Team Qatar shine at Asian Junior Athletics Championships

Riyadh, - Qatari duo Samer Moussa Hassan and Ahmed Saleh qualified for the 400m final Tuesday at the 6th Asian Junior Athletics Championships being held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, which will continue until April 18.Samer Moussa qualified after finishing first in Group A with a time of 48.76 seconds, while Ahmed Saleh qualified with the first place ticket in Group B with a time of 49.08 seconds.The duo are scheduled to compete in the final tomorrow, Wednesday. The Qatari athletics team is participating in the championship with ten athletes: Hamad Dhawi Al Sultan and Hamad Saleh in the discus throw and shot put events; Younis Al Balushi and Abdullah Al Abdullah in the pole vault; Abkar Idris and Abdulrazaq Idris in the 400m hurdles; Ahmed Saleh and Samer Musa in the 400m; Idris Abubaker in the 110m hurdles; and Mubarak Saeed in the 1500m. 

Qatar’s Younousse & Tijan in Asian Tour quarter-finals

Samila, Thailand - Qatar’s beach volleyball pair of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan continued their impressive run at the Asian Beach Volleyball Tour in Samila, Thailand, securing a spot in the quarter-finals .The former Olympic bronze medallists, Younousse and Tijan kicked off their campaign by overpowering Hong Kong’s S H Kan and C Wong (21-8, 21-6) in 24 minutes, before edging Kazakhstan’s Sergey Bogatu and Kirill Gurin in a tense second set to win 21-11, 26-24 in 47 minutes.They then dispatched Iran’s Salemi and Ghalehnovi 21-13, 21-9 in 33 minutes, securing their place among the top eight contenders.On Tuesday, the Qatar pair will meet Indonesia’s Danangsyah Pribadi and Yosi Firnanda in their last group stage match which will be followed by the quarter-finals.

Organizing Committee of the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Holds Coordination Meeting

Doha: The Organizing Committee of the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Taishan), chaired by Ali Al-Hitmi, held an extensive coordination meeting with heads and coordinators of the working committees, in the presence of a large number of volunteers. The meeting was held at the competition venue with the goal of reviewing final preparations and ensuring that all teams are ready for this global event, which will take place in Doha from April 16 to 19, 2025.During the meeting, Al-Hitmi expressed his support and appreciation to all team members, praising their continuous efforts and calling on everyone to demonstrate commitment, discipline, and professionalism. He emphasized that “committee heads and coordinators are a cornerstone of success, and their contribution is essential to presenting this edition in a manner worthy of Qatar’s reputation as a global hub for sporting events.”Al-Hitmi also unveiled the championship’s official slogan:“Through our collaboration… we master organization and create excellence”He explained that this motto reflects the spirit of teamwork for the event, saying:“Each committee member is not just representing themselves — they are representing the State of Qatar. Our first language in welcoming guests from around the world is a warm smile.”The Organizing Committee Chair confirmed that preparations are progressing in line with the highest standards. He highlighted the committee’s commitment to providing all teams with the latest daily updates on schedules and meetings, ensuring smooth communication and accurate information for the delegations.Al-Hitmi added:“We’ve gained a wealth of experience through hosting this event over the years. Today, every member of every committee knows their role precisely. This current review is simply a reaffirmation that we are on the right track — and fully prepared to deliver an exceptional edition that reflects Doha’s stature.”Equipment Committee Redoubles EffortsAs always, the competition venue has been beautifully prepared. The Equipment Committee, headed by Ahmed Kahura, has completed the setup of the floor and all apparatus to be used in the competition. The team worked around the clock to complete the setup with utmost precision and safety, ensuring the hall is fully ready to host top gymnastics teams from around the world.Teams Begin to Arrive – Training Camps at Al-LaqtaYesterday morning, national teams from Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, and Hungary arrived in Doha to begin their training camps ahead of the championship. After checking into the official tournament hotel, the teams headed straight to the Al-Laqta Artistic Gymnastics Training Center, where delegation officials expressed admiration for the high-quality facilities.The Al-Laqta Training Center is considered one of the premier gymnastics facilities in the Middle East. It features internationally certified gymnastics equipment, a state-of-the-art fitness gym, a fully equipped medical clinic with a physiotherapy unit, private locker rooms and restrooms, and modern meeting rooms with training and presentation technologies.Team Qatar Continues PreparationsAs part of local preparations, Qatari gymnasts Rakan Al-Hareth and Salma Nasser continue their daily training under the supervision of head coach Mahmoud Al-Saadi and coach Mohammed Al-Dulaimi, following their return from Osijek, Croatia, where they competed in the DOBRO Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, held from April 10 to 13.Mohammed Al-Maraghi: Early Media PreparednessMeanwhile, Mohammed Al-Maraghi, Head of the Media and Public Relations Committee, confirmed that media preparations for the championship began well in advance. The event has been promoted across various platforms, and a dedicated team has been assigned to welcome guests at The Torch Hotel and Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel.Al-Maraghi noted that Al Kass TV is the official broadcaster of the championship, with future plans to expand coverage through additional channels to further promote the sport of gymnastics.Doha Set for Another MilestoneWith this high level of readiness and seamless coordination between all committees, Doha once again proves its ability to host major international sports events, making the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup another chapter of excellence and achievement in Qatar’s sporting legacy. 

