Al-Hitmi Thanks Organizing Committees as Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Concludes Successfully in Doha

Doha: Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, extended his heartfelt thanks to all organizing committees of the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan), held at Aspire Dome from April 16 to 19. He praised their tremendous efforts in delivering an outstanding event, both technically and logistically, which left a lasting impression on all participating delegations.In his closing remarks, Al-Hitmi commended the dedication of every committee involved, emphasizing that their professionalism contributed to the championship’s remarkable success. “I thank and congratulate all the teams who worked behind the scenes. The tournament was a success on every level—from competition quality to flawless organization—thanks to your collective effort,” he said.He also highlighted the positive feedback received from international delegations, particularly in regard to Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, hospitality, and event management. Praise also came from representatives of the International Gymnastics Federation and members of the diplomatic corps present at the medal ceremonies.“We are proud to have showcased Qatar’s excellence in organizing major global sporting events,” Al-Hitmi added. “The enthusiastic crowd was another key element that elevated the tournament, and we are equally grateful for the media’s crucial role in broadcasting this world-class event to audiences around the globe.”He concluded by expressing his hopes for continued success in future competitions: “We thank God for the success of this championship and look forward to even greater achievements in the events to come.”

Curtain Falls Today on the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at Aspire Dome

Doha: The 17th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan) will conclude this evening at Aspire Dome in Doha, after four thrilling days of elite competition featuring some of the world’s top gymnasts. Held under the theme “Through our collaboration… we master organization and create excellence,” the tournament has showcased world-class performances across multiple apparatus, drawing praise from athletes, officials, and fans alike.Yesterday marked the first day of the finals, which delivered spectacular results. Kazakhstan dominated the men’s floor exercise, with Milad Karimi taking gold and Emiric Al-Saikhan earning silver, while Sam Mostafavi of Great Britain claimed bronze. In the women’s vault, Slovenia's gymnasts made a powerful statement, with Tjasa Kysselef and Teja Belak taking the top two spots, followed by Greta Mayer of Bulgaria in third.The men’s rings final saw Hamlet Manukyan of Armenia capture gold, ahead of Yaming Hong of China and Nariman Kurbanov of Kazakhstan. In the women’s uneven bars, Katie MacDonald of Australia topped the podium, with Lucija Hribar of Slovenia and Audrey Rousseau of Canada rounding out the medal positions.The tournament will conclude today with the remaining finals across five apparatus: three for men (vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar) and two for women (balance beam and floor exercise). With medals on the line and strong performances expected from all finalists, fans can anticipate a dramatic and fiercely contested final day.Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Organizing Committee, praised the championship’s high-level performances and competitive atmosphere. “The level of competition has matched our expectations exactly,” he said. “Yesterday’s finals were intense and full of quality, and we expect that to continue through to tonight’s closing events.” He added that the positive feedback from all participating delegations was the greatest proof of the tournament’s success. “All organizing committees worked tirelessly to deliver the best possible experience, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that effort recognized,” Al-Hitmi said, inviting fans to attend the final session and witness the crowning of champions in what promises to be a spectacular conclusion.Mohammed Al-Maraghi, Head of Media and Public Relations, also expressed his delight with the event’s success. Speaking after yesterday’s finals, he said, “The level of competition has been exceptional across all three days, with fans enjoying the presence of some of the best gymnasts in the world. I congratulate yesterday’s medalists and look forward to discovering who will join them on the podium today.”Behind the scenes, the efforts of the event’s operational teams have also drawn praise, especially the Apparatus Committee, whose members have worked diligently and quietly to assemble and maintain equipment to the highest international safety standards. Their role has been critical to the seamless execution of the event, ensuring everything is competition-ready at every moment.Spectators turned out in large numbers yesterday, packing the stands at Aspire Dome and creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere throughout the finals. Fans cheered enthusiastically for the athletes, adding energy and excitement to the event. With the final day falling on the weekend, organizers are expecting an even larger turnout today, maintaining a tradition of strong public support for major international sporting events in Qatar.As the spotlight prepares to fade on the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, the sense of achievement and excellence is unmistakable—another proud chapter in Doha’s growing legacy as a leading destination for world-class sport. 

