Team Qatar win Stage 6 as FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League – Asia-Pacific concludes

Doha: The Qatar men’s national basketball team triumphed in Stage 6 of the FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific which concluded on Tuesday at the Federation Hall at Al Gharafa.Besides hosts Qatar, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei were part of the tournament with six teams competing in each category.Qatar men’s team secured the championship with a thrilling 17-14 victory in the final over New Zealand, marking a remarkable journey through the tournament, having previously defeated Chinese Taipei (21-9) and Indonesia (21-14) in the initial round.The accomplishment took Qatar team’s score to 520 points, achieved by winning the third and sixth rounds and finishing second in the first, second, and fourth rounds.This progress brings the team closer to qualifying for the World Championships, which are set to take place in Xiong’an, China, from September 17 to 21, while other continental qualifiers await the conclusion of their respective qualifying rounds.New Zealand secured second place in the sixth round after reaching the final by overcoming the Philippines (18-16) and Singapore (21-19). The Kiwis accumulated 560 points, having won the first, second, fourth, and fifth rounds, while finishing second in the third and sixth rounds.The Philippines claimed third place with 420 points, followed by Singapore with 325 points, Chinese Taipei with 305 points, and Indonesia with 300 points.The Qatar men’s national team comprised Hamad Yassin Ismail Musa, Zeineddine Badri, Nizar Mahmoud, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, and Mubarak Jama.In the women’s competition, New Zealand secured victory in the sixth round by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final 21-19, taking their total points to 480, placing them in second position.The Philippines led the overall standings with 530 points, while Chinese Taipei followed in third place with 480 points, Singapore ranked fourth with 360 points, Indonesia was fifth with 310 points, and the Qatari national team rounded out the standings in sixth place with 270 points.The tournament was graced by the presence ofMohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF); His Excellency Timmy Davis, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar; Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the 3x3 Committee at the Federation; Talal Saad Al Mughaiseeb, Tournament Director; along with several officials and guests of the tournament.At the conclusion of the event, Al Mughaiseeb and His Excellency the US Ambassador presented the champions of the sixth stage, the Qatar men’s and New Zealand women’s national teams, with their awards. Additionally, the New Zealand men’s and Philippines women’s national teams were recognized for their achievements in leading the overall standings and officially qualifying for the World Championship.QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, remarked: “We take great pride in the exceptional performance of our national youth team, which exemplifies the ongoing efforts and strategy implemented by the Association to enhance the 3x3 game at the youth level.”He added: “Winning this stage of the Nations League amid strong competition confirms that Qatar has a rising generation of basketball talent, and hosting the tournament at this distinguished level further enhances Qatar’s position as a regional and international sports hub.”Al Mughaiseeb concluded his statement by saying: “We aspire for more, and we will continue to support our players to ensure that Qatar is honorably represented in upcoming tournaments.” 

Qatar runners-up in 5th stage

Doha: The national basketball team of Qatar finished second in the fifth stage of the FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific. The tournament is being hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) from May 28 to June 3, 2025, and includes top-tier international teams in both the men’s and women’s categories.A total of twelve teams are competing in the tournament, comprising six men’s teams and six women’s teams: Qatar (the host), New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei. The Qatari national team advanced to the final of the fifth round after triumphing over the Philippines (22-18) and Indonesia (21-8) in the Group A games. In the final, the Qatari national team narrowly lost to NewZealand (17-18) in overtime following a 16-16 tie at the end of regulation time. The game was played on Monday evening, June 2, 2025, at the Etihad Hall in Al Gharafa.New Zealand reached the final defeating Chinese Taipei (21-7) and Singapore (21-9) in the Group B matches. The fifth round games were attended by QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Meghaiseeb, QBF Secretary-General Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, along with members of the Board of Directors.The Qatar men’s team comprises Hamad Yassin Ismail Musa, Zainuddin Badri, Nizar Mahmoud, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, and Mubarak Jama.Jassim Ashkanani, Director of the Qatar National Basketball Team, crowned the New Zealand team as the champions of the fifth stage.In the women’s competition, the Philippines national team took first place after defeating Chinese Taipei in the final match, 21-14, earning 460 points. Chinese Taipei came in second with 400 points. 

Qatar national team finishe as runners-up in fourth stage of FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific

