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. 

Hosts Qatar bow out of Arab Cup with big defeat to Tunisia

DOHA: Hosts Qatar made an early exit from the FIFA Arab Cup after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Tunisia in their final Group A match at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.Despite the convincing win, Tunisia were also eliminated, as Palestine and Syria advanced to the quarter-finals from the group after playing out a goalless draw at Education City Stadium in the concurrent fixture.Both sides finished on five points, while Tunisia ended their campaign with four.Julen Lopetegui’s Qatar concluded a disappointing tournament with just one point, scoring only once and conceding five. They had earlier lost to lower-ranked Palestine and drawn against Syria.Tunisia, who played the final half-hour with 10 men, were the superior team for most of the match, scoring through Mohamed Ben Romdhane and Yassine Meriah in the 16th and 62nd minutes respectively. Mohamed Ben Ali sealed the victory with a stoppage-time strike, leaving many of the more than 48,000 spectators at the venue disheartened.Both teams battled for ball possession in the early stages of the crucial fixture, but Tunisia looked the sharper side. Seifeddine Jaziri recorded the first attempt of the match, his effort blocked well by defender Lucas Mendes.Tunisia continued to press and broke the deadlock when Ben Romdhane struck from close range, pouncing on a rebound after goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham had denied Jaziri’s initial attempt.Qatar struggled to create openings and managed only a weak attempt from Sultan Al Brake before the half-hour mark. Tunisia came close to doubling their lead when Firas Chaouat advanced down the left side of the box, only to drag his shot wide of the far post.The hosts began finding pockets of space late in the half, winning a series of set-pieces, but they lacked precision in the final third. Ayoub Al Ouwi’s header - drifting wide from an Akram Afif delivery - summed up their frustrations, as Tunisia deservedly went into the break with a one-goal lead.Tarek Salman - replacing Al Brake - and Edmilson Junior, who came on for Ahmed Alaaeldin, were introduced at the start of the second half. Qatar opened aggressively, with Mendes seeing a shot blocked, Mohamed Manai hitting the crossbar from a corner, and Afif having his effort denied by goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.Tunisia responded through Jaziri and Ben Romdhane, while Barsham tipped over an attempt from Hamza Jelassi. The North Africans doubled their advantage from the resulting corner, with Meriah heading in from close range after Ferjani Sassi failed to connect cleanly with the initial delivery.Tunisia’s rhythm was disrupted when Jaziri received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 66th minute. Qatar, however, could not capitalise on the numerical advantage. Substitute Mohammed Muntari headed over the bar, and Afif sent a set-piece well off target as the hosts continued to struggle.Ben Ali capped a disappointing night for the Asian champions, drilling in a powerful strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal Tunisia’s win, though not their passage to the quarters.

Asian and European Shooters Dominate Medals on Day 3 of the ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals

