Cherif and Ahmed start their season with Xiamen gold

Qatar’s top beach volleyball pair Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan won the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Xiamen Challenge in China Sunday.The two-time Olympians and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists Qatari pair defeated Switzerland’s Marco Krattiger and Leo Dillier 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) in the final their very first appearance on the 2025 Tour.The Qatari beach volleyball team has enjoyed remarkable international success in recent years, highlighted by winning the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and finishing fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics clear evidence of the impressive progress Qatari beach volleyball has made on the global stage. 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Opens the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Doha 2025

Doha: HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, officially inaugurated the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships - Doha 2025, hosted at Lusail Sports Arena and Qatar University. The competition will continue until May 25, featuring 640 players from 127 countries representing all five continents.The opening ceremony was attended by Petra Sörling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), along with several dignitaries and leaders from Asian and international sports and Olympic movements, senior officials from both the Qatar and International Table Tennis Federations, and other distinguished guests.In a poignant national moment, the Qatari national anthem was played amidst gentle lighting and a backdrop showcasing the national flag, followed by a welcoming address from HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Championship’s Supreme Organizing Committee, affirming Qatar’s commitment to organizing international sporting events that foster cultural exchange and elevate the game.During his speech at the opening ceremony, Khalil bin Ahmed Al-Mohannadi, President of the Qatar Table Tennis Federation, President of both the Arab and Asian Table Tennis Unions, First Vice President of ITTF, and Director General of the Championship, stated, "On behalf of myself and the organizing committee, I warmly welcome Qatar’s honored guests from all over the world to this major sporting event. We are immensely proud to host the World Table Tennis Championships for the second time in Qatar’s history, marking Qatar as the first Middle Eastern country to host this global event since the 2004 edition."Al-Mohannadi added, "This extraordinary moment reaffirms Qatar’s established position as the region’s sporting capital and its ongoing dedication to becoming a global meeting point and host for major sporting events, uniting the world through fair competition and mutual respect."He continued, "I wish all delegations a pleasant stay in their second home, and great success in the competitions. We hope the tournament will exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship and organization, reflecting the immense effort and preparation made over the past months."The championship’s director further emphasized, "I assure you that the Qatar Table Tennis Federation, supported by national institutions, is tirelessly working to welcome all guests and ensure the event’s success. I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all organizational committees and their dedicated teams for their commitment and efforts."Concluding his speech, Al-Mohannadi expressed profound gratitude to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for his significant support, saying, "We hope this championship will be a memorable sporting milestone, creating beautiful memories for all participants and strengthening bridges of communication and understanding among peoples through sport. Welcome to Qatar, and always welcome."The opening ceremony featured diverse and entertaining segments, combining sportsmanship, cultural heritage, and spectacular visual elements, effectively showcasing the championship’s global significance.The ceremony began with a dynamic visual display on illuminated screens highlighting the championship’s history and notable moments, accompanied by enthusiastic welcomes for participating delegations and spectators, conveyed by the lead presenter expressing Qatar's pride in hosting the event.The ceremony emphasized cultural and geographic diversity among participating countries and the importance of international sports cooperation in an energetic and appreciative introduction.Petra Sörling, President of the ITTF, delivered a speech appreciating the excellent organization and praising the level of international participation and preparation for the championship.Representatives of the athletes and referees took the official oath, reaffirming their commitment to integrity and fair competition, accompanied by an elegant audiovisual presentation enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.One highlight included the presentation of a promotional video for the official championship mascots, "Saree' and Saree'a," who later appeared interactively on stage, delightfully greeting the audience with engaging visuals and audio.Qatari heritage was prominently showcased with the traditional "Al-Ardha" performance, a folkloric dance expressing pride and cultural identity, linking Qatar’s cultural roots with the international sporting event.An exciting highlight was a captivating light and laser show synchronized with electronic music, visual effects, and smoke, embodying the spirit of table tennis and merging innovation with creativity, eliciting enthusiastic audience interaction.The ceremony concluded with a closing statement by the presenter, expressing gratitude to attendees and wishing all athletes success, smoothly transitioning to the competition venue. The arena was vibrantly illuminated, setting the stage for the official matches amidst global enthusiasm reflective of the championship’s spirit.

