Team Qatar Handball Team to Begin Asian Games Campaign Against Hong Kong

Doha: The Organising Committee of the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) in Japan has announced the match schedule for Team Qatar’s handball team in the preliminary round (group stage), as the national team continue their intensive preparations for the Games.Qatar recently held an overseas training camp in Slovenia and Bosnia, which included a number of friendly matches as part of efforts to reach the highest levels of physical and technical readiness ahead of the continental competition and the new sporting season.Preparations are being conducted under the supervision of the technical staff led by head coach Veselin Vujović. The handball draw placed Qatar at the top of Group A alongside hosts Japan, China and Hong Kong.According to the official schedule issued by the Asian Handball Federation, Qatar will begin their group-stage campaign against Hong Kong on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at 11:30 AM Doha time.They will then face China in their second match on Monday, 21 September, at 1:30 PM, before concluding the preliminary round with a highly anticipated encounter against hosts Japan on Friday, 25 September, at 9:30 AM. 

2026 FISU World University Championship Weightlifting Opens in a Setting Inspired by Qatari Heritage and Identity

DOHA – Doha raised the curtain on the 2026 FISU World University Championship in Weightlifting on Monday evening, welcoming university athletes from around the world to the Qatari capital for the 10th edition of the prestigious championship. The official opening ceremony, held at the Education City Student Center, marked the beginning of a competition running through September 12, with around 116 athletes representing 21 countries.The opening ceremony carried a distinctive Qatari identity, drawing inspiration from the country’s rich heritage and cultural traditions. Simple in its presentation yet rich in meaning, the ceremony brought together the flags of the participating nations with elements reflecting Qatar’s culture and national identity, offering a warm and memorable welcome to athletes and delegations arriving from across the world.Beyond marking the start of the championship, the ceremony provided participants with a glimpse into Qatar’s heritage and way of life, creating a cultural experience alongside the sporting competition. It offered visiting athletes and officials an opportunity to discover aspects of Qatari society, traditions and customs, reflecting Doha’s ability to bring people together through sport while opening doors to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, President of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee; H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, Second Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; IWF President Mohammed Jalood; FISU Executive Committee Member Marko Žunić; Rashid Saeed Adiba, the QCSF Secretary-General, and a distinguished gathering of sports and academic figures and members of the QCSF’s Board of Directors.Welcoming the participants, H.E. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi extended his greetings to the participating delegations and to weightlifters who had travelled to Doha from around the world. He emphasized that the championship represents far more than a test of sporting ability, serving as a platform for fair competition, cultural exchange, friendship and stronger bonds of understanding among young people from different nations.He also expressed his sincere appreciation to FISU for its confidence in the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation and its organizational capabilities, as well as for its continued support for the development of university sport worldwide. He urged the athletes to compete with determination and in the true spirit of sportsmanship, giving their best throughout the championship. He also wished them success and a pleasant stay in Qatar, expressing the hope that they would return home with lasting and cherished memories of their participation, Doha and Qatar.The official competition gets underway on Tuesday evening, featuring the 49kg and 53kg weight categories (Group A – Women) and the 60kg category (Group A – Men). Competition continues on Wednesday evening with the 65kg and 70kg categories (Group A – Men) and the 57kg category (Group A – Women).Qatar will be represented by two male weightlifters and one female weightlifter. Wissal Yakhlaf leads the Qatari contingent following her outstanding achievement at the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships, where she won three medals in the women’s over-86kg category. She will be joined by Nader Bakr and Saad Salah Al Hammadi in the men’s competition, with both athletes aiming to produce strong performances and make the most of the opportunity to compete against some of the leading university weightlifters in the world.The championship brings together athletes from 21 countries: Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Ecuador, Spain, Finland, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Iraq, Korea, Moldova, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Sri Lanka, Slovakia, Chinese Taipei and the United States.The competition features eight men’s weight categories – 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and over 110kg – and eight women’s categories – 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and over 86kg. Athletes will battle for honours in the snatch and clean and jerk, where strength, technique, precision and composure will be decisive.The championship also represents an important milestone in the development of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation, marking the second major FISU international university sporting event organized by the federation since its official establishment in 2023, following the successful hosting of the FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball. The event further underlines the federation’s growing organizational expertise and international profile, while reinforcing Qatar’s ambition to establish itself as a leading global destination for major university sporting events. 