Doha: Asian and European shooters swept the medals on the third day of the 2025 ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals, held at the Lusail Shooting Complex and set to conclude tomorrow, Monday. The event features 144 elite shooters and world champions representing 33 countries across all shotgun, rifle, and pistol disciplines.The level of competition was exceptionally high, with finals held in Men’s and Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, and Women’s 25m Pistol.Rifle 50m 3 Positions – MenThe Czech Republic’s Jiri Privratsky won the gold medal after topping the eight-shooter final with 414.2 points.India’s Tomar Pratap Singh secured silver with 413.3 points, while China’s Liu Yukun claimed bronze with 388.9 points.Rifle 50m 3 Positions – WomenNorway’s Jeanette Hegg Duestad captured the gold medal with 414.3 points, followed by Britain’s Seonaid McIntosh who earned silver with 413.4 points. Germany’s Anna Janssen took bronze with 392.3 points.25m Rapid Fire Pistol – MenChina’s Li Yuehong dominated the final, securing gold with 33 hits.India’s Anish Anish earned silver with 31 hits, while France’s Clément Bessaguet finished third with 28 hits, taking bronze.25m Pistol – WomenIndia’s Simranpreet Kaur Brar clinched the gold medal with 41 hits, ahead of China’s Yao Qiannxum, who won silver with 36 hits. Germany’s Doreen Vennekamp took bronze with 30 hits.Following the competitions, ISSF President Luciano Rossi and Jassim Shaheen Al-Sulaiti honored the medalists and presented international coaching certificates to participants of the ISSF coaching course held alongside the championship.Prince Saud bin Al-Hassan bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Honorary Member of the Qatar Shooting & Archery Association, praised Qatar’s outstanding organization:“My testimony may be biased as an honorary member, but I am convinced that no place in the world can host a championship of this size with such quality and professionalism better than Doha. Qatar has set new standards for global sporting events.”He expressed delight at participating in the five-day ISSF Coaches Course held in Doha, noting its significant value and the strong partnership with Qatar.“Forty-two participants graduated with the highest-level ISSF ‘A’ coaching certificate—a major addition to the region’s technical manpower and to the development of shooting sports.”

Formation of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee Board Announced

Doha, State of Qatar, 7 December 2025 | The formation of the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee for the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030 was announced today, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, with the membership of H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality; H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Khalaf Khattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; and H.E. Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism.The committee also includes H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; H.E. Mr. Yasser bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth; H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation; H.E. Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer, President of the Public Works Authority; and Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Yousuf Jolo, Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Policy Affairs at the Ministry of Finance.H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee for the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030, said: “Forming the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committee for the Doha 2030 Asian Games is a fundamental step in preparing for this major continental event and places us on a practical path toward implementing our hosting plans. This formation embodies the principle of joint national work, which experience has shown to be the foundation for achieving national success. It also reflects the leadership’s confidence in the ability of national talent to organize major sporting events.”His Excellency affirmed that the Doha 2030 Asian Games represent a continuation of the development path witnessed in Qatar’s sports sector, as the committee works to deliver an edition that meets the aspirations of the Asian continent, adopting an approach based on innovation and sustainability that establishes a legacy benefiting future generations. He noted that Doha possesses the experience and capabilities that enable it to deliver an exceptional edition that adds to the achievements of Asian sport.He added that preparations for this edition build on the legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games, a milestone that marked an important turning point in Qatar’s sporting journey. He emphasized that its impact remains present to this day, providing a strong foundation from which Doha moves toward a more advanced edition that reflects the status of the State of Qatar, its achievements over recent years, and its ambitions for the next stage.The State of Qatar had won the hosting rights for the 2030 Asian Games in December 2020 after presenting an outstanding bid that confirmed its full readiness to host the Games for the second time, supported by advanced infrastructure and sports facilities that meet the highest international standards. Today, Qatar reaffirms this readiness years ahead of the event, drawing on an exceptional legacy built over the past years.This legacy rests on a system of modern sports facilities, stadiums, integrated training complexes, transportation networks, and supporting service infrastructure, allowing Qatar to deliver an exceptional edition of the Asian Games without the need to construct new facilities.In addition to the physical legacy, the major sporting events hosted by Qatar in recent years have contributed to building a sustainable human legacy represented in the operational and organizational expertise gained by national cadres through a series of milestones that solidified Qatar’s position as a global capital of sport.The Qatar Olympic Committee has played a pivotal role in developing this legacy by supervising sports federations, enhancing governance, improving institutional readiness for hosting continental and international events, and preparing national cadres with strong operational and organizational experience through their participation in hosting events such as the Doha 2006 Asian Games and many championships held under national federations.This institutional, human, and operational legacy forms a solid foundation for the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee, as the Qatar Olympic Committee now possesses an integrated system of experience, knowledge, and expertise that enables it to lead preparations for this continental event with high efficiency and deliver an edition that meets the aspirations of the Asian continent and reflects the development of Qatari sport.By hosting the Doha 2030 Asian Games, the State of Qatar seeks to reinforce its leadership in the sports field by presenting an exceptional edition that combines organizational excellence, expanding the base of sports and sporting culture within the community, and building a lasting legacy that contributes to enhancing the capabilities of future generations.

