Sheikh Joaan Reviews Preparations for the World Table Tennis Championships – Doha 2025

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, conducted a field visit today to Lusail Sports Arena to assess the venue's readiness to host the upcoming World Table Tennis Championships – Doha 2025, which will take place from May 17 to 25. Sheikh Joaan was accompanied during the tour by Mr. Khalil Ahmed Al-Mohannadi, President of the Qatar, Arab, and Asian Table Tennis Federations, and First Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation, along with members of the tournament’s organizing committee. Lusail Sports Arena will serve as the main venue for the championship, hosting both the opening ceremony and the competition itself, which will feature 640 male and female athletes. The event will include 256 players in the singles competitions, 256 in the men’s and women’s doubles events, and 128 in mixed doubles. The Lusail Sports Arena, with a capacity of 20,000 spectators, previously hosted several major international sporting events, most notably the 2015 World Men’s Handball Championship in Doha.

Rakan Al-Hareth Secures Spot in Finals at FIG World Challenge Cup in Slovenia

Qatar’s rising gymnastics talent, Rakan Al-Hareth, has earned a place in the finals of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup currently underway in Koper, Slovenia, marking a significant achievement for both the athlete and the Qatar Gymnastics Federation. The tournament, part of the prestigious 2025 FIG World Challenge Cup series, is being held at the Bonifika Arenafrom 15 to 18 May in its 19th edition. Al-Hareth delivered a standout performance on the pommel horse during the qualification rounds, earning praise for his precision and composure against a strong international field. Featuring elite gymnasts from around the globe, the event in Koper is considered one of the key stops on the FIG calendar. Athletes are competing across various apparatus with the goal of advancing to the finals—and Al-Hareth has proudly put Team Qatar among the contenders on the world stage.

Curtains come on the Qatar ITF Junior Tennis Championships

DOHA -  The second edition of the Qatar ITF Junior Tennis Championships came to a close after a week of intense competition at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, organized by the Qatar Tennis Federation. The event brought together a rising generation of tennis talent from across Asia and beyond.In the boys’ singles final, Egypt’s Omar Kandil emerged victorious, clinching the title with a strong performance against Reiko Nakamoto of Japan, who finished as runner-up.The girls’ singles crown went to Ziyu Zhu of China, while Silvia Calimen of Spain secured second place after an impressive tournament run.In the boys’ doubles event, the Indian duo of Arav Chawla and Tanush Gildiyal captured the title, overcoming a tough challenge from Ayan Choudhary of India and Jovan Tomovic of Montenegro, who finished runners-up.The girls’ doubles title was won by the team of Paulina Bierstein (USA) and Teodora Miron (Romania), with the Spanish pairing of Sofia Kadar and Silvia Calimen taking second place.The trophy ceremony and closing celebrations were led by Mr. Ahmed Al-Buainain, Director of Public Relations at the Qatar Tennis Federation, who honored the winners in the presence of tennis enthusiasts and supporters.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Al-Buainain praised the high level of competition throughout the tournament, highlighting Qatar’s continued commitment to fostering young sporting talent and supporting tennis development both locally and internationally.Last week, the inaugural edition of the Qatar ITF Junior Championships also took place at the same venue, where Reiko Nakamoto of Japan captured the boys’ singles title. That tournament also saw Qatar’s own Hind Al-Mudhahka achieve a runner-up finish in the girls’ doubles alongside her Turkish partner Şerife Belin Sarı.Meanwhile, the Qatar Asian Under-14 Tennis Championships for boys and girls are currently underway at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, showcasing some of the best young talents from across Asia in a week-long competition.In the boys’ singles draw, Qatari player Ali Al-Abdullah advanced to the second round with a straight-sets victory over Malyav Said of Kazakhstan, winning 6-4, 7-5.Joining him in the next round is fellow Qatari Abdullah Al Thani, who dominated George Haddad of the USA, securing a 6-1, 6-0 win.In the girls’ under-14 doubles category, Qatar’s Dorsaf Al Thani and her French partner Sarah Benaziza booked their place in the semifinals with an emphatic 6-1, 6-1 victory over Maria Aktovia of Kazakhstan and Alexandra Cokan of Romania.Tournament Director Mr. Sultan Khalfan commended the high standard of play demonstrated by participants, expressing his anticipation for thrilling matches in the final rounds.He reaffirmed the Qatar Tennis Federation’s dedication to hosting top-tier regional and international events, with a particular focus on supporting Qatari players and contributing to the sport’s growth across Asia. 