Doha to Host World Shooting Championship in November

Doha: Doha will host the 2026 World Shooting Championship at the Lusail Shooting Complex from November 1 to 14, featuring elite international shooters alongside Qatar's national team athletes.The event stands as one of the most prominent global shooting competitions, offering 36 direct qualification spots for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games across Skeet, Trap, Rifle, and Pistol events.Qatar's national team aims to leverage home advantage to secure Olympic quotas, while international contenders vie for qualification berths at the Lusail facility. The hosting underscores international sports federations' trust in Qatar's organizational expertise and infrastructure.Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSAA) Secretary-General Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti confirmed that the Lusail Shooting Complex is fully prepared logistically and technically.He emphasized that the championship represents a major investment in the sport's local development, expressing confidence in the national team's readiness following intensive preparation camps.

FISU World University Championship Weightlifting 2026 Set to Get Underway in Doha

Doha, (QNA) - The Organizing Committee of the of the 2026 FISU World University Weightlifting Championship, Sunday, that all preparations have been completed for the 10th edition of the championship, which will take place in Doha from September 8 to 12, featuring around 116 athletes representing 21 countries.The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Multaqa (Education City Student Center), attended by President of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, HE Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi; Secretary-General of the QCSF and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Rashid Saeed Adiba and Mr. Marko Zunic, a Member of the Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) along with representatives of sponsors, partners and the media.Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said that hosting the championship reflects Qatar's commitment to supporting university sport and strengthening its presence on the international stage. He also praised the role of sponsors, partners and the media in supporting the event and promoting its message to audiences in Qatar and around the world.The Chairman of the Organizing Committee welcomed the participating delegations from around the world, stressing that the championship goes beyond sporting competition to celebrate the spirit of university sport and promote fair play, communication, understanding and friendship among young people from different cultures.He noted that the championship reflects the core values of FISU, particularly excellence, teamwork, innovation, the Joy of sport and integrity. These values are closely aligned with the principles of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation and its commitment to serving and developing university sport.For his part, Rashid Saeed Adiba, the QCSF Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, confirmed that Doha is fully ready to host the championship. He said preparations have been carried out through an integrated organizational system based on the highest international standards, providing athletes and delegations with an ideal environment combining technical excellence and organizational efficiency.He explained that the 10th edition is being held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), with the competition taking place at the Multaqa (Education City Student Center), while training sessions are being held at Ezdan Palace Hotel.The participating countries are Qatar; Azerbaijan; Bulgaria; Canada; Denmark; Ecuador; Spain; Finland; Great Britain; Hungary; Ireland; Iraq; Korea; Moldova; Poland; Puerto Rico; Romania; Sri Lanka; Slovakia; Chinese Taipei; and the United States of America.Adiba added that the competition will feature eight men's weight categories: 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 85kg, 95kg, 110kg and over 110kg, and eight women's categories: 49kg, 53kg, 57kg, 61kg, 69kg, 77kg, 86kg and over 86kg, in the Snatch and Clean & Jerk events.He noted that the championship is the second world event organized by the QCSF since its official launch in 2023, following the successful hosting of the FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball, reflecting the federation's growing presence on the international university sports scene and its vision to strengthen Qatar's position on the global university sports map.He also highlighted the significance of Doha hosting this edition, as the championship returns to the international calendar after a hiatus dating back to 2018, with Doha providing the platform for its return to the global university sports scene.The championship also features a distinctive Qatari identity through its mascot, (Rimal), which reflects Qatar's environment, authentic heritage and welcoming spirit towards visitors to Doha. The visual identity reflects the values of strength, balance and excellence inspired by weightlifting and Qatar's national identity.At the conclusion of the press conference, the Organizing Committee welcomed all participating delegations and athletes, wishing them a pleasant stay, success in the competition and an outstanding sporting experience, as well as lasting memories of Qatar. (QNA) 

Preparations in Full Swing for QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026

