Team Qatar to face Iran in Asian Padel Championship Semi-Finals

DOHA — Qatar’s men’s national padel team will face Iran today Thursday in the semi-finals of the Asian Padel Championship Qatar 2025, currently being held at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.Having already secured their place in the last four, Team Qatar continued their impressive run with a third straight victory on Wednesday, overcoming Australia (2–1) in the final round of Group B matches. In the same group, Kuwait defeated Pakistan by the same margin (2–1).Qatar opened their main-draw campaign with a 2–1 win over Kuwait, followed by a 3–0 sweep of Pakistan in the second round. These results placed the hosts firmly at the top of Group B with six points, followed by Australia (5), Kuwait (4), and Pakistan (3).In Group A, the UAE led the standings with six points, ahead of Iran (5), Lebanon (4), and Jordan (3). The UAE will now meet Australia in the other semi-final encounter.In the women’s competition, Japan topped Group A with six points, followed by Iran (5), the UAE (4), and Saudi Arabia (3). Meanwhile, Indonesia dominated Group B with six points, trailed by Australia (5), Thailand (4), and the Philippines (3).Today’s women’s semi-final fixtures will see Japan face Australia, while Indonesia will take on Iran for a place in the final.Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation (FIP), praised the exceptional organization of the first-ever Asian Padel Championship, commending Qatar’s efforts in hosting this landmark event at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.“What we have witnessed here in Qatar during the inaugural Asian Padel Championship has been outstanding in every aspect,” said Carraro. “The organization has been world-class, and the facilities reflect Qatar’s deep commitment to developing and promoting padel across the region.”Carraro added that Qatar has set a new benchmark for continental events through its excellence in logistics, operations, and media coverage factors that have contributed significantly to the championship’s success and visibility. He expressed confidence that Doha’s hosting would serve as a launchpad for the sport’s continued growth across Asia.Reflecting on the competitive level of play, Carraro noted: “The matches have been intensely fought, revealing promising new talent from across the continent. Padel in Asia is on the right track, and its future looks bright  both regionally and on the global stage.” 

Idris Abubakr Wins Qatar’s First Gold at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain

Manama: Qatari sprinter Idris Abubakr delivered Team Qatar’s first gold medal at the 3rd Asian Youth Games, currently underway in Bahrain and running until October 31. Abubakr won the men’s 110m hurdles on the opening day of the athletics competitions at the Bahrain National Stadium.Abubakr claimed gold with an impressive time of 13.61 seconds, finishing ahead of China’s Tao Qidi, who took silver in 14.11 seconds, while Saudi Arabia’s Naif Al-Samiri secured bronze with 14.12 seconds.The medal ceremony was attended by Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), who presented the winners with their medals.Speaking after his victory, Abubakr expressed his joy at capturing Qatar’s first gold of the Games, describing the achievement as the result of “long months of preparation and hard work.” He said the win holds great personal and sporting significance and will serve as strong motivation to continue performing at the highest level and to raise Qatar’s flag proudly in future competitions.Abubakr noted that the race was highly competitive, featuring talented athletes from across Asia, but his confidence and solid preparation helped him secure the victory. He also expressed pride in representing Qatar in such a major continental event.In other athletics results, Maryam Al-Salik finished fifth in the women’s 1,500m final, while Dana Salem advanced to the final of the women’s 100m, scheduled for tomorrow.Elsewhere, Team Qatar’s 3x3 basketball squad made a strong start, winning three matches: defeating Cambodia (21–7), Thailand (22–17), and Uzbekistan (21–20).In beach volleyball, Qatar’s duo Ahmed Ziad and Moussa Al-Khair earned a 2–1 victory over Bahrain, with set scores of (21–8, 8–21, 15–13).In boxing, Qatari fighter Mohammed Al-Marri defeated Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al-Askari 3–2 in the 50kg weight class.In triathlon, Fahd Al-Kaabi finished 17th, while Shaheen Al-Kaabi placed 24th.In women’s volleyball, Qatar lost to Indonesia 0–3 in the quarterfinals.In golf, Team Qatar ranked 12th in the team standings after the opening round. Individually, Daniel Sokolov finished 6th, while Kamil Bin Roquia placed 45th.This gold medal marks a strong start for Team Qatar in Bahrain, as the delegation continues its quest for more podium finishes  across 16 sports disciplines.

