Qatar Winter Sports Committee concludes Advanced Ice Skating Course with ISU

Doha – The Qatar Winter Sports Committee concluded on Saturday Advanced Short Track Speed Skating Training Course, organized in cooperation with the International Skating Union (ISU) at the Ice Rink of Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd.Held from 3 to 9 August, the program came as part of strengthening the partnership between the Committee and the ISU, with the aim of developing Qatari talent among athletes, coaches, and technical staff. The course featured both advanced on-ice practical sessions and theoretical lectures, all conducted under the supervision of international experts in a highly professional setting.The initiative seeks to establish a specialized national technical base in short track speed skating, preparing Qatari talents to compete in regional and international championships and reinforcing Qatar’s presence in global winter sports.Participants showed high levels of technical skill and remarkable progress, reflecting the rapid development and continued support for winter sports in the country.On the occasion, Mr. Ahmed Ali Al-Jaber, Board Member of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, said: “Organizing this course embodies our active partnership with the International Skating Union and underscores the world-class facilities provided by Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, which has become a key hub for winter sports in Qatar and a magnet for expertise from home and abroad.”The course concluded with an official ceremony  attended by international coach and ISU representative Ms. Nicole Garrido, Qatar national team coach Mr. Attila Tarcali, and Mr. Ahmed Ali Al-Jaber. Certificates were awarded to the participants in a vibrant and positive atmosphere, reflecting the program’s success and the strong team spirit.This course is one of several pioneering initiatives aimed at advancing ice skating in Qatar and creating new opportunities for Qatari youth.

Qatar in must-win situation vs Australia at FIBA Asia Cup

Jeddah: Qatar face a formidable challenge against Australia in the third round of Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah on Sunday (11am).Following consecutive losses to Lebanon (84-80) and South Korea (97-83), Qatar need to secure a victory to keep their hopes alive for advancing into the knockouts.Meanwhile, defending champions Australia have dominated Group A, starting with a commanding 97-61 win over South Korea and a 93-80 victory against Lebanon, earning them the top spot with 4 points. Lebanon and South Korea follow with 3 points each, while Qatar have 2 points.Led by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, Qatar are focusing on addressing defensive lapses and reducing turnovers while boosting offensive efficiency. The team will rely on the talents of American professional Brandon Goodwin, alongside key players Abdulrahman Saad, Zain Eldin Badri, and the dominant presence of Alen Hadzibegovic.The match against Australia, known for their physicality and rapid offensive transitions, represents one of Qatar’s toughest challenges in the group stage. A positive result could significantly boost the team’s campaign.The Qatar delegation in Jeddah is led by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, General Secretary of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams. Administrative support is provided by Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani (Team Manager) and Nabil Juma (Assistant Manager). The medical team includes Dr. Adel Saleem, Dr. Adel Hormia, and physiotherapist Nikasio Sagayno.Coach Hakan Demir, supported by assistants Cengiz Karadag, Abdu Su, Attila Yapcilar, and Mohammed Fural, continues to refine the team’s defensive and offensive strategies. Qatar’s 12-player roster includes Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndiaye, Zain Eldin Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndao, Mohammed Basheer, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish. 

Qatar lose to South Korea in FIBA Asia Cup Group Stage

Jeddah: Qatar’s national basketball team suffered an 83-97 defeat to South Korea on Friday in their second Group A fixture at the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, currently underway in Jeddah.South Korea controlled large stretches of the game, capitalizing on their offensive rhythm to convert their advantage into a comfortable victory.The result leaves Qatar still searching for their first win of the tournament, following their narrow 80-84 loss to Lebanon in the opener. South Korea, who lost 61-97 to defending champions Australia in their first match, bounced back strongly to keep their qualification hopes alive.In the other Group A encounter, Australia overcame Lebanon 93-80, moving within touching distance of a place in the knockout stage ahead of their final group clash with Qatar.Elsewhere in Group B action, Iran defeated Japan 78-70 to strengthen their position in the standings. 

Qatar to meet South Korea in crucial Asia Cup clash today

Jeddah: The Qatar national basketball team is gearing up for a critical showdown against South Korea on Friday in the second round of Group A action at the 31st edition of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.The tournament, featuring 16 top Asian teams and organized by FIBA Asia, is being held in Saudi Arabia from August 5 to 17.The highly-anticipated clash is scheduled at 11am local time at the King Abdullah Sports City arena in Jeddah. The game represents a turning point for both squads as they vie for advancement to the knockout stages.Qatar, which secured third-place finishes in the 2003 and 2005 tournaments, enters the contest following a narrow 80-84 defeat to Lebanon in their opener.Despite the loss, the team delivered a resilient and competitive performance, highlighted by American import Brandon Goodwin’s standout effort of 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists, earning him recognition as the game’s top performer.South Korea, meanwhile, are looking to overcome a challenging start having suffered a lopsided 97-61 loss to Australia. The Australians dominated from the outset, powered by Jack McVeigh’s exceptional long-range shooting that sealed an emphatic victory.Nevertheless, South Korea boast a storied legacy in the competition, having claimed championships in 1969 (Thailand) and 1997 (Saudi Arabia). The team is determined to mount a strong comeback in this edition.With Australia and Lebanon leading Group A on two points each, and Qatar and South Korea tied at one point apiece, the stakes are high in the battle for the top three spots that secure qualification. Qatar will wrap up its group stage campaign against Australia on August 10.The Qatari delegation is led by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, with support from Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Administrative Assistant Nabil Jumaa.Head Coach Hakan Demir of Turkey oversees the squad, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Abdu So, Attila Yapciger, and Mohammed Fural. Administrative duties are managed by Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani (Team Manager) and Nabil Jumaa (Administrative Assistant), while the medical team is headed by Dr. Adel Salem and Dr. Adel Hormia, alongside physiotherapist Nikasio Sagayno.Qatar’s 12-player roster includes: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndoye, Zinedine Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndaw, Mohammed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish.A victory here would be a significant boost for Qatar’s path to direct qualification or a spot in the crossover playoff games leading to the quarter-finals. Under the tournament format, group winners advance automatically, while second- and third-place teams compete in elimination crossovers. 