Victory in Doha would be a real confidence boost, says in-form Denny

Doha: Olympic discus bronze medallist Matt Denny (AUS) – ranked second on the world all-time list after his impressive 74.78m throw in Ramona in April – will compete against reigning world champion and former Olympic champion Daniel Ståhl (SWE) and 2022 world champion Kristjan Ceh (SLO) at the Jetour Doha Meeting on Friday 16 May.Denny is in the form of his life. Crowned Commonwealth Games champion in 2022, he went on to win back-to-back Diamond League titles in 2023 and 2024. His Oceania record at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational at Millican Field in Ramona (13 April 2025) came a week after breaking the 70-metre barrier for the first time in his career (where he also became the first Oceania man to thrown in excess of 72m). The only athlete to have thrown further is world record holder and Olympic silver medallist Mykolas Alekna of Lithuania (75.56m).Ståhl, Olympic gold medallist in Tokyo 2021, finished seventh in Paris. He has yet to compete in 2025, but – with the exception of 2024 – he has consistently thrown in excess of 71m every year since 2019 and his national record of 71.86m is the equal-sixth best of all time (with Slovenian record-holder eh).Ceh, the reigning European champion and 2022 Diamond League champion, will be aiming for his third successive win in Doha after victories in 2023 (70.89m) and 2024 (70.48m). World silver medallist in 2023, he finished fourth in the Olympic Games in Paris.“This is a big year for me and I’ve had the perfect start,” said Denny who recorded throws in excess of 72m across three straight competitions in Ramona. “My goal has always been to be the most dominant figure in men’s discus. It’s a hard feat right now because the event is in the best place it’s ever been, but it’s great to be a part of that. It’s a nice feeling to have a lot of traction after the last few competitions and I feel pretty unstoppable. Obviously I’m after the world title in Tokyo later this summer, but to get a Diamond League win in Doha would be a real confidence boost at this point in the season.”The well-decorated trio will be joined at the Qatar Sports Club by 2024 Olympic finalist Clemens Prüfer of Germany (personal best 71.01m); 2019 world silver medallist and Jamaican record holder Fedrick Dacres (PB 70.78m); 2022 European bronze medallist and British record holder Lawrence Okoye (PB 70.76m); 2021 Olympic bronze medallist and Austrian record holder Lukas Weißhaidinger (PB 70.68m); Germany’s World Championships finalist Henrik Janssen (PB 69.94m); and Qatar’s 2024 national champion Moaaz Mohamed Ibrahim (PB 63.26m).The Jetour Doha Meeting is the third meeting of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League. The series – which started in Xiamen on 26 April – comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field across four different continents and concludes with a single final across two days in Zurich (27-28 August).

QAF reveals comprehensive plans for Jetour Doha Diamond League meeting

DOHA - The Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) has revealed the comprehensive plans for the much-anticipated Doha Meeting 2025, the third stop on this year’s Diamond League calendar.The event will be held on Friday at Suhaim Bin Hamad showcasing 128 elite athletes, including 45 Olympic and World Championship medalists.During the official press conference on Wednesday, QAF President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasised the significance of the event.“Everyone has been working tirelessly to ensure this edition of the Jetour Doha Meeting is a success and continues to reflect Qatar’s organizational excellence. Everything is ready to host an unforgettable event,” said Al Fadala.“We have also renewed our commitment to sustainability this year, building on our federation’s ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management obtained in 2023. This responsibility pushes us to deliver an event that lives up to Qatar’s reputation.“The presence of so many world and Olympic medalists is proof of the athletes’ desire to compete at the highest level as they prepare for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Many are aiming to break personal bests or set new records to test their readiness.”He added that this year’s edition will be exceptional, as four major events will be held on the same day:The Diamond League Meeting; The newly approved West Asia One-Day Championship; The National Teams Championship; and The Schools Championship.For the first time in the competition’s history, a $5,000 bonus will be awarded to any athlete who breaks a record in their discipline, on top of the $9.24m prize pool spread across the Diamond League season.“The presence of so many world and Olympic medalists is proof of the athletes’ desire to compete at the highest level,” Al Fadala noted, adding that many will use the meet to test their form ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo this September.This year’s edition is particularly noteworthy, as four major events will be held on the same day: the Doha Meeting, the West Asia One-Day Championship, the National Teams Championship, and the Schools Championship.QAF Secretary General and Tournament Director Essa Al Harami underlined the event’s competitive depth.“The participation of 45 Olympic and World Champions highlights the caliber of the event. We are expecting unprecedented levels of competition.”Sustainability is also at the heart of this year’s planning. Sheikha Al Sahli, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, said: “Receiving the sustainability certification has increased our responsibility to uphold these international standards. The organizing committee has been fully committed to implementing sustainable practices throughout the event.“These initiatives include using Jetour electric vehicles for transport, metro trips, tree planting at schools and the athlete hotel, and recycling paper used during the event. We also aim to recycle 50,000 plastic bottles and raise student awareness about the importance of sustainability and its role in protecting the environment.”Initiatives include tree planting, use of electric vehicles, and the recycling of 50,000 plastic bottles.Salah Al Saadi, Chair of Venues and Operations Committee, said, “The Suhail bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar SC is fully prepared to host the Jetour Doha Meeting and the three additional championships. Qatar SC has become the preferred venue for world-class athletes.We’ve completed all preparations, including dedicated entrances for spectators, VIPs, VVIPs, and media, and held several meetings with security authorities to refine crowd control plans.As part of the experience, surrounding restaurants will be converted into a fan zone, offering a complete entertainment package for spectators.” 