Qatar hosts FIG Trampoline Technical Committee meeting

Doha: Further strengthening its position as a premier global sports destination, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation is hosting the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Trampoline Technical Committee meeting from 4–9 December, bringing together leading experts and officials responsible for shaping the future of trampoline gymnastics worldwide.The hosting of this meeting reflects the ongoing trust the FIG places in Qatar—trust built on the nation’s world-class sports infrastructure, advanced facilities that meet the highest international standards, and its proven track record in staging major global championships, training camps, technical courses, and specialized conferences. These strengths continue to establish Doha as a preferred and enduring headquarters for international sports bodies.Throughout the five-day meeting, the committee will address several pivotal topics aimed at advancing trampoline gymnastics. Discussions will cover the latest updates to judging regulations, assessments of organizational and technical performance at recent world events, and reviews of preparations for upcoming international competitions. The agenda also includes proposals designed to elevate technical and judging standards in the sport.The committee’s work spans three core disciplines within trampoline gymnastics: trampoline, double mini-trampoline, and tumbling.Members of the FIG Trampoline Technical Committee expressed deep gratitude for the exceptional support of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, commending the high level of professionalism and the meticulous organization that helped create an optimal environment for productive and successful deliberations.Participants emphasized that Doha has become a trusted host for technical and leadership meetings across multiple sports, thanks to its professional ecosystem that supports global sports development and strengthens cooperation with international federations—aligning seamlessly with Qatar’s vision of using sport as a catalyst for development and a bridge between nations.

Team Qatar target victory against Tunisia to keep hopes alive

Doha: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui said he still believes in his team as the hosts take on Tunisia in a must-win clash at the Arab Cup at 8pm tonight at Al Bayt Stadium.Qatar have dropped points in both of their games so far, conceding late goals against Palestine and Syria as they stare at early exit from the tournament. Lopetegui said the team played well in their last match but admitted the result was hard to accept. “We were unhappy with how the game ended, but football can be cruel,” the Spaniard said Saturday. “But at the same time, we played really well against Syria. Football is like this sometimes. It’s not easy to accept that. We’ll now have to use all this frustration to push up in the next match.”Both Qatar and Tunisia are in precarious positions. Tunisia also failed to win their opening two games, and today’s match is a must-win for both. Their quarter-final hopes will also depend on the Syria–Palestine match being played at the same time today at the Education City Stadium. If Syria and Palestine draw, they will both qualify, regardless of the result at Al Bayt.Qatar need two things to advance: a win over Tunisia, and a Palestine victory over Syria. Tunisia’s path is the opposite: beat Qatar and hope Syria defeat Palestine.Lopetegui said his team can only focus on their own performance. “We have to compete well, stay concentrated, and do everything we can,” he said.Lopetegui described Tunisia as one of the strongest teams in the tournament, saying they have several high-quality players. But he insisted Qatar can still win if they stay sharp and give everything.Midfielder Ahmed Fathy said the team has struggled mentally after failing to close out games. “The last match was tough on us,” he said. “But we can’t think about the past. We must focus on Tunisia and take the positives from our last performance.”Fathy also called on Qatari fans to fill the stands. “We always need their support. Monday is a big game, and we want to make them proud,” he said.Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi said neither team controls its own destiny, but both must fight until the end. He said Tunisia expect strong backing from their fans in Doha. “We must forget what happened earlier in the tournament and focus only on winning,” he said. “This is our last chance.”Tunisian striker Seif Jaziri said the team will approach the match with full seriousness. He praised Qatar’s strengths but added that Tunisia will look to take advantage of any weaknesses.