Sheikh Joaan meets with President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations

Lausanne: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, met today with Mr. Ingmar De Vos, President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations and President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), during a visit to the FEI headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 14th Olympic Summit held at the Olympic House.The meeting discussed areas of cooperation between the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations, particularly in the fields of developing Olympic sports, enhancing joint programs that support athletes, and reviewing recent developments within the Olympic movement. The two sides also exchanged views on ways to strengthen coordination and integration among international sports institutions.The discussions also touched on the key topics featured on the agenda of the Olympic Summit, and the perspectives they offer regarding the future of the Olympic movement. Both parties emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between international sports bodies to ensure the continuous development of sport worldwide and to promote the values of Olympism within communities.This meeting comes as part of the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to exchanging expertise with leading international sports organizations, in a way that contributes to advancing the development of sport in Qatar and strengthening its active presence within the global Olympic movement. 

Qatar Olympic Committee Unveils Details of the Second Edition of Its Annual Half Marathon

DOHA  – The Qatar Olympic Committee convened a press conference this morning to announce the details of the second edition of the 2026 Half Marathon, scheduled for Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at Lusail Boulevard as part of the Qatar’s National Sport Day celebrations. The event’s organizing unveiled a series of accompanying sports events to be held at Team Qatar Village  at Al-Saad square in cooperation with national sports federations.Presided over by Mr. Abdulaziz Ghanim, Director General of the QOC Half Marathon 2026, the conference brought together Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head  of the  event’s Technical Committee, members of the Organizing Committee, 2025 race winner Rabea Al-Musleh and Jamal Al-Khanji, and media representatives.The event opened with a compelling video review of the first edition, showcasing its success in attracting more than 6,000 runners and highlighting its contribution to strengthening community engagement under the principle of “Sport for All.”In his address, Mr. Ghanim expressed pride in launching the 2026 edition, noting the Organizing committee’s aim to expand participation to 10,000 runners, while commending the support of Qatari Diar and ASICS, the leading Japanese company in sportswear and athletic gear. He emphasized the media’s essential role in promoting public awareness and community involvement.Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head of the Technical Committee of the QOC Half Marathon 2026 ’s Organizing Committee explained in his presentation that the second edition will feature a range of main categories designed to suit all ages and fitness levels. These include: Children’s Category (6–14 years): 1 km, Juniors Category (Boys & Girls, 15–17 years): 5 km, Open Category (Men & Women, 19–39 years): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km, Open Category (Men & Women, 40+ years): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km, Team Qatar Category – Al Adaam (Men & Women, 19–39 years): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km, Team Qatar Category – Al Adaam (Men & Women, 40+ years): 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km.Al-Jaber also highlighted the comprehensive logistical, technical, administrative, and medical services provided by the organizing committee along the race routes, including fully equipped water stations and first-aid points, ensuring the safety of all participants and the comfort of everyone involved.”The QOC-half marathon 2026’s Organizing committee reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an exceptional sporting event that promotes a healthy and active society in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the QOC’s vision “  To become a leading nation in bringing the world together through sustainable sport development” .

Qatar U-17 Gymnastics Team Depart for China to Join Asian Training Camp

Doha:  The Qatar junior national gymnastics team will depart Doha for the People’s Republic of China to participate in the Asian training camp, scheduled to take place in the city of Nanning in the Guangxi region from 11 to 20 December. The camp brings together an elite group of Asian national teams.This training camp comes as part of the technical preparation plan implemented by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, aimed at enhancing the players’ physical and technical readiness, and providing them with increased international exposure and experience ahead of upcoming competitions.The delegation includes:•    Medhat Hassan Mousa – Team Manager•    Mohamed Ali – Head Coach•    Athletes: Ahmed Samir, Omar Al-Hefnawi, Fares Shadi, Youssef AhmedThe gymnasts are expected to undergo an intensive training programme under the supervision of top Asian coaches and experts, contributing to the development of their technical skills and boosting their competitiveness at continental and international levels. 