Draw held for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Doha: With attendance of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee, the draw ceremony for the event’s qualifiers was held today at Al Hazm Mall in the Qatari capital, Doha, marking the official start of the city's journey toward hosting the tournament — the first-ever to be staged in the Middle East.The draw ceremony was attended by H.E. Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA); Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director General of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee; and Andreas Zagklis, Secretary General of FIBA, alongside a number of distinguished guests and dignitaries.Also present were FIBA Global Ambassador, three-time Olympic champion, and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, Team Qatar’s Olympic champion Mutaz Essa Barshim; Yasseen Ismail, a legend of Qatari and Gulf basketball; and a 3x3 basketball world champion, along with representatives from the national teams participating in the qualifiers.As host nation, Qatar is already assured of a place in the 32-team competition. The remaining slots will be contested over six qualifying windows, scheduled to take place between November 2025 and March 2027. The windows, each lasting nine days, will offer a thrilling mix of home-and-away games across the globe, with Africa adopting a centralized tournament format for their qualifiers.The 16 national teams participating in the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 were divided into four groups. The draw placed host nation Qatar in Group D, alongside Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India. Group A features Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Guam. Group B includes Japan, China, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. Group C consists of Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.The top three teams from each group will advance to the Second Round, where they will be divided into two new groups. The top three teams in each of those groups, along with the best fourth-placed team across both groups, will qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 — in addition to Qatar, which qualifies automatically as the host nation.The African Qualifiers will also include 16 teams divided into four groups. Group A features Cameroon, South Sudan, Libya, and Cape Verde. Group B includes Senegal, DR Congo, Madagascar, and Côte d’Ivoire. Group C is made up of Nigeria, Rwanda, Guinea, and Tunisia, while Group D consists of Mali, Angola, Uganda, and Egypt.The top three teams from each group will move on to the Second Round. Those advancing teams will be divided into two new groups, from which the top two teams in each group — along with the best third-placed team — will qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.In the Americas, the 16 teams have also been drawn into four groups. Group A includes the United States, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and one team that will advance from the final round of pre-qualifiers. Group B consists of Puerto Rico, Canada, the Bahamas, and one qualifier. Group C features Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and a qualifying team. Group D includes Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, and one additional qualifier.The top three teams from each group will advance to the Second Round. From there, the three best teams in each group — plus the best fourth-placed team — will earn a spot at the World Cup.Europe's 32 national teams were drawn into eight groups. Group A includes Georgia, Spain, and two teams from the final round of the pre-qualifiers. Group B features Greece, Montenegro, Portugal, and one qualifier. Group C is made up of Serbia, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a qualifier.Group D includes Great Britain, Italy, Iceland, and Lithuania. Group E has Germany, Cyprus, and one qualifier. Group F includes Latvia, Poland, and two qualifiers. Group G features France, Belgium, Finland, and one qualifier. Group H consists of Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Estonia.The top three teams from each group will advance to the Second Round, where they will be re-grouped into four new groups. The top three teams in each of those groups will qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.The official qualification windows are as follows:24 November – 2 December 202523 February – 3 March 202629 June – 7 July 202624 August – 1 September 202623 November – 1 December 202622 February – 2 March 2027Each participating nation will play two games per window, making every match a crucial step on the road to Qatar 2027. The format promises intense action and fierce rivalries as teams compete not only for victory but for national pride and a coveted place at the world’s premier basketball event.A total of 80 national teams will take part in the draw, distributed across FIBA’s four continental zones: 32 from Europe, 16 from Africa, 16 from the Americas, and 16 from Asia including Oceania. The final allocation of World Cup berths will see Europe claim 12 spots, the Americas 7, Africa 5, and Asia & Oceania 7 (excluding the host, Qatar).Speaking at the draw, Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director General of the Local Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, said:“It is a great honor to welcome you all to Doha, and to the official draw for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for 80 national teams from around the world. For us in Qatar, it is a proud moment to be the starting point of this global qualification campaign.”" For the first time in recent history all the games will be played in one city and this will give the opportunity to the participants to enjoy every game, every moment. The fans which will travel to Doha, will live basketball for 17 days, an unforgettable experience for everyone who loves our game. The 2027 edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup will be more than just a tournament; it will be a celebration of excellence, passion, shared values—competition, respect, and teamwork." he added.  About the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 will take place from August 27 to September 12, 2027.Basketball fans will travel to Qatar from around the world to experience the first tournament in the history of the sport to take place in one city. Residents and visiting fans will be presented with the opportunity to attend more than one match per day, minimizing their travel.Thirty-two teams will participate in the tournament and games will be played in four venues. The final match will be played in Lusail Arena. The National team of Qatar will participate at the World Cup for the second time in its history, after competing in 2006 in Japan.Qatar was awarded the honor of hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 during the FIBA Central Board meeting held in the Philippines capital, Manila on April 28, 2023.The handover ceremony took place in Manila on September 10, 2023 during the closing ceremony of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.