GCC Beach Games Kick Off in Muscat with Strong Qatari Presence

Muscat: The third edition of the GCC Beach Games officially got underway in Muscat, Oman, with more than 300 male and female athletes from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, and Bahrain — taking part in the multi-sport event.The opening ceremony, held at the Lake Theatre in Qurum Natural Park, was attended by several dignitaries including HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, QOC Secretary-General, and HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani, Director of the QOC’s Sports Affairs Sector. The ceremony also welcomed presidents of Gulf Olympic committees and senior sports officials from across the region.Qatar’s beach volleyball star Cherif Younousse had the honor of carrying the Qatari flag during the parade of nations. The vibrant opening featured cultural performances that celebrated the heritage of Oman and the wider Gulf region, reflecting the unifying spirit and values of the Games.The GCC Beach Games include competitions in beach soccer, beach handball, beach volleyball, athletics, sailing, open water swimming, air sports (paragliding), and equestrian sports (tent pegging).Qatar is represented by 18 athletes competing in beach volleyball, athletics, sailing, open water swimming, and tent pegging.The Qatari sailing team competing in Muscat includes Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, Khalifa Al Yafei, Youssef Al Ibrahim, Tamim Shams, Thani Shams, and Saad Al Ibrahim. The sailing events will take place from April 5 to 11, 2025.The Games are expected to showcase top Gulf sporting talent while promoting unity, cultural exchange, and athletic excellence across the region. 

Bailey appointed Qatar national team coach

Doha: The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) has appointed Toby Bailey as the National Team Head Coach.Bailey is a former English cricketer who played for Northamptonshire as a wicket-keeper (1996-2004).The QCA, announcing his appointment in a release, on Saturday said: “We are delighted to welcome Toby Bailey to the QCA family as the National Team Head Coach. Wishing him great success in guiding Qatar Cricket Team to new heights.“Toby Bailey is a professional cricket coach with extensive experience in developing teams and players at various levels. He has held several coaching positions with prestigious national teams and clubs, where he has made a clear impact in improving tactical and technical performance.” The 48-year-old Bailey, welcoming his appointment on X platform said: “Looking forward to this,” with a picture of himself and flag of Qatar.Bailey previously has been head coach of Argentina National Team; Carlton (Scotland) – where he led the team to victory in the 2012 National T20 Championship; Scotland National Team – Assistant Coach, and interim Head Coach for some periods; Glamorgan (Wales) – 2024 – Assistant Coach responsible for Batting and Fielding; and Jimmy Academy – 2025 – Develops young players and coaches.Bailey is known for his analytical and developmental approach to cricket coaching, making him a prominent figure in the field. 

H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani Concludes Central Asia Tour to Advance Olympic Collaboration and Support National Priorities in Sport

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, Senior Vice President and Vice President for Asia of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), has concluded a regional tour of Central Asia aimed at deepening ANOC’s engagement with National Olympic Committees and enhancing cooperation in the development of sport across the region. The visit reaffirmed ANOC’s commitment to listening directly to NOCs and their national partners to better understand local priorities and to support their ambitions in close coordination with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).The tour, which included official visits to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, was conducted alongside Mr. Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics and Director General of the OCA, and Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, Vice President of the OCA.The first stop was in Turkmenistan’s capital, where His Excellency Sheikh Joaan was greeted upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport by His Excellency Mr. Saparov Allaberdi Orazmammedovich, Chairman of the State Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of Turkmenistan, and Mr. Ata Akmammedov, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan.The following day, His Excellency was received at the Presidential Palace by His Excellency Mr. Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and President of the National Olympic Committee of Turkmenistan, for a meeting also attended by senior representatives from the Turkmenistan NOC. Discussions focused on the country’s sporting aspirations and areas where greater cooperation with ANOC and the OCA could further support Turkmenistan’s Olympic development.Upon arrival in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, His Excellency was received by national and Olympic officials before being hosted for a dinner by Mr. Gulahmadzoda Zulfiqor Ahmad, Chairman of the Committee of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with Mr. Nazarov Dilshod, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Tajikistan, and Mr. Abdullozoda Muhammadsho Mirzokhon, Secretary General of the Tajikistan NOC.The following day, His Excellency held a meeting with His Excellency Mr. Rustami Emomali, Mayor of Dushanbe and Executive Board Member of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan. Discussions focused on strengthening Tajikistan’s engagement with the Olympic Movement, enhancing athlete development pathways, and exploring areas for collaboration with ANOC and the OCA in technical training, international promotion of traditional sports, and infrastructure development that positions Tajikistan as an emerging host nation for regional and international sporting events.The final leg of the tour took place in Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, His Excellency was received by His Excellency Mr. Yerbol Myrzabosynov, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Gennady Golovkin, President of the Kazakhstan National Olympic Committee; and Mr. Nurlan Zhakupov, President of the Kazakh Aquatics Federation. Later that day, His Excellency attended official meetings at the headquarters of the Kazakhstan National Olympic Committee, followed by a formal dinner with the same delegation.The following morning, His Excellency was received at the House of Ministries by His Excellency Mr. Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Conversations focused on Kazakhstan’s preparations to host the upcoming Continental Athletes’ Forum and the country’s broader contributions to regional Olympic sport. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to athlete-centered collaboration and sustainable sport development across the region.Throughout the tour, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan emphasized ANOC’s role as a collaborative partner, committed to meaningful consultation with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and to ensuring that its support is shaped by the voices, needs, and ambitions of the members it serves. The visit reinforced Central Asia’s growing importance within the Olympic Movement and highlighted ANOC’s commitment to strengthening the region’s capacity through cooperation, solidarity, and tailored support. By fostering direct dialogue, the tour helped to identify shared goals, deepen relationships, and reaffirm ANOC’s role as a trusted partner dedicated to empowering the Olympic community across Asia in close coordination with the OCA and national stakeholders.