Doha: The Qatar national basketball team secured the position of runners-up in the fourth stage of the FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific, which is being organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) from May 28 to June 3. This event featured elite international teams competing in both men's and women's categories.A total of twelve teams are participating in the tournament, comprising six men's teams and six women's teams: Qatar (the host), New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei.The Qatari team advanced to the final of the fourth stage after triumphing over Chinese Taipei (21-11) and Singapore (21-12) in the Group B matches.In the final, Qatar faced a narrow defeat against New Zealand (20-21) during a game held on Sunday evening, June 1, 2025, at the Federation's Hall in Al Gharafa.As a result, the Qatari team accumulated 340 points, finishing second in the first and second stages while winning the third stage. New Zealand achieved a total of 380 points, having won the first, second, and fourth stages.The Philippines secured third place with 280 points, followed by Singapore with 215 points, Chinese Taipei with 210 points, and Indonesia with 195 points.The Qatari men's team is composed of Hamad Yassin Ismail Musa, Zainuddin Badri, Nizar Mahmoud, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, and Mubarak Jama.Ahmed Yousef Al Darwish, the QBF Assistant Secretary-General and Chairman of the Competitions Committee, awarded the New Zealand team the title of champions of the fourth stage. In the women's competition, the Philippines national team claimed first place after defeating Chinese Taipei in the final match with a score of 21-15, earning 370 points. Chinese Taipei finished second with 320 points, followed by New Zealand with 310 points, Singapore in fourth with 230 points, Indonesia in fifth with 210 points, and Qatar in sixth with 180 points.Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the Qatari 3x3 Basketball Teams, presented the championship title to the Philippines national team for their victory in the fourth round.The Qatari women's team played their fourth round games, losing to the Philippines 21-9 and New Zealand 21-3 in Group A games.The Qatari women's team consists of: Salha Ismail, Mona Abdel Moneim, Sama Jasser, and Lamees Jamal.The fifth and penultimate round of the  FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025. The youth category games will kick off with Qatar and the Philippines at 2:55 PM, followed by New Zealand and Chinese Taipei at 3:45 PM.This will be followed by the Philippines and Indonesia match at 4:35 PM, then Chinese Taipei and Singapore at 5:35 PM, then Qatar and Indonesia at 6:25 PM, then Singapore and New Zealand at 7:15 PM. The final of the fifth round of the youth category will be held at 8:15 PM.The women's youth competition will begin at 2:30 PM with a match between the Philippines and Singapore, followed by New Zealand and Chinese Taipei at 3:20 PM, Qatar and the Philippines at 4:10 PM, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei at 5:10 PM, Qatar and Singapore at 6:00 PM, and New Zealand and Indonesia at 6:50 PM.The final of the fourth stage of the youth category will be held at 7:50 PM.This tournament is part of the promotional activities accompanying Qatar's hosting of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, as part of the Qatar Basketball Federation's commitment to intensifying quality events and enhancing the global presence of basketball in Qatar. The tournament is being held in cooperation with and under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).The current edition serves as a qualifying round for the FIBA U23 3x3 Basketball World Cup, with the men's and women's champions and the top scorers qualifying for the tournament, which will be held in Xiong'an, China, from September 17 to 21. 

Sheikh Joaan attends the Olympic Refuge Foundation Annual Board Meeting

Lausanne: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and a member of the Board of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), attended in the Foundation’s Annual Board Meeting held on Monday at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Olympism365 – Sport for a Better World Summit, hosted by the International Olympic Committee to strengthen the role of sport in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.The meeting was chaired by H.E. Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee and Chair of the ORF and H.E. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, alongside fellow ORF Board Members.During the meeting, members reviewed the ORF’s 2024 Annual and Financial Reports, discussed the 2025 operational plan, and endorsed the Foundation’s 2025–2030 strategic framework. The board also explored opportunities to expand sport-based programs for refugees and youth in host communities and adopted important decisions regarding the future of the Foundation’s global initiatives.Sheikh Joaan’s participation reflects Qatar’s commitment to support the ORF efforts as the QOC has played an active role in supporting the ORF’s work across strategic, financial, and operational dimensions—including hosting the Refugee Olympic Team ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games.  Qatar also has delivered targeted sports and humanitarian programs for displaced Palestinian and Afghan youth and hosted the ORF Board Meeting in Doha in April 2024.Qatar’s initiatives and its continued support for the ORF have contributed to the implementation of 14 sports programs across 10 countries, providing thousands of young refugees with the opportunity to engage in sport within safe environments. These efforts have contributed to the development of essential life skills and have positioned sport as an effective tool for empowerment and social cohesion in host communities.On this occasion, Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed the Qatar Olympic Committee’s deep commitment to supporting refugee athletes and promoting sport as a tool for peace and social cohesion. He emphasized the importance of Olympic partnerships in broadening the humanitarian impact of sport across the globe.He further noted that Qatar’s experience in leveraging sport to support humanitarian causes offers a practical model that can be expanded and enhanced. He reiterated the QOC’s readiness to continue working with international partners to scale joint initiatives and create safe spaces where refugee children and youth can access sport and integrate meaningfully into their new communities. 

Sheikh Joaan meets with IOC President-Elect on the sidelines of the Olympic Refuge Foundation Board Meeting

Lausanne: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and a member of the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) Board, met today with Her Excellency Kirsty Coventry, President-Elect of the International Olympic Committee, on the sidelines of the Foundation’s annual board meeting held at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland.The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, underscoring the shared commitment of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar Foundation to supporting refugee causes through sport, education, and community development.During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of topics of mutual interest, particularly the promotion of cooperation in the areas of sports governance, youth empowerment, and the expansion of Olympic-driven initiatives that leverage sport as a tool for sustainable development and social cohesion.The meeting also shed light on the sport programs designed for refugees and youth in host communities, as well as on ways to strengthen partnerships with international organizations in order to enhance the global impact and visibility of the Olympic Refuge Foundation.

Curtain comes down on Qatar Squash Federation Professional Tournament

Doha: The fourth edition of the Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) Professional International Tournament concluded after four days of competition at the Khalifa International Complex, as part of the PSA Challenger Tour. The tournament featured a lineup of elite international squash players.Iran’s Sepehr Etemad claimed the championship title after defeating Kuwait’s Athbi Hamad in the final by three games to one, with scores of 11–9, 10–12, 11–6, and 11–7.Tournament Director Mr. Saad Al-Mohanadi expressed his satisfaction with the high technical level displayed during the event.“We are proud to have hosted another successful edition of this international tournament, which has become a key fixture on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) calendar,” Al-Muhanadi stated.He emphasized that the tournament plays an important role in improving players’ international rankings and reaffirmed the Qatar Squash Federation’s commitment to continuing the organization of international competitions that support athletes in Qatar and across the region.