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

Qatari Officials Strengthen International Presence in Regional Weightlifting Federations

DOHA -  Qatari sports officials continue to reinforce their influential presence within regional weightlifting bodies, following the appointment of Mr. Jassim Ibrahim Al-Mansouri, Secretary General of the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, as Chairman of the Development Committee at both the West Asian Weightlifting Federation and the Arab Weightlifting Federation.In addition,  Mr. Khaled Abdulaziz Nabina, Assistant Secretary General of the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, has been elected Chairman of the Athletes’ Committee of the Arab Weightlifting Federation. These appointments cover the electoral cycle from 2025 to 2029.The selections were made during the electoral meetings held in Doha in December 2025, reflecting the growing confidence in Qatari expertise and recognizing their strong administrative and technical capabilities, as well as their vital role in supporting the development of weightlifting at both regional and international levels.Qatari officials also enjoy a prominent presence within the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Mr. Jassim Al-Mansouri serves as a member of the Innovation and Development Committee, while  Mr. Khaled Nabina holds membership in the Governance Committee, for the same 2025–2029 term.This continued representation underscores the strategic approach adopted by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation in developing and empowering national talents, enabling them to contribute effectively to sports decision-making and to play an active role in development, governance, and athlete welfare committees efforts that support the future of the sport and enhance its standing across the region.These appointments further extend a series of achievements by Qatari professionals across continental and international federations, reinforcing Qatar’s position as an influential and trusted partner in advancing institutional sports governance and development worldwide. 

Qatar Handball Team Lose Friendly Match to Belarus

Doha: The Qatar national handball team suffered a narrow 18–17 defeat against their Belarusian counterparts in a friendly match played today, as part of the team’s preparations for the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship, scheduled to take place in Kuwait from 15 to 26 January. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship in Germany.The Qatari team are set to play one final friendly match against the UAE national team next week before departing for Kuwait to take part in the Asian Championship.Earlier, the Qatari side played a friendly match last Saturday against Iraq, winning 33–23. Prior to that, they faced Saudi Arabia twice, losing the first match 26–25 before bouncing back with a 31–25 victory in the second encounter.Through these friendly matches, the Qatar national team aim to reach peak 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 features Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India. Group D comprises Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.The top two teams from each group will advance to the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups playing a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, in addition to securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship.The Qatar national handball team are seeking to defend their Asian title, which they have won in the past six editions, and to qualify for the World Championship for the 11th time in their history. Their best-ever finish at the World Championship came in the 2015 edition hosted in Qatar, where they finished as runners-up.Qatar were crowned champions of the most recent 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship, held in Bahrain last year, after defeating Japan 30–24 in the final. 

AFC U23 Asian Cup to Kick Off in Saudi Arabia Next Week

Riyadh: The seventh edition of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 will get underway next week in Saudi Arabia, with matches taking place in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh from 6 to 24 January.The lineup of 16 teams has been completed following the qualification of 15 teams through the qualifiers held last September, joining hosts Saudi Arabia, who qualified automatically as the tournament hosts.The championship will feature all five previous title holders—Iraq, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan—who, along with Australia and Jordan, are the only seven teams to have appeared in all editions of the finals. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon will make their first-ever appearances in the tournament finals, bringing the total number of teams to have participated in the competition’s history to 27.King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah will host the opening match on 6 January, when Vietnam face Jordan in Group A. On the same day, Saudi Arabia, champions of the 2022 edition, will begin their quest for a second title at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium against Kyrgyzstan.Group B action will begin on 7 January, with defending champions Japan taking on Syria, followed later that day by Qatar’s opening match against the United Arab Emirates. Both teams are making their sixth appearance in the finals.Qatar will be aiming to surpass their previous best achievement of finishing third in 2018, while the UAE’s best performances came with quarterfinal appearances in 2013, 2016, and 2020.Group C matches will also get underway on 7 January, with the Republic of Korea facing Iran, followed by Uzbekistan’s clash with Lebanon.The opening round will conclude on 8 January with two Group D matches, as Australia take on Thailand in the first game, followed by Iraq’s encounter with China in the second.