Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani Confirmed as Sole Candidate for Presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirms the nomination of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani as the sole candidate for the position of President of the OCA.The Olympic Council of Asia received only one nomination by the official deadline of 31 July 2025 at 5 PM Kuwait time. The candidature of Sheikh Joaan reflects widespread regional support and consensus across the Asian sporting community.His Excellency currently serves as President of the QOC and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). He has played a central role in strengthening Qatar’s global sporting profile and advancing cooperation within the international Olympic Movement. His leadership has focused on athlete development, institutional excellence, and regional inclusion.The nomination process follows the announcement that the current President of the OCA, Raja Randhir Singh of India will not finish his term due to health considerations. The election will take place on 26 January 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.The QOC considers the unified support for Sheikh Joaan’s candidature as a clear reflection of shared aspirations across Asia. His vision places emphasis on participation, equity, and respect for the diversity that defines the continent. His leadership approach fosters dialogue, trust, and strategic progress for all member nations.The QOC reiterates its dedication to advancing Olympic sport in Asia and to contributing positively to the continued growth and stability of the OCA under Sheikh Joaan’s proposed leadership.

International Friendly Tournament to conclude with Qatar-Iraq showdown

Doha: The 2025 International Friendly Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation, will wrap up today, with two exciting matches at the Lusail Multipurpose Arena.The first game, pitting Saudi Arabia against Japan, is scheduled for 7:00 PM, followed by the final match at 9:00 PM, where hosts Qatar will face Iraq, bringing the curtain down on this year’s tournament.The competition featured four teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Iraq. Qatar’s national team delivered impressive performances, highlighted by an 82-78 victory over Saudi Arabia in the opening match.Despite falling 92-103 to Japan in the second round, the team, under the guidance of Turkish coach Hakan Demir, showed clear signs of technical and physical improvement. Alen Hadzibegovic stood out for Qatar, scoring 24 points against Japan, while Japan’s Yudai Nishida led his team with 21 points.Saudi Arabia also secured a commanding 91-76 win over Iraq, heightening the stakes for the closing matches.The tournament was attended by key figures, including Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General and National Teams Director, alongside members of the basketball community and heads of the participating teams’ delegations.This friendly tournament serves as a vital preparatory step for Qatar’s national team as they gear up for the 31st FIBA Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, 2025, with 16 teams from across the continent.Qatar has been placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. Group B consists of Guam, Japan, Syria, and Iran, while Group C includes China, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia.Group D comprises Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iraq, and the Philippines.The Asia Cup will follow a group-stage format, with the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Teams finishing second and third in each group will compete in crossover playoff matches to determine the remaining quarterfinalists. 

Qatar’s reserve basketball team defeat UAE in Bahrain

Manama: Qatar’s reserve basketball team clinched their first win in the 26th Arab Nations Championship, defeating the United Arab Emirates 78-71 in a thrilling match held on Wednesday evening at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Bahrain.The game, part of the tournament’s fourth round, showcased intense competition in the ongoing championship, which runs until August 2. The match began with both teams adopting a cautious approach, resulting in a tied first quarter (15-15).Qatar gained momentum in the second quarter, dominating with a 27-19 scoreline, which gave them a clear edge heading into the second half. Despite a dip in performance during the third quarter, where the UAE capitalized to win the period 21-17 and narrow the gap, Qatar regained composure in the final quarter.They secured a 19-16 victory in the period, sealing the match with a seven-point lead. Dejan Yanik emerged as Qatar’s standout player, leading the game with an impressive 33 points. The win boosts Qatar’s tally to 5 points in the standings, strengthening their position in the single-round-robin tournament featuring seven Arab national teams. 