Thrilling action as Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel 2025 gets under way

DOHA - The Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel 2025 tournament featuring world’s top players got off to an exciting start in the main draw at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Monday.The tournament (April 14-19) – the first of four Majors this season – began with some thrilling contests from Spanish and Qatari players.Hosted by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF), the prestigious event brings together a total of 48 men’s and 40 women’s teams in action on six specially equipped courts at the iconic venue.With top-seeded players such as the world’s top pair Arturo Coello (Spain) and Agustin Tapia (Argentina), as well as No.2 duo of Federico Chingoptto (Argentina) and Alejandro Galan (Spain) receiving byes for the second round, a strong line-up of prominent players were in action on the opening fay.Argentina’s Aris Patiniotis and David Gala Sanchez (ESP) made a breezy start to their campaign defeating Federico Mourino (ARG) and Antonio Fernandez (ESP) in straight sets (6-4, 6-2).Spanish-Argentinean pair of Mario Del Castillo and Ignacio Piotto Albornoz also delivered a commanding performance to outsmart the Qatari pair of Mohammed Saadon Alkuwari and Hassan Adel Waly, winning 6-1, 6-2.The Spanish duo of Anton Sans and Marc Quilez prevailed over Qatar’s Rayan Abdulla and Abdulla Alhijji 6-0, 6-0, while Luis Hernandez Quesada and Inigo Jofre saw off a spirited effort from Miguel Benitez Lara and Javier Martinez to win 6-4, 7-5 in an all-Spanish clash.Regaling fans in another exciting match-up was the Qatari duo of Mashari Nawaf and Rashed Nawaf, who put up a spirited fight against Spaniards Mario Ortega and Carlos Marti before going down in the Round of 64.The Nawaf brothers took the lead, securing a 7-6 win in the opening set, but the Spanish duo fought their way back winning the second set 6-0 before securing victory with a score of 6-3 in the third set.Earlier, Pol Hernandez Alvarez (ESP) and Ramiro Jesus Valenzuela (ARG) made quick work of Spanish duo Jesus Moya and Javier Rico to win 6-0, 6-3 and advance into the next round. 

Indonesian Delegation Attends Doha Artistic Gymnastics World Cup to Gain Organizational Experience Ahead of Jakarta 2025

