Team Qatar Set Sights on Victory Against Japan in Crucial Group Finale

JEDDAH, KSA - Japan will be aiming to complete a perfect group stage when they face Qatar in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Group B tie on Tuesday.Victories against Syria and United Arab Emirates mean Japan confirmed their place in the quarter-finals with a match to spare but head coach Go Oiwa confident his side can maintain their standards despite qualification already being secured.“Every detail feeds into our decision-making, and we will assess everything carefully as we prepare for the third match,” said Oiwa.“There were positives and areas to improve from the game against the United Arab Emirates, and we will clearly share those with the players. Our full focus now is on Qatar.“Qatar have players with distinct qualities, and they play with great speed and intensity. We will analyse them closely and approach the third match with a clear plan.”Qatar, meanwhile, were eliminated after suffering two consecutive defeats but head coach Ilidio Vale insisted his side remain determined to end their campaign on a positive note.“We approach every match with the same intention, and it will be no different against Japan,” said Vale. “Even though we are no longer in the running for qualification, our preparation remains the same and we will try to win.”This will be the third meeting between Japan and Qatar at the AFC U23 Asian Cup with the East Asian sidewinning one by a 4-2 margin at the quarter-final stage in 2024 while drawing the other 1-1 margin in the group stage in 2020.Japan have won each of their last five games played at the AFC U23 Asian Cup (stretching back to 2024) - this is the longest active winning streak by any team in this competition. 

Doha Diamond League to Open 2026 Season with 9 Track Races and 5 Field Events

Monaco – The Diamond League Council has approved a total of 14 track and field events for the Doha Diamond League, which will serve as the opening round of the 2026 athletics season. The competition is scheduled for 8 May at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar SC.The Doha meeting will feature nine track races, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and the 3000m steeplechase. The field events program will comprise five competitions: high jump, pole vault, triple jump, javelin throw, and the women’s triple jump.Seven events have been allocated for men and seven for women, ensuring a balanced and competitive season opener for elite athletes, including Olympic and world medalists. The event also provides an ideal platform for athletes to register strong performances and collect valuable points on the road to the Diamond League Final.The 2026 edition marks a return to Doha as the starting point of the global series, following last season’s opening rounds in Xiamen and Shanghai, China.The Diamond League calendar will feature 15 meetings across 15 cities worldwide, beginning in Doha and concluding in Brussels with a two-day final to crown the Diamond Trophy winners in both track and field events.Since the launch of the Diamond League in 2010, Qatar has hosted 15 rounds of the series, with Doha consistently delivering high organizational standards and witnessing the setting of multiple records. 

Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation Hosts Inaugural Golden Belt Boxing Championship

Doha – The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation successfully organized the first edition of the Golden Belt Boxing Championship, held over three days at Aspire Academy. The event was staged through cooperation between the Qatar Boxing Federation and Al Sailiya Boxing Club, as part of activating the cooperation agreement signed between the Federation and Al Sailiya Sports Club.The championship was marked by a strong competitive atmosphere and a high level of organization, with the participation of 87 boxers representing 15 sports clubs from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan, reflecting the technical and organizational success of the event.In the Juniors category, Abdullah Al-Faqih won the gold medal in the 54kg division, while Tamim Louay Ali claimed the silver medal in the 75kg division, and Hamad Al-Shaibi secured silver in the over 80kg category.In the Youth category, Abdulaziz Abdul Latif captured the gold medal in the 55kg division, Yahya Jamal Ali won gold in the 65kg division, and Mousa Ratmah claimed gold in the 75kg division, with Hashem Daniel earning the silver medal in the same weight. Abdulrahman Wael also won gold in the 80kg division, while Sheikh Faris Ali Al Thani claimed gold in the over 90kg category.At the conclusion of the championship, the winners were crowned by His Excellency Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and H.E Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Marri, President of Al Sailiya Sports Club, alongside Mr. Sultan Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary General of the Federation, Mr. Saeed Mabkhout Al Marri, Director of Al Sailiya Boxing Club, and Mr. Ghanem Saleh Al Kuwari, Board Member and Head of the Boxing Committee at the Federation. The officials praised the outstanding technical level and high sportsmanship shown throughout the competition.His Excellency Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani commended the success of the championship’s first edition, expressing his satisfaction with the high technical standards and strong performances delivered by the boxers across all age categories. He emphasized that organizing such tournaments is a key pillar in the technical development of the sport, contributes to expanding the talent base, and forms an integral part of the Federation’s strategy in preparation for the 2030 Asian Games. He also highlighted the championship’s role as an important platform for discovering and developing new Qatari talents capable of strengthening the national boxing team and enhancing its presence at upcoming continental and international events. 