Khaleel Al Jabir elected as Bureau Member of World Aquatics

Singapore: Khaleel Ibrahim Al Jabir, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy and former President of Qatar Swimming Association (QSA), has been elected as a Bureau Member of World Aquatics for the 2025–2029 term.The announcement came during the World Aquatics General Congress held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.Al Jabir, a leading figure in Qatari and Asian aquatic sports, previously served as QSA president from 2008 to 2024. His longstanding service to the sport includes being first elected to World Aquatics in 2017, followed by a key role in 2021 when he was selected at the Doha General Assembly as one of the members representing host nations of the World Championships.His re-election this year is another milestone in a distinguished career dedicated to advancing aquatic sports on a global scale.In addition to his World Aquatics responsibilities, Al Jabir also holds the position of Vice President of the Asian Aquatics Federation for the 2024–2029 term, a role he secured during the 2024 general assembly in Bangkok, Thailand.Meanwhile, QSA President Mubarak bin Ali Al Nuaimi participated in the 2025 World Aquatics General Congress in Singapore. His attendance reflects the association’s continued efforts to reinforce Qatar’s presence in the international sporting arena. On behalf of the Association, Al Nuaimi congratulated Al Jabir on his election and expressed confidence in his ability to represent Qatar with distinction and help shape the future of aquatic sports worldwide.The Congress also saw the election of the World Aquatics Board of Directors for the upcoming term, selecting several prominent figures tasked with leading the global governing body into its next chapter. 

Qatar’s Ismail Dawood takes first place at Germany’s C.A. Schifflange Meeting

Berlin: Qatar’s Ismail Dawood continued his strong form on the road to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, capturing first place in the 400m hurdles at the prestigious C.A. Schifflange International Meeting in Germany — a key qualifying event for the upcoming global championship.Dawood crossed the finish line in 48.04 seconds, marking his best time of the season and outpacing several of Europe’s top contenders. He edged out Belgium’s Julien Watrin, who took second place, followed by Spain’s Jose Delgado in third, and Germany’s Joshua Abuaku in fourth.Though Dawood had already secured his qualification for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships earlier this year, his participation in elite European competitions serves as vital preparation ahead of the September event.Qatar also saw success in the 110m hurdles, where national team sprinter Omar Abkar delivered an impressive performance to finish third with a personal best of 13.37 seconds. Abkar remains in contention to qualify for Tokyo 2025 through upcoming meets and Diamond League events. 

Team Qatar lose to Japan in International Friendly Tournament

Doha: Qatar’s national basketball team continued its campaign in the 2025 International Friendly Basketball Tournament with a spirited performance against Japan on Wednesday evening at Lusail Multipurpose Arena. Despite a determined effort, Team Qatar fell 103–92 in a fast-paced, high-scoring encounter during the second round of the tournament organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation.The match opened with Japan taking early control, claiming the first quarter 29–19. Qatar responded with grit in the second quarter, matching Japan point-for-point in a 24–24 draw. The third period once again tipped in Japan’s favor (29–24), but Qatar rallied late in the game to win the final quarter 25–21. However, the comeback fell short as the Japanese maintained their lead to seal the victory.Qatar’s Alen Hadzibegovic delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 24 points. Japan’s Yudai Nishida was the standout for his side with 21 points. With this result, Qatar moves to three points in the standings, while Japan, making their tournament debut after missing the opening round, secured their first two points.Qatar had opened the tournament with a hard-fought 82–78 win over Saudi Arabia, while the final round of matches is set for Friday, August 1. Saudi Arabia will face Japan at 5:00 PM, followed by Qatar’s concluding match against Iraq at 7:00 PM.Under the direction of Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, Team Qatar is utilizing this friendly tournament as a crucial part of their final preparations for the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, taking place from August 5–17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The continental tournament will feature 16 of Asia’s top national teams.Qatar is drawn in Group A alongside basketball powerhouses Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. Other groups feature strong competition: Group B includes Guam, Japan, Syria, and Iran; Group C consists of China, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia; while Group D brings together Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iraq, and the Philippines.The FIBA Asia Cup follows a group-stage format, with group winners advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Teams finishing second and third will battle in knockout playoff rounds to determine the remaining quarterfinalists.This international tournament has provided Qatar with vital competitive experience and an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies before taking on the continent’s best at the FIBA Asia Cup.