Team Qatar claim historic bronze medal at West Asian Gymnastics Championship in Jordan

Amman: Team Qatar’s junior artistic gymnastics squad has secured a historic achievement at the West Asian Gymnastics Championship, currently taking place in Jordan from 14 to 18 May, by clinching the bronze medal in the team competition. In a fiercely contested event, the young Qatari gymnasts delivered impressive performances and consistent results that earned them a place on the podium in one of the region’s most competitive tournaments. The success didn’t stop there. Rising star Ahmed Sameer added to the team’s tally with a bronze medal in the all-around, before going on to claim a gold medal on the floor exercise with a standout routine. His teammate Yousef Ahmed also shone on the same apparatus, winning silver, further underlining the strength of Qatar’s next generation of gymnasts. Although the finals of the individual apparatus events are still ongoing, hopes are high for more medals, given the strong performances Team Qatar has shown so far. The Qatari junior team consists of Ahmed Sameer, Omar Al-Hefnawi, Yousef Ahmed, and Fares Shadi. Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali Al-Hitmi praised the team’s performance, calling it a major milestone. “What the junior team has achieved proves that we are on the right path toward a promising future,” he said. “It strengthens Qatar’s position in the regional and international gymnastics scene.” He added: “We are proud of these results. They reflect the tremendous efforts made by the technical and administrative teams to elevate gymnastics in Qatar. Our athletes showed tremendous fighting spirit and proved they are capable of reaching the podium on the international stage.” Al-Hitmi noted that these medals are the result of long-term planning and dedicated work to develop gymnastics in the country. “They confirm the progress we are seeing in the youth level. We will continue to support these young champions and provide all the resources needed to achieve even more success.” He concluded by congratulating the players, coaches, and staff, adding that the federation eagerly awaits the final results of the apparatus events. “We are confident these achievements will further elevate Qatar’s reputation in the regional and global gymnastics community.”

ITTF World Championships Doha 2025 commence today

Doha: The ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 will commence today in Qatar, running until May 25 across Lusail Arena and Qatar University Arena. The tournament will feature 640 players from 127 countries, divided into 256 participants in singles matches, 256 in men’s and women’s doubles, and 128 in mixed doubles, totalling 443 matches. The competition will be held across five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Lusail Arena, the primary venue, will host the opening ceremony tomorrow along with main matches. It is one of the most advanced sports facilities in Qatar, while Qatar University Arena will hold preliminary round matches for the first four days, accommodating around 5,000 spectators. This championship presents a prime opportunity to witness the world’s elite table tennis players competing in Doha. Among the standout names, 20-year-old Chinese star Lin Shidong leads the list of strong title contenders in the men’s singles category, known for his exceptional tactics and ability to surprise opponents. Lin is the reigning ITTF World Mixed Doubles Champion (Durban 2023), a two-time World Cup winner (Chengdu 2024 in mixed doubles and Macau 2025 in singles), and a two-time Asian Champion. In the women’s singles category, China’s top players dominate the rankings, including four leading contenders: Sun Yingsha (world No 1), a strong favourite with a championship history including Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup titles. For Qatar’s national table tennis team, the tournament presents a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and gain international experience. Qatar’s representatives across categories include men’s singles: Sultan Khalid al-Kuwari, Mohamed Abdelwahab, women’s singles: Aya Magdy, Mariam Ali, men’s doubles: Mohamed Abdelwahab, Abdullah Abdelwahab, Sultan Al Kuwari, Rawad al-Nasser, women’s doubles: Aya Magdy, Mariam Ali, mixed doubles: Mohamed Abdelwahab, Aya Magdy, Ahmed Eid Qarni, Mariam Ali. President of Qatar, Arab and Asian Table Tennis Federations, and First Vice-President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Khalil al-Mohannadi emphasised that Qatar is fully prepared to host the World Championships, aiming for top-tier technical and organisational success. Al-Mohannadi said the Organising Committee is committed to achieving maximum success at all levels, stressing that the 2025 edition will be unique and distinctive, and will be etched in the annals of the World Championship. Head of Media and Communications for the tournament Thani al-Zarra highlighted Qatar’s status as the first Arab and Gulf country to host the ITTF World Championships twice (previously in 2004). Al-Zarra also revealed that Qatar is planning a surprise for spectators during the opening ceremony, stating that World Championships don’t usually feature an opening show, but Qatar aims to set a global benchmark, presenting a half-hour spectacle. Qatar is the first country in the Middle East, Arab region, and the Gulf to host the Table Tennis World Championships twice. The country previously organised the event in 2004, achieving great success, and now looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in the 2025 edition. The tournament has garnered significant global media attention, and the organising committee has ensured top-tier facilities for media coverage. Matches will be broadcast live worldwide, offering fans the chance to follow the action in real time. Ticket sales have seen high demand, with the final five days and knockout rounds now sold out on Q.Ticket. The organising committee has worked to facilitate spectator attendance, offering discounted hotel packages for international visitors, dedicated transport services from hotels to tournament venues, and public transportation options such as buses and metro. Additionally, diverse dining options and fan activity zones have been set up at both Lusail and Qatar University arenas.