Qatar announces readiness to host the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025

Doha: The FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) today announced its full readiness to host the final three matches of the prestigious club competition during a press conference held in Doha.The tournament will be contested at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on the December 10, 13 and 17, during the rest days of the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, further showcasing Qatar’s capability to seamlessly stage world-class football events and reinforcing international confidence in its hosting abilities.Organisers highlighted that the tournament has garnered strong interest from regional and international fans alike.Hassan Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, said: “Qatar's commitment to hosting world-class tournaments stems from our belief in advancing football at every level. This includes strengthening competition within the GCC region, uniting the Arab world at the Arab Cup, supporting the development of young talent and now welcoming global champions for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. By hosting multiple tournaments in parallel, we're showcasing the operational excellence that embodies our nation’s vision and reflects the proud sporting legacy of the Arab region.”Roberto Grassi, FIFA Tournament Lead, said: “We are here to announce our readiness to host the third tournament which Qatar is successfully delivering in a few weeks. This is a reaffirmation of the strong partnership with Qatar. We believe in Qatar’s ability to deliver the best tournaments in the world using world class infrastructure. We want to thank all the stakeholders involved in the delivery of these events and look forward to a second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, one that will echo the success of last year's wonderful tournament.”Organisers also announced that the Doha Metro will be free of charge for ticketholders attending the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final Qatar 2025 on December 17, which will see Paris Saint-Germain face the winner of the FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2025 in the tournament’s decisive match. Throughout the competition, the metro will provide comprehensive accessibility services and direct access to Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium via Al Riffa Metro Station (Green Line).Fans travelling to Qatar are encouraged to explore the country’s cultural and entertainment events during their stay in Doha.Tickets are available at www.roadtoqatar.qa. All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Prices for accessibility tickets start from QAR 20. Fans must download the Road to Qatar app to access their tickets ahead of arrival at the stadium. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased per match.

Curtain comes down on ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals in Doha

Doha: The ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals Doha 2025 concluded today at the Lusail Shooting Range Complex, after four days of high-level competition featuring elite shooters and world champions in shotgun, rifle, and pistol events. A total of 144 athletes representing 33 countries took part.The final day delivered exciting and intense competition, with the finals of the men’s and women’s skeet and trap events taking center stage.American shooter Hinton William clinched the gold medal of Men’s Trap Event after finishing first in the final round, which featured eight athletes. Guatemalan Jon Pierre Brol Cardenas won silver, while American Eller Walton secured the bronze.Italy’s Silvana Maria Stanco earned the gold medal after topping the final round. Alessandra Perilli of San Marino claimed silver, while Turkey’s Rumeysa Pelin Kaya took bronze.China’s Jiang Yuting won the gold medal of Women’s Skeet, followed by American Samantha Simonton who took silver, while Greece’s Emmanouela Katzouraki earned bronze.The awarding ceremony for trap and skeet was conducted by Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), and Ahmed Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation.ISSF President Rossi praised the exceptional success of the World Cup Finals in Doha, commending Qatar’s outstanding organizational capabilities that ensured the global event was delivered in the best possible manner.Rossi highlighted that the organizing committee provided ideal conditions at Lusail Shooting Range for athletes and delegations, allowing them to enjoy an excellent championship atmosphere. He also applauded the sportsmanship shown by all participating shooters.Jassim Shaheen Al-Sulaiti, Tournament Director and Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation, expressed great satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the championship.He stated: “The shooters delivered excellent performances throughout all events, and we witnessed intense competition among world champions aiming for medals and podium finishes.”Al-Sulaiti confirmed that new world records were set in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event. He also noted the dramatic finish in the women’s trap final, which required a shoot-off between Italy’s Stanco and San Marino’s Perilli after they tied—Stanco ultimately prevailing.He added that the organizing committee received extensive praise from ISSF officials and participating delegations for Qatar’s world-class hosting standards and hospitality:“This is not new to Qatar, which has impressed the world through its hosting of major sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup 2022.”Al-Sulaiti emphasized that hosting the ISSF World Cup Finals for the second time reflects the ISSF's confidence in Qatar’s organizational excellence and skilled personnel.He proudly noted that Doha has become a global capital of sport, capable of hosting multiple major events simultaneously.Looking ahead, Al-Sulaiti announced Qatar’s preparations to host the Asian Shotgun Championship next month, as well as the ISSF World Shooting Championship in November 2026, which will serve as the first qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, offering 36 quota places.Ahmed Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Federation, praised the strong competition witnessed throughout the finals. He expressed pride in the remarkable success achieved across all organizational and technical aspects.He stated that ISSF and all participating delegations recognized the championship’s “exceptional organizational excellence,” adding: “This tournament was an invaluable preparation opportunity for our shooters, who gained significant experience by competing against the world’s best.”Al-Nuaimi affirmed that these experiences will play a key role in achieving Qatar’s future ambitions in shooting sports.

