Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Meets with Bangladesh Olympic Association President

Doha – H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), met with General Waker-uz-Zaman, President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), who is currently visiting Doha. The meeting focused on exploring ways to strengthen bilateral sports cooperation and promote the exchange of expertise between both committees in the period ahead.The two sides discussed the ongoing progress of the Olympic movement in Bangladesh and the country’s growing engagement at the continental level, reflecting its broader aspirations to cement a stronger presence on the Asian sports stage. His Excellency Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed the QOC’s commitment to supporting National Olympic Committees across Asia and globally through knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable sports development and the advancement of the Olympic Movement.The talks also touched on preparations for the 20th Asian Games, set to be held next year in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Both sides exchanged views on ways to coordinate efforts and technical expertise to prepare their national teams, while exploring opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the lead-up to this major continental event.The visit highlighted Qatar’s leading role in advancing sports development both regionally and internationally, and its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships within the global Olympic community. At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed their shared aspiration to maintain close coordination and collaboration, in a manner that will further deepen ties between the QOC and the BOA and bring direct benefits to athletes in both countries as they prepare for upcoming competitions. 

Toulouse crowned FIBA 3X3 Lusail Challenger champions

Doha: France’s Toulouse claimed the FIBA 3X3 Lusail Challenger International Championship title on Saturday as they beat Serbia’s Lyman 20-18 in the final.Organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation in cooperation with the Qatar Diar Company, and under the supervision of FIBA, the championship witnessed the participation of 16 international teams from world over.Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, and Eng. Fahad Abdullatif Al Jahrami, Chief Development and Asset Management Officer of Qatari Diar, honoured the winners with the prizes.The closing ceremony was also attended by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of QBF, and members of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Basketball Federation, and Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the 3x3 Committee in QBF.The top three teams from the tournament have qualified for the next global round, which will be held in Amsterdam from May 17-18.Among the teams that participated in this version were teams from Europe, such as French Toulouse, Lehman and Partizan Serbian, Swiss Logano, Candafa Latvi, Lithuanian Condaian, and Spain.The list of teams also included clubs from the Americas such as Carolina (Puerto Rico) and New York Harlem (USA), as well as the Rwandan Kigali and Japanese Nichinomia from Asia and Africa.Participation was not limited to foreign teams. Five teams from the host country, Qatar, participated in the championship, namely: Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa, Al Khor and Doha.Al Maghaiseeb stressed that the tournament achieved an exceptional success at all levels, whether in terms of organization, public presence or strong competition between the teams.He said: “We are proud of the high organizational and technical level in this championship, which is one of the stations that qualify for the global Masters rounds.”He pointed out that Qatar has become a prominent sports destination to host the major international championships in 3x3 basketball. “We seize this occasion to invite the teams and the visiting masses to discover the tourist attractions in Qatar.”Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of QBF, expressed his appreciation for all the efforts made to make the championship a success, stressing that the tournament contributed to enhancing the experience of Qatar’s teams. “We continue to support this type of tournament because it provides a great opportunity to friction with the global teams, and enhance our players’ technical experiences and give them the opportunity to develop,” he said.For his part, Eng. Fahad Abdullatif Al Jahrami, Chief Development and Asset Management Officer of Qatari Diar, expressed his thanks to the Qatar Basketball Federation for the distinguished organization of the tournament, stressing that hosting the championship in the Lusail region is an important step towards making it a global sports center.Al Jahrami added: “We at the Qatari Diar are working to make Lusail a sporting, cultural and tourist destination at the same time, and through this tournament, we confirmed Qatar’s great position in organizing major sporting events.” 

