Qatar’s U23 3x3 Basketball Team Gears Up for 2025 FIBA World Cup Challenge in China

DOHA – Qatar’s U23 Men’s 3x3 Basketball Team is making final preparations for the highly anticipated FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, set to take place in Xiong’an, China, from September 17 to 21, 2025. The tournament provides a major platform for Qatar’s rising stars to shine on the world stage and reinforce the country's growing reputation in international basketball.Qatar earned their place at the World Cup thanks to a stellar showing in the 2025 FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League, where they ranked among the top teams in the final standings. This qualification highlights the Qatar Basketball Federation’s (QBF) strategic investment in youth development and its commitment to building a strong future for the sport in the country.The team’s qualification campaign was marked by impressive performances in the Asia-Pacific Conference of the Nations League. Qatar won two major stops،the third and sixth rounds held in Doha between May 28 and June 3, and finished second in three others. With a total of 520 points, Qatar showcased consistency, tactical strength, and competitive drive.At the World Cup, Qatar faces a challenging path, having been drawn into Group D alongside host nation China (ranked No. 4), Latvia (No. 5), global powerhouse USA, and Fiji. The group is considered one of the toughest in the competition, setting the stage for high-intensity matchups.The 2025 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup will feature 20 teams split into four groups, competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Group placements were determined based on the FIBA U23 3x3 World Rankings as of January 1, 2025.In a statement, Yassin Ismail, Director of National 3x3 Teams, expressed strong confidence in the team’s prospects:“We’ve developed a well-prepared, unified squad capable of competing at the top level. This qualification is the result of a long-term vision, smart technical planning, and the players' hard work. Our goal now is to fine-tune their preparation to ensure they perform at their best in China. We believe this team can make a strong impact on the world stage.”The Qatar Basketball Federation continues to prioritize youth engagement in international competitions as a cornerstone of its broader development strategy. By nurturing young talent and offering them global exposure, the QBF aims to build a sustainable pipeline of elite players across all age levels.Qatar’s appearance in the 2025 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup marks a milestone in the country’s sporting journey, as the team looks to leave its mark on one of the fastest-growing formats in global basketball.

Draw for Arabian Gulf Padel Championship Qatar 2025 Set for Sunday

DOHA – The official draw for the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship  Qatar 2025 will be held this Sunday in Doha, marking the countdown to one of the region’s most anticipated sporting events.Hosted by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Badminton Federation (QTSPBF), the championship will take place at Padel IN in Aspire Zone from September 15 to 19.The draw ceremony will bring together representatives from all participating nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and host country Qatar. The competition will feature matches across three main categories: Men’s, Women’s, and Juniors.QTSPBF Secretary-General, Tariq Zainal, extended a warm welcome to all delegations and athletes, stating that Qatar is fully prepared to host the tournament at the highest international standards. He emphasized that the event reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to excellence in sports and its growing reputation as a premier global sports hub.

Qatar’s Seif Mohamed makes pole vault final at World Championships with record jump

TOKYO - Qatar’s Seif Mohamed created a new Qatar, GCC, Arab and West Asian record as he jumped 5.75m to qualify for the pole vault final of the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday.Mohamed made the opening mark of 5.40m in his first attempt before going on to better 5.55m and 5.70m in the second attempt of each mark. He cleared the bar at 5.75m in his third attempt to secure his place among the world’s best.In the final, Seif will be joined world record-holder Mondo Duplantis and his fellow global medallists Emmanouil Karalis, Kurtis Marschall and Sam Kendricks who were among the athletes to safely progress from men’s pole vault qualification.Duplantis, who heads into the final with a two-year unbeaten streak of 35 competitions, and having set three world records this year, came through qualifying in routine fashion needing just two jumps to make Monday’s final, clearing 5.55m and 5.75m by huge margins.The automatic qualification height was 5.80m, but only 12 men went over at 5.75m meaning no further height was required.Former world record holder and London 2012 Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie needed a third-time clearance at 5.70m to stay alive. The Frenchman, who turns 39 on Thursday, was then successful at 5.75m on the second attempt to go into the final.Among the big-name casualties were the Philippines’ EJ Obiena who had two failures at 5.70m before choosing to go up to 5.75m. But the world silver medallist from Budapest 2023 went out.Also departing were Belgian Ben Broeders, the partner of star hurdler Femke Bol, and Poland’s three-time World Championship medallist Piotr Lisek. Both men had three failures at 5.75m.No such problems for two-time world champion Sam Kendricks, Greek star Emmanouil Karalis, and Norway’s Sondre Mogens Guttormsen who all progressed without a failure.The men’s pole vault final takes place on Monday at 10:49 GMT. Meanwhile on Sunday, Qatar’s Ammar Ismail will be in action in the men’s 400m heats. 