Doha: Doha is preparing to welcome the world’s leading squash players once again as the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 returns to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex from September 12 to 18.Preparations are in full swing at the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation for the prestigious tournament, which attracts many of the world’s highest-ranked men and women each year.One of the leading events on the international squash calendar, the QTerminals Qatar Classic has built a strong global reputation for its high organizational and technical standards, providing players with an ideal environment in which to compete at their best.The tournament also provides participating players with comprehensive services from the moment they arrive at Hamad International Airport, including five-star accommodation and access to world-class training and competition facilities.Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed that the leading ranked players in both the men’s and women’s draws will compete for the title in Doha.“As always, the Qatar Federation will deliver a tournament of the highest organizational standard and provide an outstanding experience for spectators,” Zainal said, welcoming all the players taking part in this year’s competition.He expressed his delight at the continued commitment of the world’s leading squash players to competing in Doha and at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, which also annually hosts the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, a WTA 1000 event, and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, an ATP 500 tournament. The venue will also stage the World Padel Championship for the third time in around two months.Zainal, on behalf of the Organizing Committee chaired by Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, wished all participating players the best and invited fans to attend the tournament and enjoy world-class squash at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.Launched in 2001, the QTerminals Qatar Classic has established itself as one of the leading tournaments in world squash, regularly attracting many of the sport’s biggest names to Doha.This year’s men’s field features Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi alongside a host of the world’s leading players, including Egypt’s Mostafa Asal, the top seed and last year’s runner-up; Peru’s Diego Elias, a two-time Qatar Classic champion in 2021 and 2024; and New Zealand’s Paul Coll, the defending champion.Al Tamimi has competed in the Qatar Classic on nine previous occasions, with his best result coming in 2022 when he reached the quarterfinals. Qatar’s leading squash player achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 16 on October 30, 2023, his highest position since turning professional in 2011.Among Al Tamimi’s other notable achievements are a bronze medal at the Asian Games in China, the title at the fourth Qatar Squash Federation Bronze tournament and victory at the Qatar Challenger 2023.Al Tamimi faces a challenging opening-round encounter this year against Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, while his Qatar teammate Salem Al Malki will take on Melvil Scianimanico.World No. 1 Mostafa Asal will begin his campaign against Switzerland’s Nicolas Müller as he looks to go one step further after finishing runner-up to Coll last year. Defending champion Coll will open against England’s Mohamed ElShorbagy, while Elias will face American Timmy Brownell.In the women’s draw, Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy returns to Doha to defend the title she won in 2025, having also lifted the trophy in 2023. She will be joined by compatriot Nour El Sherbini, the 2024 champion, as well as Nouran Gohar, who will be seeking her first Qatar Classic title, and American Olivia Weaver.El Hammamy will face fellow Egyptian Hana Moataz in the opening round, while El Sherbini takes on Nada Abbas. Weaver will meet Egypt’s Sana Ibrahim, with Gohar facing compatriot Kenzy Ayman.The world’s leading players will compete for a total prize purse of USD 484,000 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.El Hammamy claimed her second Qatar Classic title last year with a straight-games victory over El Sherbini in the final, winning 11–6, 15–13, 11–8.In the men’s final, Coll captured his first Qatar Classic title after defeating then world No. 1 Asal 3–1 (11–9, 6–11, 11–8, 11–5).

Qatar U-20 Suffer Narrow Defeat to Saudi Arabia in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Doha: Qatar's U-20 national football team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia on Sunday in the third and final round of Group E action in the qualifiers for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027.Talal Ibrahim scored the decisive goal for Saudi Arabia in the 81st minute to secure all three points and maintain his side's perfect record in the group.In the other Group E match played on Sunday, Oman and Hong Kong drew 1-1 at Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.Saudi Arabia finished top of the group with nine points from three matches, followed by Oman on four points, Qatar on three and Hong Kong on one.The result saw Saudi Arabia secure direct qualification for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027 as Group E winners.Saudi Arabia had opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong, while Oman beat Qatar 2-1 in the opening round.In the second round, Saudi Arabia edged Oman 3-2, while Qatar recorded their only victory of the qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win over Hong Kong.Under the qualification format, the winner of each group qualifies directly for the finals, along with the seven best second-placed teams from the eight qualifying groups.The final tournament will be hosted by China in 2027. (QNA)