Draw ceremony sets stage for World Championships Doha

Doha: With just two weeks remaining until the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025, anticipation has reached new heights following the official draw ceremony, which unveiled the paths that the world’s top players will navigate in their pursuit of glory.The draw took place in the heart of the Mall of Qatar, where an impressive setup drew the attention of hundreds of curious shoppers. The public staging of the event created a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere, offering fans a unique opportunity to engage with the sport and witness the road to the titles being charted live.Set to take place from May 17 to 25 at the spectacular Lusail Arena and Qatar University Sports Complex, the 2025 edition marks a full-circle moment for Doha. Twenty-one years after becoming the first Middle Eastern city to host the World Championships in 2004, the Qatari capital is once again preparing to welcome the world for what promises to be a historic and unforgettable event.Fans can expect nine days of elite-level action across five premier events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles. The format will feature best-of-seven games for singles and best-of-five for doubles, ensuring a thrilling mix of endurance, strategy, and world-class skill in every match.The young man who has set table tennis alight over the past six months with WTT Grand Smash title wins in China and Singapore, World No. 1 Lin Shidong makes his first men’s singles appearance on the World Championships Finals stage.Positioned at the summit of the draw, Lin’s route to glory is stacked with challenges. WTT Champions Montpellier winner Felix Lebrun and his exceptionally gifted older brother Alexis Lebrun are positioned in that side of the draw, as is Hugo Calderano, who sensationally beat Lin Shidong to the ITTF Men’s World Cup just a couple of weeks back.Making an impactful statement with his dominant run to the men’s singles title at WTT Champions Chongqing in March, all eyes are fixed on Wang Chuqin as the Chinese superstar touches down in Doha on a mission. Beaten at the final hurdle two years back in Durban, Wang heads to the opposite side of the draw along with 2021 silver medallist Truls Moregard, Japanese ace Tomokazu Harimoto and former World No.1 Dimitrij Ovtcharov.Sun Yingsha is once again favourite to hold aloft the Geist Prize. Topping the women’s singles seeding list, Sun steps into a draw packed with talent, with Shin Yubin, Mima Ito and former medallist Wang Yidi all potential rivals down the line. ShaSha will have to be at her very best if she’s to go back-to-back, with 2021 champion Wang Manyu desperate to get her hands back on the prestigious trophy. As the No. 2 seed, she’s placed in the opposite half of the draw, meaning a repeat of the 2021 final with Yingsha is very much on the cards.Elsewhere, first-ever World Championships finals appearances in the women’s singles discipline await Miwa Harimoto and Satsuki Odo.The 16-year-old sensation Harimoto is placed in the half of the draw containing Wang Manyu and Chen Xingtong, while Odo heads to the opposite side.Qatari international referee Hassan al-Amri, who is Vice-Chairman of the ITTF Referees Committee and General Referee of the World Championship, presided over the event. Joining him in conducting the draw were national team player Mohammed Abdul Wahab, women’s team player Aya Mohammed, rising talent Sultan al-Kuwari, youth team star Maryam al-Ali, and Swedish table tennis legend and Qatar national team coach Peter Carlsson.A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the tournament’s official mascots, Saree and Sareea, who made a dramatic entrance via an escalator dressed in traditional Qatari attire, delighting the audience.The ceremony was attended by Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee; Khalil bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, President of the Qatar, Arab, and Asian Table Tennis Federations and First Vice-President of the ITTF; and Steve Dainton, Executive Director of the ITTF.Al-Mohannadi expressed his confidence in Qatar’s readiness to host the event: “We are confident that the World Table Tennis Championship will be written in gold letters in the history of hosting the Championships and will be among the best ever.”He confirmed that preparations are nearly complete, with final equipment installation scheduled at Lusail and University halls in the coming days. “We are now fully prepared to host this global event. All that remains is the setup, which will be completed by May 10. We will begin welcoming the participating teams’ official delegations starting May 11.”

Qatar Olympic Committee Charts Ambitious Path Forward at 2025 Journey and Achievement Ceremony and Strategic Forum

