian Prix. This month also features the Asian Shotgun Cup 2026,  the fourth edition of the International Series Qatar Golf Championship, Doha FIP Promises Padel Tournament, the third and fourth Tours of HH the Father Amir  Cup Equestrian Prix, Qatar Fencing Grand Prix (Epee), the first PSA Qatar Satellite Squash Tournament, WTT Youth Star Contender and Doha FIP Padel Bronze Tournament, setting an energetic and prestigious start to the season.Sporting momentum continues in February with Qatar Masters Golf Championship, Qatar TotalEnergies Open, alongside celebrations of the National Sport Day, held in parallel with the QOC Half Marathon. The month also includes H.H the Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival, 2026 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Doha International Basketball Tournament, CHI Al Shaqab, and the Second Satellite Squash Championship, highlighting Qatar’s rich diversity of sporting disciplines.In March, Doha hosts elite international events, including the Second Window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Qualifiers, Longines Global Champions Tour, Al Shaqab Cup, VW-Beach Pro Tour Elite16, Qatar Olympic Committee Equestrian Cup and the highly anticipated Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain, making March one of the most competitive months on the calendar.April features a vibrant mix of local and international championships, headlined by Qatar Basketball Cup Final, Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup, and the 40th Amateur Qatar Open Golf Championship. The month also includes Qatar Volleyball Cup Final, GCC Tennis Championships (U12–16), Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel Tournament, the Closing Ceremony of the Girls’ Olympic Schools Program, FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, Qatar Handball Cup Final, Amir Cup Volleyball Final, eFIBA World Cup, Amir Handball Cup Final, the first ITF Qatar Junior Tennis Championship, Amir Basketball Cup Final, and the Closing Ceremony of the Boys’ Olympic Schools Program, making April one of the busiest months of the season.The spotlight in May turns to football with HH the Amir Football Cup Final and Qatar Football Cup Final, alongside the Qatar Junior Open Squash Championship, the Second Qatar ITF World Tennis Junior Tour, the West Asia Beach Volleyball Tour (Men and Women), Diamond League Athletics Meeting, the first and second Asian Junior Tennis Championships, FIBA U23 3x3 Youth Basketball League, PSA World Bronze Seniors Tournament,  and Asian Beach Volleyball Tour, sustaining Qatar’s sporting momentum regionally and internationally.In May 2026, the State of Qatar will host the 4th GCC Games, welcoming elite Gulf athletes who will compete across 18 sporting events, held in nine premier sports venuesJune and July host major events including the Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, celebrations of Olympic Day, and the third Window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Qualifiers, further reinforcing Qatar’s leadership in hosting premier international competitions.In August, Doha welcomes 2026 FIVB U17 World Volleyball Championship, alongside the fourth Window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, continuing Qatar’s successful track record in staging global sporting events.September features 2026 FIBA Asia U18 Cup, 2026 FISU World University Weightlifting Championship, and QTerminals Qatar Classic 2026, reflecting Qatar’s strong commitment to youth development and sporting excellence.Sporting action continues in October with PSA 4 Challenger Senior Tournament, the sixth Qatar Open Taekwondo Championship, and the first international junior tennis tournaments, underlining Qatar’s growing influence on the global sports stage.November stands out with a packed schedule, including the Youth Games, the World Padel Championship, ISSF World Shooting Championship, PSA 5 Challenger Senior Tournament, the Third Asian Junior Tennis Championship,  2026 T100 Triathlon World Championship Final Qatar, the second Doha FIP Padel Bronze Tournament, the fourth Asian U14 Tennis Championship, the Second Doha FIP Promises Padel Tournament, the 45th Arab Men’s Golf Championship, and the fifth Window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Qualifiers, making it one of the most eventful months of the season.The sporting calendar concludes in December with the first and second ITF Qatar Men’s Tennis Championships, the 11th Qatar International Weightlifting Cup, the 3x3 Basketball World Tour, and the 10th GCC Golf Championship for Juniors (U16), the 5th for Boys (U13), the 9th for Women, and the 3rd for Girls (U13), bringing the 2025–2026 season to a remarkable close.On this occasion, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the Sports Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee, affirmed that the approval of the 2026 sports events calendar comes within the framework of integrated institutional planning for the sports sector, reflecting the scale and diversity of sporting activity scheduled throughout the new year. He explained that the calendar includes 83 championships, comprising world, international, continental, GCC, and domestic events, prepared in accordance with precise organizational and technical standards, ensuring coordination with national federations and relevant stakeholders, optimal utilization of sports venues, and enhanced efficiency of implementation throughout the year.He added that the calendar serves as a key reference for the sector’s operations during the year, contributing to the unification of planning, implementation, and monitoring mechanisms among the various concerned entities. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen integration with the Qatar Olympic Committee’s strategic programs, support the readiness of national federations, and ensure the sustainable hosting of events in line with the highest organizational and technical standards, in alignment with the overarching objectives of developing the national sports ecosystem. For details of the QOC Calendar, click here