Cherif, Ahmed clinch Beach Tour Doha Open

DOHA - Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan proved unstoppable once again, outplaying Paul Burnett and Luke Ryan in the highly-anticipated final showdown of the AVC Men’s Beach Tour Doha Open at the Al Gharafa Beach Complex here to capture gold medal on Saturday.The 21-19, 21-13 victory over the Australia’s third seeds and gold medallists at the Nuvali Open in Philippines handed the home pair their first-ever AVC Beach Tour title on home soil. Cherif and Ahmed had already beaten the Aussies 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the Samila Open in Songkhla, Thailand and the Qataris went on to capture the title in early April.Following their well-rounded, unblemished performance in the four-day event, the Qataris deserved the win. Cherif and Ahmed showcased their outstanding performance to win consecutive five matches with remarkable unbeaten record and without dropping a set to their respective opponents prior to reigning supreme.For Cherif and Ahmed, the success on home soil could be the similar feat they had repeated in their career. The Qataris had dominated the Asian Championships for three times (2018, 2019 and 2022) aside from clinching Asian Games twice, 2018 in Palembang, Indonesia and 2022 in Hangzhou, China and securing bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020, the first-ever Olympic medal for Qatar in beach volleyball. Last year, they also took bronze medal at the World Beach Pro Tour Finals on home soil.Cherif and Ahmed proved they remain in great shape this year as they have won key outings. On April 10, they claimed gold medal for Qatar at the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) Beach Games Muscat in Oman and six days after that, they topped the podium at the AVC Beach Tour Samila Open in Thailand.With this achievement, Cherif and Ahmed earned 320 AVC ranking points and a cash prize of $2,500, further solidifying their standing among Asia’s elite and signalling strong preparedness for upcoming international competitions. The Australian runners-up received 288 points and a S$2,000 prize money.In the third-place playoff earlier, Australia’s Ben Hood and Oliver Merritt, who claimed silver medal at the Nuvali Open, beat Thailand’s Netitorn Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpha, silver medallists at the last year’s FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships in Phuket, Thailand, for bronze medal, 256 points and $1,500 prize money.Ali Ghanem al-Kuwari, President of both the Qatar and West Asia Volleyball Associations, presided over the awards presentation to give away medals and trophies. In attendance were Secretary-General Youssef Ahmed Kano, Assistant Secretary Saeed Salem al-Jumani and Board Members Mohammed Salem al-Kuwari and Saeed Jumaa al-Hitmi as well as Mohammed Anbar al-Nasser, Member of the Beach Volleyball Committee, and Amna Barakat al-Kuwari, Chairperson of the Women’s Sports Committee in Qatar and West Asia Associations.Cherif and Ahmed are set to compete in the next AVC Beach Tour in China from May 8-11, followed by the Beach Volleyball Challenge Tournament, also in China, scheduled from May 14-18. 