DOHA: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) hosted its Journey and Achievement Ceremony and the Strategic Forum 2025 on Wednesday at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. The event highlighted the QOC’s major accomplishments and key projects, evaluated departmental and sectoral performance standards for 2024, and set out strategic priorities and ambitious plans for 2025. It also reaffirmed the QOC’s pivotal role in advancing the Olympic and sports movements locally, regionally, continentally, and internationally.The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee; H.E. Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President; H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, Second Vice President; H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General, alongside senior QOC leadership and employees.In recognition of exceptional contributions, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani honored 85 outstanding QOC employees across five categories: Appreciation Award, Excellence Award, Incentive and Motivational Awards (covering job commitment, initiative, collaboration, teamwork, outstanding leadership, and active participation in organizing sporting events), Development Program Graduates Awards (Cadres, Competencies, Mastery, and Leadership Excellence), and the Knowledge Management Certificate Taskforce Award.In his keynote address, H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, praised the QOC’s remarkable journey, commending employees for their dedication and significant contributions to the Committee’s successes.“We stand at a defining moment in Qatar’s sports journey, confidently shaping strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond,” said H.E. Al Buenain. “Our focus lies on comprehensive preparations to host major international events, including the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships, the 4th Gulf Sports Games in 2026, the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the 2030 Doha Asian Games, while continuing to support Qatar’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.”He further highlighted the QOC’s commitment to enhancing institutional performance by empowering Qatari sports officials, fostering collaborative structures, embedding sustainability frameworks, enhancing productivity, and accelerating digital transformation through the integration of artificial intelligence. These initiatives form part of a broader strategic alignment with national institutions, ensuring harmony in achieving Qatar’s comprehensive sports vision and effective knowledge management.Mr. Fahad Ibrahim Jumaa, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at the Qatar Olympic Committee, outlined key strengths, areas for improvement, strategic opportunities, and potential challenges facing the QOC. He provided a detailed analysis of internal and external stakeholders, reviewed significant institutional milestones from 2024, presented a performance evaluation of 2023–2024 projects, and discussed the integrated strategic management system.Ms. Maryam Mohammed Al Kuwari, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Affairs at QOC, praised the ambition and dedication of QOC employees and their tireless efforts in advancing Qatari sport—whether through hosting international tournaments, organizing community events, or participating in global platforms.She stated: “Every year, this event introduces a new core value to guide our journey. For 2025, we have chosen Excellence to define our achievements and aspirations. Excellence is not new to the QOC—it defines us. We do not settle for mere success; instead, we pursue continuous excellence. Let this commitment be more than a slogan; let it inspire us to strive together with unity, determination, and perseverance.”The event featured a documentary highlighting personal insights and achievements of QOC employees, showcasing their commitment and forward-looking plans aimed at strengthening Qatar’s Olympic and sports systems and elevating the nation’s sporting profile through creativity and innovation.The QOC’s Annual Strategic Meeting for 2025 was also held, during which department directors presented concise outlines of strategic initiatives, performance benchmarks, recent achievements, and forward-looking plans aimed at elevating Qatar’s sports status regionally and globally.Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to excellence and leadership, the QOC organizes the Journey and Achievement Ceremony and the Annual Strategic Meeting to continually enhance operational performance across all departments. These efforts align with future demands of the sports sector and sustain Qatar’s position of leadership at regional, continental, and global levels.Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, the QOC emphasizes human capital development through advanced training programs and sustainable educational initiatives, nurturing a new generation of athletes and sports professionals capable of excelling regionally and internationally. 

H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Continues His Central Asia Tour with Official Visits to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to Strengthen Olympic Cooperation and Promote Regional Sports Development

H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and Vice President for Asia, continued his regional tour across Central Asia with official visits to the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The visits reflect his ongoing efforts to support the Olympic Movement, enhance collaboration with National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and advance the development of sports in the region in line with its future ambitions.Accompanying His Excellency on this tour were Mr. Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics and Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, and H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia.The visit began with Sheikh Joaan’s arrival in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where he was warmly received by senior sports officials, including H.E. Mr. Aibek Abdymomunov, Director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, H.E. Mr. Umbetaly Kydyraliev, President of the Kyrgyz National Olympic Committee, and H.E. Mr. Adilet Baiman Uulu, President of the International Alysh Federation.Later that evening, the officials hosted a formal dinner in honor of Sheikh Joaan, attended by several distinguished figures, including H.E. Ms. Cholpon Sultanbekova, Member of the Kyrgyz Parliament and Executive Board Member of the International Alysh Federation, along with senior officials from the sporting community.The following day, Sheikh Joaan visited the Presidential Office, where he met with H.E. President Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in the field of sports between ANOC and Kyrgyzstan, as well as strengthening initiatives to develop sports infrastructure and support young athletes, reinforcing Kyrgyzstan’s growing position on the regional and international sports scene. The meeting was attended by several senior Kyrgyz officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration, the Director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports, the President of the Kyrgyz National Olympic Committee, and the Head of the Foreign Affairs Department at the Presidential Office.Following the conclusion of his visit to Bishkek, Sheikh Joaan traveled to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, where he was welcomed at Tashkent International Airport by H.E. Mr. Adkham Ikramov, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan; H.E. Mr. Otabek Umarov, Vice President of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia for Central Asia; and Mr. Oybek Kasimov, Secretary General of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee.Upon his arrival, Sheikh Joaan visited the headquarters of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee, where he held a meeting with the senior sports officials who had welcomed him, along with H.E. Mr. Qudratilla Rafikov, President of the Uzbekistan Swimming Federation. The meeting highlighted Uzbekistan’s impressive progress since its debut at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, culminating in its record breaking participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Discussions also reviewed the country's sports infrastructure development plans and future projects, with special focus on the newly completed "Olympic City," which stands as a major hub for investment in Uzbekistan’s sports sector and the empowerment of youth.Later that evening, a formal dinner was held in honor of Sheikh Joaan, attended by leading figures from Uzbekistan’s sports sector and featuring a cultural showcase celebrating the country's rich artistic heritage.The following day, Sheikh Joaan was received at the Presidential Office by H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of sports and strengthening the partnership between ANOC and Uzbekistan in support of the country’s ambitions to establish itself as a key sporting hub in Asia.Throughout the tour, Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed ANOC’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with NOCs in Central Asia, and to supporting their national priorities through tailored initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable sports development and empowering the next generation of athletes. 