Cameroon Delegation Explores Cooperation with Qatar Olympic Academy

Doha : Cameroonian delegation paid a visit to the Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) on Thursday, to explore ways for further cooperation.The delegation from the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSC) and the Cameroonian National Olympic Academy (NOA) praised QOA's role in qualifying and developing sport cadres, expressing desire to benefit from this experience and elevate the sport sector.The delegation was introduced to the role of QOA in spreading sport and Olympic culture in society, and was briefed on the agendas of the Academy, the higher education programs, the specialized courses in sport science, and many more.Executive Director of QOA, Khaleel Ebrahim Al Jabir, gave an overview of the history of the Academy, its organizational and administrative structure, and the development stages of its programs, courses and activities.Al Jabir gave the delegation a tour of the Academy's halls and its many facilities that provide the perfect environment for students to practice sport science.The delegation also visited the QOA Library, which includes over 7,000 educational materials related to sport, as well as the audiovisual library.The Executive Director of QOA affirmed that the Academy is eager to strengthen cooperation with CNOSC and the Cameroonian NOA in sport and Olympic education.A NOA official praised the impactful role of the QOA in qualifying individuals in sport-related fields, as well as educating members of society about sport and Olympic culture.

Qatar and Palestine Wrestling Federations Sign Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Sports Partnership

DOHA  – The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation and the Palestine Wrestling Federation signed a cooperation agreement today at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha. This agreement aims to build a stronger sports partnership between the two federations through joint training camps, organizing championships, creating development programs, and exchanging technical, coaching, and refereeing expertise.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and Mr. Riyad Hassan, Secretary-General of the Palestine Wrestling Federation and member of the “Sport for All” Commission at United World Wrestling.The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Abdullah Hamad Al Mosaifri, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatari Federation, Mr. Ghanem Saleh Al Kuwari, Board Member, and Mr. Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security.This agreement represents an important step in supporting the development of wrestlers from both Qatar and Palestine. It will help improve their technical and physical skills through training camps and prepare them to compete at regional, Arab, continental, and international championships.Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani praised the achievements of Palestinian wrestlers at both the Arab and international levels. He said that this agreement will open new opportunities for athletes from both countries, helping them develop their talents, enhance their competitiveness, and achieve greater success in the sport of wrestling.Mr. Riyad Hassan expressed his deep appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continuous support of Palestinian sports. He said that this agreement marks a new stage in the growth of wrestling in both countries and will help build a new generation of champions capable of reaching the top of international podiums.The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani and Mr. Riyad Hassan, reflecting the strong relationship and shared commitment between the two federations to promote wrestling excellence. 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad attends renewal of cooperation agreement signing ceremony between OCA and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa

Manama:  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, attended today the signing ceremony for the renewal of the Cooperation Agreement between the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 3rd Asian Youth Games currently being held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.The agreement was signed by Mr. Timothy Fok, First Vice President of the OCA, and Mr. Mustapha Berraf, President of ANOCA.This renewed agreement aims to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two bodies, develop joint initiatives to address shared challenges faced by athletes and professionals across both continents, enhance technical exchange programs, train sports administrators, and coordinate efforts in preparation for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.Also present at the signing were H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and OCA Vice President for West Asia, and H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and OCA Vice President for the Doha 2030 Asian Games.It is worth noting that H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani is the sole candidate for the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia, with the election scheduled to take place during the OCA General Assembly in January next year. 

King of Bahrain receives President of Qatar Olympic Committee and Youth Asian Games delegates

Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain received today H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, along with senior dignitaries and heads of delegations participating in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, currently being hosted by Bahrain.His Majesty warmly welcomed Sheikh Joaan and all distinguished guests, expressing his appreciation for their attendance at the Games and wishing them a pleasant stay in their second home, the Kingdom of Bahrain.In return, the senior guests and heads of delegations extended their sincere thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the King for the generous hospitality and warm welcome they received. They also expressed their happiness to be in Bahrain and to participate in this major continental sporting event.