FIBA 3X3 Lusail Challenger gets off to a strong start

Doha: In a prestigious sporting environment and with an impressive turnout, the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) inaugurated the FIBA 3x3 Lusail Challenger on the evening of May 2, 2025, at Al Saad Square in Darb Lusail.This championship is organized directly by the Federation, under the oversight of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in collaboration with Qatari Diar.The competition will run until Saturday, May 3, 2025. The Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Championship marks a significant step towards qualifying for the Masters tournaments within the 3x3 World Tour. This event is part of a series of initiatives by the State of Qatar in preparation for hosting the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, underscoring the nation's steadfast dedication to advancing the sport and enhancing its global visibility.The current edition of the tournament features 16 top-tier international teams from various continents, showcasing its esteemed status on the global 3x3 stage. The participating teams include: From Europe: Toulouse (France), Leman and Partizan (Serbia), Lugano (Switzerland), Kandava (Latvia), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Marbella (Spain). From the Americas: Carolina (Puerto Rico), New York Harlem (USA). From Asia and Africa: Kigali (Rwanda), Nishinomiya (Japan). From the host nation: Five teams representing Qatar: Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa, Al Khor, and Doha.The opening day was graced by the presence of QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughesib; H E Timmy Davis, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar; Mr. Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, QBF Secretary General; and Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the 3x3 Committee at the QB. Numerous officials and guests commended the exceptional organization and professional atmosphere surrounding the tournament's organisation.The event is being held in the vibrant Al Saad Square located in Darb Lusail, which was converted into a dynamic open sports arena filled with energy and competition. Fans of basketball from diverse nationalities gathered to witness remarkable athletic performances and technical prowess in a distinctive urban setting that merges sports, culture, and entertainment. This tournament is a significant promotional and experimental step towards the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.QB, in collaboration with its partners, is dedicated to organizing high-quality tournaments that enhance the standard of the game and foster an optimal environment for future international events.The opening day of the tournament showcased a series of thrilling games that highlighted the competitive nature of the event. The Lithuanian team Kaunas commenced its journey with a 21-15 win against Qatar's Al Gharafa, followed by another victory over Japan's Nishinomiya (21-15). However, they faced a setback in the key game of the group against Serbia's Partizan, losing 21-19. Meanwhile, Qatar's Doha team secured two significant wins, first defeating Al Khor 21-13 and then achieving a strong victory over Rwanda's Kigali 21-18, although they were ultimately defeated by Puerto Rico's Carolina 21-13. Japan's Nishinomiya began their campaign with a decisive win against Al Gharafa, finishing 21-9, while Rwanda's Kigali managed a narrow victory over Al Khor with a score of 16-14. The round also featured impressive victories for Serbia's Leman against Qatar's Al Rayyan (21-14) and for France's Toulouse against Qatar's Al Wakrah (21-11).For his part, QBF President and General Manager of the Organizing Committee for the FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Mohammed bin Saad Al Mugheiseeb, expressed his great happiness at organizing the Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Championship under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), in cooperation with Qatari Diar.Al-Mughaseeb added that this tournament, considered one of the most prominent international 3x3 basketball tournaments, comes at the beginning of the international professional tour season, making it a significant sporting event on a global level.Al-Mughaseeb noted that the tournament is witnessing the participation of 16 teams from more than 12 countries around the world, including Olympic medal-winning teams, adding significant sporting value to the event.Al-Mughaseeb emphasized that the Lusail 3x3 Challenger Championship serves as a springboard towards the 2027 World Cup and will contribute to highlighting the strength and position of the State of Qatar in organizing major sporting events worldwide.He added that Lusail Sports Company, with its generous support through sponsorship of this tournament, contributes to highlighting the importance of this event, as participants compete to collect points that qualify them for future tournaments.Al-Mughaiseeb also extended his sincere thanks to Qatari Diar for its continued sponsorship of this important sporting event, expressing his hope that their annual cooperation will continue, especially since Darb Al Saad in Lusail represents a sports tourism destination that combines sports and tourism in one place.Al-Mughaiseeb praised the World Cup Organizing Committee for its great support for this event, noting that the tournament is one of the promotional tournaments for the FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, enhancing Qatar's position on the global sports scene. He extended his thanks to all participating and supporting entities for this event, and said,Al-Mughaiseeb also emphasized that QBF is always keen to hold promotional tournaments in distinct tourist locations within Qatar, with the aim of integrating sports with tourism.Al-Mughaiseeb also added in his statements that preparations are currently underway for the World Cup Qualifiers Draw ceremony on May 12 and 13, 2025, along with a pre-qualifiers workshop. He noted that the event will bring together approximately 80 countries and attract approximately 200 people, including the signing of new sports agreements with the International Federation.Al-Mughaiseeb indicated that following the draw, FIBA ​​will hold its 2025 Congress and Celebrity Awards ceremony, which will be held from May 14 to 18, 2025, in the Kingdom of Bahrain.The Qatari delegation is scheduled to include members of the QBF and the FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Organizing Committee.His Excellency Timmy Davis, the US Ambassador to the State of Qatar, expressed his pleasure at attending the tournament, stressing that the championship embodies Qatar's advanced position on the global sports scene, particularly in 3x3 basketball.His Excellency said: "What we are witnessing today in Doha is a vivid reflection of the growth of 3x3 basketball around the world, and Qatar is once again demonstrating its leadership in organizing major sporting events with exceptional quality. This dynamic and exciting sport is gaining widespread popularity thanks to its simplicity and excitement, and supporting such tournaments enhances its momentum and provides players from around the world with a platform to shine."He added: "The presence of teams from different continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, in one tournament here in Lusail underscores the growing global nature of this sport. The presence of American teams is a source of pride for us and reflects the strong ties between the sports communities." His Excellency concluded by saying: "I congratulate the Qatar Basketball Federation on this distinguished organization, and I look forward to seeing more of these successful tournaments that bring the world together in Qatar."*A Pivotal Milestone in the 3x3 Championships Map*Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said: "We are proud of the organizational success of the Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Championship, which is a pivotal milestone in the regional and international 3x3 championships map. It also comes as part of the Qatar Basketball Federation's commitment to expanding the base of this dynamic sport at the local and global levels."He added: "In this edition, we were keen to attract an elite group of international teams to enhance the level of competition and provide a professional environment for our local players to enhance their technical level through this direct international exposure."He continued: "Organizing this tournament in Al Saad Square in Darb Lusail reflects the federation's vision of promoting integration between sports and society and making basketball a part of the public urban space, in line with the country's plans to prepare optimally for hosting the 2027 World Cup."Al Kuwari thanked the partners, Qatari Diar, and FIBA, for their continued support in making this unique initiative a success.Mr. Darian Husko, FIBA ​​Tournaments Supervisor, commented on the tournament: "3x3 basketball is seeing rapid growth in Qatar and globally, and I am pleased to witness this amazing development through the Challenger Lusail 2025 tournament held in Doha."He said: "During my second visit to Qatar, after a two-year absence, I noticed a qualitative leap in the number of participating teams and the overall technical level, especially from the Qatari teams, which have become more present and competitive, reflecting the development of the local base for this sport."He continued: "The presence of this number of teams from different continents, including Africa, Asia, and Europe, reflects the growing global nature of this sport, which has been further enhanced by its Olympic status since its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Games."He explained that 3x3 basketball is currently the fastest-growing sport within the Olympic Games, and Qatar's highly professional organization of these tournaments contributes to strengthening the country's position as a regional and international platform for hosting elite competitions. Qatar's commitment to developing this sport is a model to be emulated regionally and globally.