Qatar Launches ‘Aim Beyond’ Project to Empower Youth Through Sport

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), in partnership with World Athletics and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), has officially launched “Aim Beyond” project that aims to empower youth and underserved communities through the transformative power of sport.The announcement of the project came pursuant to the agreement signed by the QOC Secretary General H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and the QFFD Director General Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, held from 6 to 8 December 2025 under the theme ‘Diplomacy, Dialogue and Diversity’. The signing ceremony was attended by the World Athletics CEO, Mr. Jon Ridgeon.As part of the project, 11 state-of-the-art, eco-friendly, and inclusive running tracks will be constructed across 11 countries around the world including, Palestine, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Cook Islands, Panama, Anguilla, Dominica, Burundi, Tanzania, and Ukraine.The project  reflects Qatar’s deep belief in the power of sport to promote sustainable development, peace, and social cohesion. It also underscores the country’s determination to transform sporting legacy into a tangible tool for positive change in the lives of youth and communities.The tracks to be built are distinguished by their inclusivity, accommodating the needs of athletes with disabilities, and by their sustainability, using eco-friendly materials.  The new tracks will also serve as a community hub that promotes the values of sporting excellence and strengthens young athletes’ sense of belonging to their communities.On this occasion, the QOC Secretary General H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain said:“Aim Beyond is an ambitious project  to create a world where every aspiring athlete has access to facilities to aim beyond their limits. Just as Doha 2019 allowed Qatar to aim beyond its limits in pursuit of its ultimate dream, so too will this project create opportunities for young athletes to reach their full potential”He added:"We are proud that through this ambitious project, the legacy of the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships will continue to shape the future of athletics – transcending borders and serving as a symbol of commitment, hope and opportunity."Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD stated, “At Qatar Fund for Development, we firmly believe that sport is a transformative catalyst for human development and social progress and our partnership today with the Qatar Olympic Committee project reflects this commitment. By establishing inclusive and sustainable athletics tracks in underserved communities, we are creating pathways for young people to develop their talents, strengthen their capabilities, and realize their full potential. This initiative is not merely about constructing facilities, it is about laying the foundations for brighter, more prosperous futures.”“In many communities around the world, athletic talent is abundant, but facilities are not – and that’s where Aim Beyond makes its mark,” said World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon. “Partnerships drive our mission to make athletics accessible and inspiring for all, and the collaboration between World Athletics, QOC and QFFD is exactly the kind of strategic, human-centred teamwork our sport needs.“Together, we are strengthening infrastructure for our Member Federations, opening doors that many young athletes have never been able to walk through, and ensuring the legacy of the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships continues to reach well beyond Qatar.“My sincere thank you to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, whose vision and commitment to athletics are helping to shape the future of our sport. Our sport owes you an enormous debt of gratitude.”The signing ceremony during Doha Forum – a premier global platform for dialogue and diplomacy –highlights how sport can drive sustainable development, peace, and human development. The forum brings together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss critical challenges and shape action-driven solutions.