Coello, Tapia highlight significance of Winning Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel

DOHA  - The world's top-ranking Padel duo, Spaniard Arturo Coello and Argentine Agustin Tapia, expressed their immense happiness at winning the Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel men's title for the second consecutive year.In a post-game press conference Saturday, Coello said that this win constitutes a major personal milestone.The Spanish player praised the organizing committee's excellent organization and warm hospitality throughout the tournament, adding that players have always received wonderful treatment in Qatar, something that is deeply appreciated by players, motivating them to give their best.Coello said that the tournament has been challenging throughout, with the final match not being an exception to that, especially vis-a-vis a tough pair, something that necessitated the highest level of focus.He expressed his belief that winning the title was thanks to performing at 100 percent.For his part, Argentine Agustin Tapia expressed his immense joy for this victory, saying that it meant a lot to him, especially given how difficult the tournament was.Tapia said that the Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel is one of the best on the world tour, in terms of organization, fan turnout, Padel court quality, and all services provided.He added that playing in Qatar feels like being in an ideal, motivating environment that brings out a player's best.  

Curtain comes down on 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan)

Doha: The curtain came down last night on the 17th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan), which was held from April 16 to 19 at Aspire Dome with the participation of some of the finest gymnasts from around the world.The final day of competition featured five apparatus events—three for men (vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar) and two for women (balance beam and floor exercise). Intensity was high as athletes vied for gold and the honor of standing atop the podium.In the men’s vault, Armenia’s Artur Davtyan clinched the gold medal with a standout performance. Nazar Chepurnyi of Ukraine secured silver, while Emirhan Kartin of Turkey claimed bronze. Chepurnyi returned to the podium in the parallel bars, where he took gold ahead of Jesse Moore from Australia, who earned silver, and Matteo Giubellini of Switzerland, who took bronze.In the horizontal bar final, Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi won gold, with Shi-Hang Tang of Chinese Taipei and Gu Tang of China finishing second and third respectively.On the balance beam, Hungary’s Greta Mayer captured the top spot, followed by Anja Seliskar and Kristina Sucic of Croatia, who earned silver and bronze. In the women’s floor exercise, Viones Manica of Romania dazzled the judges to win gold, with Audrey Rousseau of Canada taking silver and Sara Peter of Hungary earning bronze.Ali Al-Hitmi: An Exceptional Championship from Start to FinishAli Al-Hitmi, President of the Organizing Committee, expressed his deep satisfaction with the overall success of the event. Speaking after the final award ceremony, he stated: “We’ve reached a beautiful finale after four days of incredible competition. The athletes showcased remarkable performances, and the energy from the stands elevated the experience for everyone involved.”He congratulated all the medalists for their achievements and thanked all athletes for their commitment and high-level displays throughout the event. Al-Hitmi also extended heartfelt thanks to the organizing teams for their tireless efforts behind the scenes, which ensured the championship was delivered to the highest standard.Abeer Al-Buainain: Atmosphere and Quality on Full DisplayChampionship Director Abeer Al-Buainain praised the exceptional performances of the athletes and the thrilling atmosphere throughout the tournament. She noted that the finals were especially intense, with packed stands at Aspire Dome contributing to a vibrant and memorable sporting experience.“We are proud of the positive feedback we received from all participating delegations,” Al-Buainain said. “We were committed to upholding the highest standards of organization, and the outcome has been extremely rewarding. We hope every gymnast benefited from this competition and we wish them continued success in future events.”Nasser Al-Hamad: Technical Quality Reflected in the ResultsTechnical Director Nasser Al-Hamad extended his congratulations to all medalists and highlighted the high level of parity among athletes, which led to fierce and thrilling finals. “While many came in as favorites, the results were impossible to predict. The tight margins made for a very competitive environment,” he said. Al-Hamad emphasized that the presence of top athletes from various gymnastics schools raised the technical bar and created valuable learning opportunities for younger gymnasts.Mohammed Al-Fuhaid: Commendation for Qatari ExcellenceFormer board member of the Saudi Gymnastics Federation, Mohammed Al-Fuhaid, also praised the championship’s high standards. He lauded the event’s organization and the athletes’ performances, not only during the final day but across all four days of competition.“Qatar’s organization is outstanding as always,” Al-Fuhaid said. “It’s no surprise given the experience and capabilities of the Qatari teams. I commend the Organizing Committee, led by Ali Al-Hitmi, and thank everyone who contributed to delivering such an exceptional championship.”A Crowd That Brought the Event to LifeOne of the standout features of the championship was the impressive crowd turnout. Spectators from various nationalities and age groups filled the stands at Aspire Dome to cheer for their favorite athletes and enjoy the electric atmosphere. The passion and engagement of the fans added a special touch to the competition, helping the event shine both on and off the floor. The final days in particular witnessed a full house, affirming the growing popularity of gymnastics in Qatar and the region.The 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan) closed with excellence and enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impression on fans and participants alike, and once again reaffirming Doha’s reputation as a world-class destination for international sport. 