Qatar Olympic Committee Steps Up Half Marathon Preparations with 30 Days to Go

DOHA –  The Qatar Olympic Committee is stepping up its administrative, technical, and logistical preparations for the second edition of its annual Half Marathon 2026, set to take place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at Lusail Boulevard. Held in conjunction with National Sport Day, the event underscores the QOC’s enduring dedication to spreading sports culture and encouraging an active lifestyle among all members of the community.Alongside the marathon, a diverse range of sports and entertainment activities will take place at the Team Qatar Village in Al Sa'ad Plaza, organized in cooperation with several national sports federations and supported by a distinguished group of partners, including Qatari Diar as the host, ASICS Japan, a global leader in sports equipment, Doha Bank,  the Ministry of Interior, Hamad Medical Corporation, and a team of dedicated volunteers.The race will feature categories that cater to different ages and fitness levels. These include: Children (ages 6–14): 1 km, Youth (ages 15–17): 5 km, General category (ages 19–39): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km General category (ages 40 and above): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km, team Qatar category (ages 19–39): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km, team Qatar category (ages 40 and above): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km, The event ensures wide participation and a comprehensive sports experience for all age groups.The QOC invites participants of all ages to register online via the official QOC website, according to approved terms and conditions. The committee aims to expand the event’s reach, increasing participation from 6,000 runners in the first edition to 10,000 in 2026, attracting competitors from both inside and outside the country, highlighting the event’s international and competitive nature.On this occasion, Mr. Salah Al-Saadi, Vice Chairman of the Half Marathon Organizing Committee, stated that the QOC is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for all participants and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this annual event, in line with its vision: “To become a Leading Nation in Bringing The World Together Through Sustainable Sport Development.”Mr. Al-Saadi highlighted that the race is one of the flagship community and sports events on the Qatar Olympic Committee’s calendar. It is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects Qatar’s commitment to making physical activity a way of life, bringing families of all ages and fitness levels together in a healthy, uplifting, and positive environment.The organizing committee of the annual Half Marathon is working to deliver a second edition that meets the highest technical standards, ensuring a comprehensive and outstanding sporting experience for participants. The event also aims to promote a culture of physical activity in Qatar and encourage all segments of society to actively engage in sports, in alignment with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. 