Barshim and Kerr to participate in Doha High Jump

Doha: Qatar’s former Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim and reigning Olympic champion Hamish Kerr of New Zealand are the first names to be announced for what is shaping up to be an incredible high jump field at the Doha Meeting on May 16.Barshim, who finished third in Paris, is also a two-time Olympic silver medallist (2012 and 2016). A true championship performer, he won an unprecedented third successive global title with victory at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene 2022.A great ambassador for the sport and his country, the 33-year-old launched his own innovative event in 2024 - the ‘What Gravity Challenge’ - bringing together a group of the world’s best high jumpers at the spectacular Katara Amphitheatre in Doha.“High jump is my passion, and although I’ve made history, I still strive for more,” said the Qatar national record holder who has a best of 2.43m, the second highest jump of all time. “After the Paris Olympic Games, I made the decision not to compete this indoor season. I’ve been in this sport a while now and I have to make sensible decisions. The World Championships in Tokyo is my main goal for the year and to perform at my best, I need to prioritise my competitions ahead of then. The ‘What Gravity Challenge’ and the Diamond League meeting in Doha will be my first two events of the year and I’m looking forward to opening up my season in front of a home support, it means a lot to me to be able to do that.”The 28-year-old Kerr won the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships with a national record and Oceania best of 2.36m, upgrading his 2022 bronze. He matched that height in Paris, winning Olympic gold after a jump-off inspired by the Tokyo 2021 actions of Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, who, in contrast, chose to share the gold medal. The Commonwealth champion most recently finished second in the 2025 World Indoors.“Things are building nicely for the year ahead and I’m excited to open my Diamond League season in Doha,” said Kerr, who won his ninth national title with victory at the New Zealand Championships in March. “My confidence has grown a lot over the last 12 months and it’s an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to jump against such high-quality athletes. It’s a big summer, and of course my focus is on Tokyo, but in order to grow and learn more about yourself, it’s important to put yourself out there and compete against the best.”The Doha Meeting is the third meeting of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League. The series - which will pay out a record total of 9.24 million US dollars in prize money - comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field across four different continents, starting with Xiamen on 26 April and concluding with a single final across two days in Zurich (27-28 August). 

Qatar to partake in 3rd GCC Beach Games

DOHA: Qatar will send 18 athletes across five sports to compete in the third edition of the GCC Beach Games 2025, set to take place in Muscat, Oman, from April 5 to 11.The event will feature participants from all six Gulf countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.The tournament will include eight sports: beach soccer, beach handball, beach volleyball, beach athletics, sailing, open water swimming, air sports, and equestrian (tent pegging).Qatar’s athletes will compete in five of these sports: beach volleyball, athletics, sailing, open water swimming, and equestrian (tent pegging).The Qatari team will feature the following athletes: Ahmed Tijan, Sherif Younes, Nour Al Munther, and Othman Mohammed in beach volleyball; Tamim Mohammed and Mohammed Aziz in open water swimming; Hamdi Ali in athletics; Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, Khalifa Al Yafei, Youssef Al Ibrahim, Tamim Shams, Thani Shams, and Saad Al Ibrahim in sailing; and Faisal Al Hajri, Fahad Al Kuwari, Rashid Al Dosari, Ali Al Adhba, and Ibrahim Al Hammadi in equestrian (tent pegging).Athletes will compete for a total of 43 coloured medals across 30 different events during the tournament. 

Team Qatar Advance to Quarterfinals of FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore

Singapore: Team Qatar have secured their place in the quarterfinals of the eighth edition of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, currently being hosted in Singapore.Qatar qualified for the last eight after finishing second in Group D, which also included New Zealand and Vietnam. The team opened their campaign with a 21-16 victory over Vietnam, but narrowly lost their second and final group match to New Zealand by a score of 17-15.Qatar are now set to face China in the quarterfinals on Sunday. The Chinese team topped their group with wins over India (21-19) and Chinese Taipei (21-10).Team Qatar’s squad for the tournament features Nadim Moussallem, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, Elhadji Magassa, and Mohammed Hashem.Meanwhile, New Zealand, who topped Group D, will face India, the runner-up of Group B, in another quarterfinal matchup on Sunday.