Doha: A delegation from Indonesia has arrived in Doha to attend the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup – “Tishan”, currently taking place at Aspire Dome from April 16 to 19, with the aim of gaining valuable organizational insight from Qatar’s extensive experience in hosting major international gymnastics events.The visit comes as Indonesia prepares to host the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, scheduled for October 19–25, 2025, which will bring together 600 athletes from 78 countries, in addition to international judges and delegation officials. Keen to ensure successful preparations, the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation dispatched the delegation to observe Qatar’s event management, logistical preparations, and competition operations up close.The Doha World Cup, known for its world-class organization, features 150 gymnasts (100 men and 50 women) from 20 countries, along with 35 international judges. The competition, held annually in Qatar, continues to draw some of the world’s top Olympic-level talent.The Organizing Committee, led by Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, is working tirelessly to deliver a standout edition. Qualifications are scheduled for the first two days, followed by finals on April 18 and 19. A total of USD 50,000 in prize money is allocated, with USD 5,000 awarded per apparatus across the ten events (six for men and four for women).This year’s competition boasts an impressive lineup, including Karbanov (Armenia), silver medalist on pommel horse at the Paris Olympics, Tung Hung (Chinese Taipei), bronze medalist on horizontal bar, and Ashao Yaqian (China), who won silver on the balance beam.Team Qatar will be represented by Salma Nasser and Rakan Al-Hareth, both of whom are currently competing at the World Cup in Croatia—a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their routines ahead of the Doha event. Their participation in the home tournament will provide them with valuable international exposure.The Indonesian delegation’s presence underlines Qatar’s role as a benchmark for excellence in global sports event management, particularly in gymnastics, where Doha has become a trusted and experienced host on the international stage. 

QGF gears up to host Artistic Gymnastics World Cup

Doha: The Qatar capital is preparing to host the 17th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup (Tishan), set to take place at Aspire Dome from April 16 to 19, featuring a high-caliber lineup of Olympic-level gymnasts from around the world.The organizing committee, chaired by Ali Al Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, is working diligently to deliver a world-class event. Committee members include Abeer Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the Federation and Championship Director, Assistant Secretary-General Mohammed Al Maraghi, and members Issa Al Hitmi, Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Nasser Al Hamad, and Mazen Taha. The committee holds regular meetings to monitor all developments and ensure full readiness before the competition kicks off.Al Hitmi emphasized the exceptional importance of this year’s edition, stating: “Our main goal is to showcase the civilized image of Qatari sport through gymnastics and to continue building on our past successes. We aim to deliver an even better edition, with strong technical and organizational execution that cements Qatar’s reputation as a global host.”Mazen Taha, the event’s Technical Director, revealed the competition details, noting the participation of 150 gymnasts (100 men and 50 women) from 20 countries, alongside 35 international judges.The qualifying rounds will be held on the first two days, followed by the finals on April 18 and 19.A total prize pool of $50,000 will be awarded, with $5,000 allocated to each of the 10 apparatus events (6 men’s and 4 women’s events).This year’s edition is set apart by the participation of world-class names, including: Karbanov (Armenia): Silver medalist on the pommel horse at the Paris Olympics; Kazakhstan’s star gymnast: Olympic silver medalist in vault; Tong Hong (Chinese Taipei): Bronze medalist on the high bar at the Paris Olympics; and Ashaw Yaqian (China): National champion and Olympic silver medalist on balance beam.Abeer Al Buainain, the Championship Director, highlighted that such elite participation significantly raises the event’s profile and appeal to fans and followers.She also announced that Al Kass TV has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the finals on April 18 and 19, with additional coverage from several international networks.On the digital side, the organizing committee has launched a dedicated website that provides information on participating athletes, event schedules, rankings, and live updates. A Facebook page has also been created to share real-time results as soon as each event concludes.Qatar will be represented by Salma Nasser and Rakan Al Hareth, who are expected to gain valuable international experience through this event. Both athletes are currently competing in the World Cup in Croatia as part of their preparation for the Doha event.Al Hitmi expressed his regret over the limited Arab representation, with only Qatar and Jordan taking part this year: “We had hoped for broader Arab participation, especially given the high caliber of this event.”Al Hitmi emphasized that the championship is another opportunity to strengthen gymnastics culture in Qatar — a strategic goal of the federation since its founding in 2001.He noted that the sport is growing so rapidly that accommodating all interested participants has become a challenge.This year’s “Tishan” Championship is more than just a sporting competition — it is a message of excellence, reflecting Qatar’s progress in gymnastics and reaffirming its status as a global sports hub.