Qatar Basketball Federation Participates in FIBA Congress in Bahrain

Doha: The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) took part in the main session of the FIBA Congress, which opened on Friday, May 26, 2025, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Center. The congress brought together representatives from 180 national basketball federations, emphasizing the global nature of the event and the shared commitment to advancing the sport worldwide. Leading the Qatari delegation was Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director General of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee. He was accompanied by Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of QBF, and Mr. Fahad Juma, Director of Strategic Planning at the LOC. The congress began with an address from His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), who underlined the importance of the congress as a strategic platform for shaping basketball’s global future. He praised Bahrain’s exceptional organization of the event and called for unified efforts to elevate the game to new heights. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the sport globally, outlining strategic plans to empower national federations and expand basketball’s reach across all continents. The program featured a visual presentation showcasing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s history and its emergence as a premier destination for international sporting events. Recorded messages from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry were also presented. Both commended FIBA for its ongoing support of the Olympic movement and emphasized the importance of partnerships in the growth of global sport. Speaking during the event, Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb stated: “We are proud to be part of this important global gathering, which serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation among national basketball federations. Bahrain’s successful hosting of this congress affirms its prominent role in the international sports arena and reflects the region’s growing leadership in global basketball. This participation also reinforces Qatar’s readiness to host an exceptional edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027.” He further noted the positive reception by participating delegations regarding Qatar’s recent organization of the World Cup Qualifiers Draw, held at Al Hazm Mall in Doha, describing it as a key milestone in Qatar’s journey toward 2027. During its session, the FIBA Central Board reviewed preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, to be hosted in Germany, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar. The Council also approved the timelines for bidding processes for future tournaments. The bidding for the 2030 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is set to launch in Q3 2025, with hosting rights possibly awarded by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the bidding for the 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup is expected to begin in Q4 2025, with the potential for a decision in 2026. This international gathering in Bahrain marks another step forward in global cooperation and strategic alignment across basketball’s governing bodies — as preparations intensify for a new era of growth and inclusion in the sport.