Younousse, Tijan cruise into Doha Open final

Doha: Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan breezed into the final of the AVC Men’s Beach Tour Doha Open at the Al Gharafa Beach Complex on Friday (May 2). The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists sailed past Thailand’s No 6 seeds Dunwinit Kaewsai and Banlue Nakprakhong 21-8, 21-7 in just 31 minutes in the quarter-finals. Later in the semi-finals, the World No 9 duo outplayed another Thai pair Netitorn Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpha 21-10, 21-14 in 28 minutes.In the final today, Younousse and Tijan will take on Australia’s third seeds Paul Burnett and Luke Ryan. The four-day Doha Open features 21 elite pairs from 10 Asian nations, offering ranking points, qualification credits, and prize money.

Lusail 3x3 Challenger to begin on Friday

Doha: As part of Qatar’s preparations to host the 2027 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup, the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has announced the launch of the Lusail 3x3 Challenger International Tournament on Friday (May 2).The two-day tournament is being held under the supervision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and in cooperation with the FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Organizing Committee and Qatari Diar.The tournament, which is part of the Challenger series supervised by FIBA ​​and considered a major global sporting event, will be held at Al Saad Square in Lusail Park, one of Qatar’s most prominent modern cultural landmarks. The tournament includes 16 teams from around the world, with the competition system divided into two stages: Preliminary stage (qualifiers): Six teams will participate, divided into two groups, with the top team from each group advancing to the group stage.Main stage (group stage): 12 teams, including 10 direct qualifiers and the two teams that qualified from the qualifiers, will be divided into four groups.Qualifier details The qualifiers will be held on Friday, May 2, and the teams will be divided as follows: Group A: Al-Gharafa of Qatar, Kaunas of Lithuania, and Nishinomiya of Japan.Group B: Al-Doha of Qatar, Al-Khor of Qatar, and Kigali of Rwanda.The top team from each group will advance to the group stage.The team that qualifies from Group A will join Group C, which includes Partizan of Serbia and Lugano of Switzerland, while the team that qualifies from Group B will join Group D, which includes New York Harlem of the United States and Carolina of Puerto Rico. Group Stage Groups The 12 teams were divided into four groups as follows: Group A: Al Wakrah of Qatar, Marbella of Spain, and Toulouse of France.Group B: Al Rayyan of Qatar, Partizan of Serbia, and Kandava of Latvia.Group C: Partizan of Serbia, Lugano of Switzerland, and the team that qualified from Group A in the playoffs.Group D: New York Harlem of the United States, Carolina of Puerto Rico, and the team that qualified from Group B in the playoffs.Knockout Stage Qualification System After the group stage, eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be held on the evening of the second day (Saturday, May 3).The top team from Group A will meet the runner-up from Group C in the quarterfinals, and the top team from Group D will meet the runner-up from Group B. The winners will then meet in the semifinals.The top team from Group C will meet the runner-up from Group A, and the top team from Group B will meet the runner-up from Group D. The two winners will then meet in the semifinals. The final will be between the two semifinal winners.The Lusail 3x3 Challenger International is one of a number of tournaments and events organized by the State of Qatar leading up to the 2027 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup. The Qatar Basketball Federation and local partners continue their efforts to attract major sporting events and enhance Qatar’s global standing in this sport.The tournament is expected to attract large numbers of fans and visitors to Lusail City, thanks to its vibrant location, the unique atmosphere provided by the organizing committee, and the accompanying activities and events.The Lusail 3x3 Challenger International brings together an elite group of international basketball teams, including prominent international and Qatari teams. The tournament is considered a qualifying event for the Masters tournaments on the 3x3 World Tour, adding significant sporting value and attracting international teams seeking to qualify and participate in major tournaments within this series. It is an opportunity for teams to experience a high level of competition in preparation for upcoming global competitions.