Netherlands Overcomes Qatar in FIVB Volleyball World Championship Opener

MANILA – Qatar’s men’s national volleyball team suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening match of the FIVB Volleyball World Championship, which began yesterday in the Philippines and runs through September 28.Despite a strong effort, Qatar managed to win one hard-fought set (28-26), while the Netherlands claimed the match with set scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 25-23.This marks Qatar’s first loss in the tournament, where they are making only their second appearance following their debut in the 2022 edition in Poland and Slovenia.Qatar will next face world No. 1 Poland on Monday, followed by their final group stage clash against Romania on Wednesday.In other Group B action, Poland defeated Romania in straight sets (3-0). Elsewhere, in Group D, the United States beat Colombia 3-0, while Portugal outplayed Cuba 3-1. Group E saw Bulgaria overcome Germany 3-0, and in Group G, Turkiye swept Japan 3-0, with Canada defeating Libya 3-1.The championship features 32 teams competing in a group-stage format. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Round of 16, set for September 20–23. The quarterfinals will follow on September 24–25, with semifinals on September 27. The tournament concludes with the final and bronze medal matches on September 28.

Qatar's Barshim out of Tokyo worlds with foot injury

DOHA - Three-time former world high jump champion Mutaz Barshim announced his withdrawal on the eve of the world championships in Tokyo because of a foot injury.The 34-year-old Qatari, who won world titles in 2017, 2019 and 2022, also claimed Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021. He won bronze at last year's Paris Olympics. "I've been battling with a very serious injury since April," Barshim wrote on social media. "I was planning to make Tokyo my last world championships but unfortunately my foot hasn't healed in time. I've given it my all, but we can't force nature and must stay patient to recover."He expressed disappointment over missing the event, stating: "I had hoped to compete and bring joy to the fans in Qatar and around the world. But I believe the best is yet to come, God willing."Barshim, the second highest jumper of all-time with a personal best of 2.43 metres, has competed just once this season. That saw him finish second as he cleared a best of 2.13m at the Western Asian Clubs Challenge on home turf in Doha. "Don't feel sorry for me not jumping," Barshim added. "Feel sorry for high jumping not having me."The Qatar Athletics Federation expressed regret over Barshim’s withdrawal, noting that medical staff advised against his participation to avoid aggravating the injury. "Barshim was present with Team Qatar in Japan and made every effort to overcome the pain and compete in the championship, but the medical decision prioritised his safety so that he can return stronger in the upcoming events. We wish him a speedy recovery," the federation said.Barshim’s absence leaves a notable gap in Qatar’s medal hopes, but the federation remains optimistic ahead of the event in Tokyo that runs from September 13 to 21.Qatar Athletics Federation last announced had a 12-athlete squad for the championships, featuring Barshim, Abderrahman Samba, Ismail Dawood, Omar Dawood, Bassem Hemeida, Saif Mohammed, Ashraf Hussein, Ammar Ismail, Ibrahim Zakaria, Khaled Hussein, Abdulaziz Youssef and Ahmed Haroun.Samba, who claimed bronze in the 400m hurdles at Doha 2019, will be a key contender again alongside Hemeida, while the 4x400m relay team of Hussein, Hemeida, Dawood, and Ismail is also targeting the podium.Saif Mohammed, 23, will make his World Championships debut in the pole vault, while Omar Dawood competes in the 110m hurdles. Ammar Ismail, Khaled Hussein, Youssef Abdulaziz, and Ahmed Haroun will run in the 400m, with Ibrahim Zakaria contesting the 800m

Team Qatar Set to face Netherlands in Volleyball World Championship Opener in Philippines

DOHA – The Qatari national volleyball team will launch their campaign in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Saturday when they take on the Netherlands in their opening Group B match. The tournament got underway Friday in the Philippines and runs through September 28.A record 32 teams are competing in this edition, with Qatar aiming for a strong start that reflects the team’s steady rise in recent years. Backed by intensive preparations and high expectations from supporters, the squad is determined to add another milestone to Qatari volleyball’s growing record of achievements.Following the opener, Qatar will face defending champions and world No. 1 Poland on September 15 before wrapping up the group stage against Romania on September 17. This marks Qatar’s second appearance at the Volleyball World Championship, following their debut at the 2022 edition in Poland and Slovenia.As part of their build-up, the team held an intensive training camp in Doha that featured seven friendlies: two each against Egypt and Iran, and three against Ukraine. Head coach Camilo Sotto of Argentina rotated his lineup throughout the camp to fine-tune tactics and assess player readiness.Group B has been labeled one of the tournament’s toughest, featuring Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania alongside Qatar. Meanwhile, Group A saw an early statement from Tunisia, who opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over hosts Philippines (25-13, 25-17, 25-23), collecting three points in their bid to replicate their 2022 knockout-stage qualification.The championship format divides the 32 teams into eight groups, with the top two in each advancing to the round of 16, scheduled for September 20–23. Quarterfinals will follow on September 24–25, semifinals on September 27, and the medal matches on September 28.Other notable groups include: Group C (France, Argentina, Finland, South Korea), Group D (United States, Cuba, Portugal, Colombia), Group E (Germany, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Chile), Group F (Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, Algeria), Group G (Japan, Canada, Turkey, Libya), and Group H (Brazil, Serbia, Czech Republic, China).