Team Qatar fall short against Lebanon in thrilling FIBA Asia Cup opener

Jeddah: The Qatar national basketball team faced a tough defeat against Lebanon, losing 84-80 in a closely contested match in the opening round of the 31st FIBA Asia Cup 2025 at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Wednesday.The championship features 16 Asian teams vying for continental glory.The match was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), alongside Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, and Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, General Secretary, National Teams Director, and head of Qatar’s delegation.Qatar, bronze medalists in 2003 and 2005, entered the game with high aspirations in a competitive Group A, which also includes defending champions Australia and South Korea. The first quarter saw both teams evenly matched, with Lebanon—runners-up in 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2022—gaining a slight edge through strong defense and quick offensive transitions, ending the period 16-11.In the second quarter, Qatar showcased their best performance, led by American professional Brandon Goodwin’s dynamic drives and precise shooting. Supported by robust defensive play from Abdulrahman Saad and Alen Hadzibegovic under the basket, Qatar took control, winning the quarter 24-19 to tie the score at 35-35 by halftime.However, Lebanon dominated the third quarter, dictating the tempo and outscoring Qatar 26-16 to build a 10-point lead. Despite a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter, where Qatar outscored Lebanon 29-23, the deficit proved too large, and Lebanon secured the victory with a final score of 84-80.Goodwin led all scorers with an impressive 33 points for Qatar, while Lebanon’s Ali Mansour and Diedrick Lawson contributed 12 points each.With this result, Lebanon earned two points, while Qatar secured one point in the Group A standings. In another Group A match, defending champions Australia asserted their dominance with a commanding 97-61 victory over South Korea.The tournament features four groups: Group A (Qatar, Lebanon, Australia, South Korea), Group B (Japan, Iran, Syria, Guam), Group C (China, Jordan, India, Saudi Arabia), and Group D (Philippines, New Zealand, Iraq, Chinese Taipei).Qatar next play Australia on August 8 at 11am.

Qatar to play Bahrain and Russia in friendlies in Doha ahead of crucial Asian Qualifiers Playoffs for FIFA World Cup 2026

Doha: The Qatar national football team will play two international friendlies against Bahrain and Russia in September as part of their preparations for the fourth round (play-offs) of the Asian qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026, the Qatar Football Association has announced.Team Qatar will face Bahrain in the first match on Tuesday, September 3, at the Al Thumama Stadium, before meeting Russia on Saturday, September 7, at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.Qatar is scheduled to host Group A matches of the Asian Qualifiers Play-off, where Team Qatar will face Oman on October 8, and meet the UAE on the 14th of the same month at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.The upcoming two friendly matches represent an important technical opportunity for the technical staff, led by coach Julen Lopetegui, to assess players’ readiness and prepare an ideal squad before the crucial qualifiers.Qatar advanced to the playoffs after finishing fourth in Group A of the third round of the Asian Qualifiers. Qatar players recently trained under Spanish coach Lopetegui at an overseas camp in Austria.Qatar are seeking a second consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance following their debut as hosts in 2022. Meanwhile, UAE are hoping for a second appearance at the Finals following their debut in the 1990 edition.In the Playoffs, the winners of two of the three-team groups, which will be played in October, will join already-qualified Australia, Japan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran and Jordan at next year’s expanded 48-nation finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The nations finishing in second place in each group will advance to a further round of qualifying, which will be held over two legs in November on a home-and-away basis.Asia has been granted eight guaranteed berths at the FIFA World Cup Finals. A possible ninth berth is available to the winner of November’s match-up via an intercontinental playoff in March.Ahead of Team Qatar’s overseas camp in Austria, coach Lopetegui had announced a 30-man roster featuring several notable changes. Al Sadd midfielder Guilherme Torres earned his first national team call-up, while former captain Hassan Al Haydos returned to the side for the qualifiers.Veteran goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb was left out, with Marwan Sharif and Shehab Al Laithi brought in.The list also included two fresh defensive additions: Youssef Ayman (Al Duhail) and Abdullah Al Yazidi (Al Sadd). The four goalkeepers picked were Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria, Marwan Sharif, andAl Laithi. Other key players in the team are Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Boualem Khoukhi, Karim Boudiaf, and Pedro Miguel.