Yuling and Yun-Ju emerge winners at WTT Champions Doha

DOHA - Macau’s former World No. 1 Zhu Yuling and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun-Ju emerged champions at WTT Champions Doha 2026, as the curtain came down on five days of high intensity table tennis at Lusail Sports Arena on Sunday. Zhu completed a remarkable comeback by lifting the women’s singles trophy, while Lin finally ended a long title drought to claim the men’s crown.Zhu added another inspirational chapter to her comeback story by defeating third seed Chen Xingtong of China 4-2 (5-11, 13-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-8, 13-11) in a gripping final .The victory earned Zhu her first winner’s trophy and continued a stunning return to the sport following a four year absence from international competition.Chen set the early tone, imposing herself in the opening game and striking first despite late resistance from Zhu. The second game proved pivotal, with both players locked in explosive backhand exchanges that brought the crowd to life. Zhu saved two game points before levelling the match after Chen sent her finisher into the net at 12-11.Chen responded strongly in the third to regain control, but momentum swung again in the fourth as Zhu forced a decider in what was shaping into a finely balanced contest. The fifth game proved crucial. After seeing her lead reduced, Zhu called a time out and, despite Chen briefly levelling at 8-8, the decision paid off as Zhu reeled off three straight points to move ahead for the first time.The sixth game delivered the final twist. Chen threatened to force a seventh after moving 10-9 ahead, but a fortunate edge of the table brought Zhu back to 10-10. Chen had one last chance to extend the match, but sent the ball long at 12-11, sealing the title for Zhu.Holding her arms aloft, Zhu celebrated a hard earned triumph. “I am feeling relatively calm since I haven’t come out of the match yet. I played two matches today, which is the first time after I came back. It’s a big test for my physical and mental strength,” Zhu said.“I don’t know whether I am already reaching the end of my table tennis career. If I want to carry on, I’d treat every match, every day and every experience as the last one to compete and leave no regrets.”The title marked Zhu’s first appearance in a WTT Champions final and provided the perfect start to her 2026 campaign. For Chen, winner in Yokohama last season, the wait for a second WTT Champions title continues.In the men’s final, Lin Yun-Ju ended a 798 day wait for silverware with a commanding straight games victory over surprise finalist Jang Woojin of South Korea, winning 11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 13-11 at Infinity Arena.Lin last lifted a trophy at WTT Champions Frankfurt 2023 and had come close on several occasions since.This time, the 22-year-old showed no intention of letting the opportunity slip, producing a composed and ruthless performance to secure his fourth WTT Series singles title.The triumph adds to Lin’s previous successes at WTT Champions Frankfurt 2023, WTT Contender Zagreb 2022 and WTT Contender Almaty 2023, and signals a timely return to form for the player known as the ‘Silent Assassin’.Attention now turns to WTT Star Contender Doha, which be held at the Lusail Sports Arena from January 13 to 18. 

Syria edges out team Qatar in AFC U-23 Asian Cup

Riyadh – Qatar’s U-23 national team suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Syria in their second Group B match of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, played Saturday at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The group also features Japan and the United Arab Emirates.The decisive moment came late in the match, when Syria captain Mahmoud Al-Aswad converted a penalty in the 85th minute. Just two minutes earlier, Qatar were reduced to ten men after Ayoub Al-Alawi received a red card following a VAR review.With this result, Qatar remain without points after two consecutive losses, while Syria collected their first three points to sit third in the group. The UAE occupy second place on the same points, with a superior goal difference, while Japan lead the standings with six points.Qatar had opened their campaign with a 2–0 defeat to the UAE and will now face group leaders Japan on Tuesday in the third and final round. On the same day, Syria will meet the UAE in the other Group B encounter.The match began in a balanced manner, with Qatar gradually asserting control through possession and territorial dominance. However, Syria’s disciplined defensive organization limited clear chances during the opening ten minutes.In the 13th minute, Qatar came close to breaking the deadlock from a set piece on the edge of the penalty area, but Abdulaziz Mohammed’s direct effort was blocked by the Syrian defense. Chances followed at both ends, including a crucial defensive intervention by Ayoub Al-Alawi in the 22nd minute to deny a dangerous Syrian move.Qatar continued to probe, with Nabil Irfan delivering a cross in the 26th minute that flashed across the face of goal, while a corner kick in the 30th minute was safely claimed by the Syrian goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Mohammed Khaled nearly broke through on goal after an impressive run from midfield, only to be fouled by Abdulrahman Al-Arja, who received a yellow card.Despite several promising moments, neither side managed to convert their opportunities, and the first half ended goalless.The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams sharing possession and producing few clear-cut chances. Qatar threatened in the 70th minute through a well-worked move involving Mohammed Khaled and Rashed Abdulaziz, but the Syrian defense once again stood firm.Syria responded with a swift counterattack in the 75th minute, when Mohammed Al-Mustafa broke free but fired his shot narrowly wide of the left post.The turning point arrived in the 83rd minute, as VAR intervention awarded Syria a penalty and resulted in a red card for Ayoub Al-Alawi for a foul on Al-Mustafa. Mahmoud Al-Aswad calmly dispatched the spot kick two minutes later to give Syria the lead.Qatar pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, coming agonizingly close in the 87th minute when Mustafa Al-Sayed’s powerful header from a cross drifted just wide of the right post. However, the numerical disadvantage and Syria’s deep defensive block prevented Al-Annabi from finding a way back.The match ended 1–0 in Syria’s favor, sealing a hard-fought victory and leaving Qatar with everything to play for in their final group match.