Team Qatar win five medals at Arab Shooting Championship

Cairo: Team Qatar continued their strong campaign at the Arab Shooting Championship in Cairo, adding a fifth medal to their tally during the event currently underway in the Egyptian capital.The championship, which runs until May 1, is organized by the Egyptian Shooting Federation under the supervision of the Arab Shooting Federation and features the participation of 300 male and female shooters from 19 Arab countries.Qatar’s latest success came in the 10m air rifle mixed youth category, where shooters Abdulrahman Al Sulaiti and Dalal Al Qubaisi claimed the bronze medal following a strong performance. With this result, Qatar now holds a total of five medals in the championship—one gold, one silver, and three bronze.Earlier in the tournament, Reem Al Sharshani won gold in the women’s skeet event, while Nasser Al Attiyah secured the silver medal in the men’s skeet. Aisha Al Ansari claimed a bronze medal in the women’s skeet, and Doaa Rahmatullah earned bronze in the 10m pistol event.The championship includes competitions in rifle, air pistol, and shotgun (skeet and trap) disciplines. The second day of trap events will continue on Tuesday.President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation, Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al Nasr, praised the team’s achievements in Cairo, describing the five-medal haul as a continuation of Qatar’s growing success in regional and international shooting competitions. He attributed these results to the strong and continuous support of the Qatar Olympic Committee, led by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose strategic backing has played a pivotal role in the athletes’ development.Dr. Al Nasr emphasized that these results are the product of comprehensive teamwork and dedication, commending both the athletes and the technical and administrative staff for their tireless efforts. He added that Qatar is committed to maintaining its regional leadership in shooting sports and aims to achieve even greater results in future international competitions.He concluded by affirming the federation’s plans to continue preparing Qatari shooters for global challenges, stating that the confidence in the athletes’ capabilities remains high, and the focus is firmly set on elevating Qatar’s presence in the world of shooting.

Team Qatar off to Algeria for Arab Athletics Championship

DOHA -  Qatar Athletics Team departed for the city of Oran, Algeria, to participate in the 24th Arab Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 4.The delegation is headed by Talal Mansour Al Abdullah, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatar Athletics Federation, and includes the following athletes: Abderrahman Samba (400m hurdles), Omar Dawood (110m hurdles), Ashraf Al-Saifi and Ahmed Al-Saifi (hammer throw), Moaaz Ibrahim (discus throw), Saif Mohammed (pole vault), Ahmed Jibril (shot put), Hamdi Al-Amin (high jump)The Qatari team aspires to continue its successes on the Arab stage by securing podium finishes and setting new personal bests for its athletes.

Olympic medallists Moon and Newman to clash in Doha meeting

DOHA - Katie Moon of USA and Alysha Newman of Canada, who won silver and bronze medals respectively at the Olympic Games in Paris, will clash again in a top-quality women’s pole vault at the Doha Diamond League meeting on May 16.Moon, a two-time world champion (Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023), was Olympic champion in Tokyo 2021 and has a best of 4.95m. She was a world indoor medallist in 2022 (silver) and 2024 (bronze) and was crowned Diamond League champion in 2023.“The 2025 indoor season was the best of my life and it was a tough decision to forego the World Indoor Championships,” said the 33-year-old who won her fifth US indoor title in February and jumped 4.80m or higher in every meet over the winter.“But my goal for the year is to retain my world title in Tokyo, and with such a long outdoor season ahead I have to make sensible decisions. To return to competition in Doha is a really exciting prospect for me, especially after winning there in 2023. The crowd there is always unbelievable and it’s a great opportunity to get the summer off to a strong start,” she added.The 2018 Commonwealth champion Newman gave the performance of her life when finishing third in Paris and in doing so improved her own Canadian record to 4.85m.With her focus on preparing for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in September she chose to wrap up her indoor season after one competition (4.50m for second at the World Athletics Indoor Tour meet in Ostrava in February). She will open her Diamond League campaign in Doha.Moon and Newman will be joined at the Qatar Sports Club by British record holder and 2024 world indoor champion Molly Caudery (PB: 4.92m) who took victory in Doha last year; New Zealand record holder Eliza McCartney (PB: 4.94m), 2016 Olympic bronze medallist and runner-up in the 2024 World Indoor Championships; 2016 Olympic silver medallist Sandi Morris (USA), twice world indoor champion and three-times world outdoor silver medallist (PB: 5.00m); and Slovenian record holder Tina Sutej (PB: 4.82m), world and European indoor silver medallist in 2025.Unfortunately, Olympic and world champion Nina Kennedy, the Australian record holder with a best of 4.91m, has confirmed that she’s had hamstring surgery and will miss the start of the 2025 outdoor season.The Doha meeting is the third leg of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League. The series – which will pay out a record total of $9.24mn in prize money – comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field across four different continents, starting with Xiamen on April 26 and concluding with a single final across two days in Zurich (August 27-28).