World leads on wild night in Doha

Doha: Tia Clayton and Julian Weber set world leads in the women's 100m and men's javelin at the third Wanda Diamond League meeting of the season in Doha on Friday. The javelin’s 90-metre club gained two new members at the Jehour Doha Meeting with Neeraj Chopra throwing an Indian record of 90.23m before Julian Weber snatched victory with a last-round throw of 91.06m at the Wanda Diamond League meeting on Friday. Both men had thrown beyond 89 metres on several occasions in recent years, with their PBs – 89.94m for Chopra and 89.54m for Weber – dating back to 2022. Tonight in the Qatari capital, though, they finally bettered the hallowed barrier, becoming the 25th and 26th men to throw beyond 90 metres. Chopra, the world champion, opened with 88.44m to take an early lead, while Weber started with a more conservative 83.82m. Chropa then produced his PB throw in round three, breaking his own Indian record with 90.23m, then Weber responded with 89.06m. Chopra didn’t improve on his third effort and closed out his series with a solid 88.20m, but Weber finished with a flourish, throwing 89.84m in round five then a world-leading 91.06m to take victory in the final round. Two-time world champion Anderson Peters was third with 85.64m. It was just the seventh time in history that two men have thrown beyond 90 metres in the same javelin competition. Weber now moves to 17th on the world all-time list while Chopra sits at 24th. “I don’t know how that happened,” said Weber, the 2022 European champion. “The previous weeks weren’t that good for me, but today I just felt great. It also was the winning throw in the last round, so it came out really perfect. “The conditions here in Doha with the backwind is great for us javelin throwers. If you make the right adjustments and throw a little higher, it just flies great. “I was really happy for Neeraj because he had been fighting for that 90-metre throw for some time and it was really special to achieve it tonight.” World leads for Masalela, Clayton and Cherotich World and Olympic finalist Tshepiso Masalela from Botswana produced a well-timed run to win the men’s 800m. He passed Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal in the closing stages and held off USA’s Bryce Hoppel to win in a world-leading 1:43.11, just 0.11 shy of the meeting record set by David Rudisha 15 years ago. Hoppel took second place in 1:43.26, just ahead of Kinyamal (1:43.37). Another world-leading mark was established soon after, this time by Olympic finalist Tia Clayton in the women’s 100m. The 20-year-old Jamaican got a great start and managed to hold her advantage to the line, finishing ahead of her twin sister Tina, 10.92 to 11.02 (2.0m/s). Britain’s Amy Hunt was third in a PB of 11.03, just ahead of multiple world and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (11.05). At the end of the evening, Faith Cherotich produced a thrilling finish to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase in a world-leading 9:05.08. World and Olympic champion Winfred Yavi was in control going into the final lap. Cherotich drew level on the back straight, but Yavi had a slight lead coming off the final bend. Cherotich, the Olympic bronze medallist, negotiated the final barrier best, though, and charged past Yavi in the closing stages to win by 0.18. Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew was third in 9:09.27. Olympic champion Thea Lafond produced a world-leading leap in the triple jump, but didn’t win. Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts sailed out to a wind-assisted 14.72m (3.2m/s) in the second round, which remained the best of the day, but Lafond’s leap of 14.39 (1.9m/s) for second place is the farthest wind-legal outdoor jump in the world this year. Tebogo takes 200 triumph Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, contesting his first 200m on the Diamond League circuit this year, emerged with a narrow victory. The versatile sprinter from Botswana coasted into the lead but eased down – almost too much – before the end, crossing the line in a season’s best of 20.10 (0.7m/s) to win ahead of USA’s Courtney Lindsey (20.11). Earlier in the programme, 2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser equalled the meeting record of 49.84 to win the women’s 400m, while Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell took the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.14. Denny defeats discus stalwarts Olympic bronze medallist Matt Denny got the better of Daniel Stahl and Kristjan Ceh, winners of the past two world titles, to win the discus with 68.97m. Denny, competing for the first time since going to second on the world all-time list with 74.78m in Ramona last month, took an early lead with his opening effort of 67.33m, then improved to his winning effort in the final round. Stahl (67.06m) and Ceh (66.92m), neither of whom have competed in Ramona this year, both set season’s bests in second and third. Molly Caudery, the 2024 world indoor champion, was the standout performer in the women’s pole vault. She got over 4.48m, 4.63m and 4.75m on her first attempts to win ahead of world champion Katie Moon and Italy’s Roberta Bruni, both at 4.63m. Elsewhere, there was a Kenyan distance double with Reynold Cheruiyot winning the men’s 5000m (13:16.40) and Nelly Chepchirchir taking the women’s 1500m (4:05.00). Italy’s Alessandro Sibilio produced a late charge to win the men’s 400m hurdles (49.32) and USA’s Shelby McEwen took the men’s high jump with 2.26m.