Sheikh Joaan Attends Final of Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel 2025

Doha: His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the final of the Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel 2025, organized by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation from April 14 to 19.In the men’s final, Spanish star Arturo Coello and Argentine standout Agustín Tapia clinched the title with a commanding performance, defeating Alejandro Galán (Spain) and Federico Chingotto (Argentina) in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2.In the women’s final, Gemma Triay (Spain) and Delfina Brea (Argentina) secured the championship title after overcoming the Spanish duo Ariana Sánchez and Paula Josemaría in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. 

World Stars Shine Under Aspire Dome as the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Reaches Its Climax

Doha: The finals of the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan) are taking place today at Aspire Academy in Doha, as the competition enters its decisive phase. The event, which began on April 16 and continues until Saturday, has brought together some of the world’s best gymnasts for four days of elite-level action.The preliminary rounds concluded last night after two intense days of qualifying across various apparatus, as athletes battled for a spot in the finals. With the tournament now at a critical stage, anticipation is building for high-level performances and dramatic finishes that will determine the champions of this year’s edition.The championship has already delivered top-class performances and featured the rise of global talents. On the men’s floor exercise, Kazakhstan’s Karim Miladi and Tamberk qualified alongside Britain’s Sam Mostafavi. In the pommel horse event, Jordan’s Ahmad Abu Al-Soud secured his place in the finals, joined by Kazakhstan’s Karbanov and China’s Hong Yang Ming. On the still rings, Armenians Davtyan and Artur Avetisyan advanced alongside China’s Yu Hao.In the women’s competition, legendary Uzbek gymnast Oksana Chusovitina reached the finals in the vault, alongside Hungary’s Greta Mayer, Slovenia’s Tjasa Kysselef, and fellow Hungarian Sára Péter. On the uneven bars, Australia’s Keira McDonald, Canada’s Audrey Rousseau, and Ukraine’s Denali Bork advanced to the final round.There was also a notable Arab presence. Qatar’s Rakan Al-Hareth impressed throughout, while Jordan’s Ahmad Abu Al-Soud earned widespread praise after booking his spot in the pommel horse final. Qatar’s Salma Nasser continued her steady rise with another solid performance in her second consecutive World Cup appearance, reflecting her growing confidence and the trust placed in her by the technical staff—a promising sign for the future of Qatari gymnastics.Championship Director Abeer Al-Buainain praised the level of competition, noting that all finalists had delivered commendable performances. She said the finals would be even more competitive due to the closeness in skill levels, adding that the early rounds had already produced surprises—and more could be expected in the final stages. She highlighted the championship’s strong technical standard, as anticipated from such a stellar lineup of international athletes. Al-Buainain concluded by expressing satisfaction with the athletes’ performances and looked forward to more excitement in the final rounds.Issa Al-Hitmi, a board member of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, also praised the level of competition. He emphasized the high caliber of participation and the valuable experience it offers to Arab gymnasts. Congratulating Ahmad Abu Al-Soud on his qualification, Al-Hitmi said he hoped for more Arab success in the finals. He stressed that competing alongside the world's best provides unmatched opportunities for growth and development, raising the bar for everyone involved.Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), commended the event’s organization, saying he was always happy to be in Qatar. He noted that every edition of the World Cup in Doha brings something new and exciting, praising the Qatari Federation’s commitment to excellence. Watanabe added that Qatar has firmly established itself as a key destination on the global gymnastics calendar, thanks to its exceptional infrastructure, experience, and talented organizing teams. He said the qualifying rounds had already featured high-level competition, setting the stage for even more thrilling action in the finals.In a touching moment captured by cameras, Rakan Al-Hareth’s father was seen in the stands watching his son with pride and heartfelt prayers—a powerful reminder of the emotional support behind every athlete. The scene was met with appreciation from those in attendance, as the father’s presence became one of the most talked-about moments of the day.Crowd attendance has been growing steadily since day one, and it is expected to peak today and tomorrow as fans flock to Aspire to witness the finals. With the weekend upon us and medals on the line, excitement is reaching fever pitch. Gymnastics continues to enjoy broad appeal in Qatar, drawing fans from across the local and expatriate communities.The event has also drawn praise for its high-level judging, with both technical and administrative teams receiving recognition for their professionalism. The judging panels—led by Donatella Sacchi on the women’s side and Andrew Tumbas for the men—have handled the close and often intense competition with poise, highlighting the importance of expert officiating in delivering a successful tournament.Salma Nasser, speaking to media after her event, expressed her joy at participating in such a prestigious tournament and competing alongside the world’s best. She described the event as a valuable learning opportunity, allowing her to gain experience and grow her skills. Salma emphasized her determination to improve and continue striving for excellence, adding that while the competition is tough, the knowledge and exposure it provides are equally rewarding.As the finals begin and champions are crowned, the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup is proving once again that Doha is more than ready to host the world—raising the bar for gymnastics events worldwide.