Mutaz Barshim announces What Gravity Tour – A Global High Jump Series

Doha:  Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural What Gravity Challenge 2024, Olympic champion and high jump legend Mutaz Barshim has officially announced the expansion of the competition into a global high jump tour under the banner of What Gravity Tour. What Gravity Tour represents the evolution of a vision – from a single standout competition to an internationally recognized series that brings together the world’s elite high jumpers across multiple international destinations. The tour will serve as a league-format competition, where athletes will accumulate points from each event, culminating in a final ranking and the crowning of the overall What Gravity Tour Champion. Speaking on the occasion, Mutaz Barshim, Founder of What Gravity Tour, said: "High jump has given me everything, and now it's time to give back. The launch of What Gravity Tour is not just about competition—it’s about creating a legacy for high jump, inspiring future generations, and providing athletes with the stage and recognition they deserve. Starting in Doha and expanding to Heilbronn, we are building a truly global platform, and we look forward to welcoming even more international destinations in the future."

QOC participates in GCC Olympic Committees Executive Board Meeting in Kuwait

Kuwait – The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) took part in the 100th Executive Board Meeting of the GCC National Olympic Committee Presidents, held today in Kuwait. Led by H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, QOC Secretary-General, the delegation engaged in key discussions on major upcoming sporting events and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing sports in the region. During the meeting, the report of the Organizing Committee for the Third GCC Beach Games (Muscat 2025) on the latest preparations for hosting the Games, scheduled from the 5th – 11th of next April, was reviewed. The request of the Kuwait Olympic Committee to host the Second Gulf Youth Games in 2028 was approved and the executive request was submitted to the Council of Their Highnesses and Excellencies Heads of the GCC Olympic Committees for approval. Another major decision was the approval of a conference on sports law and management, in line with the strategic plan for enhancing regional sports cooperation, which was first endorsed at the 32nd GCC NOC Presidents' Meeting in 2020. Additionally, several other topics were reviewed, and the members agreed to refer them to the advisory committees to submit their recommendations to the executive office. The QOC delegation accompanying the Secretary-General included, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of QOC’s Sports Sector, Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani, Director of QOC’s Marketing and International Cooperation Sector, and Mr. Mohammed Issa Al-Fadala, Director of QOC’s Sports Affairs Department.  

Allen sizzles in five-star showjumping on day 2 of CHI Al Shaqab

Doha: The second day of the 12th edition of the CHI Championship presented by Longines continued at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab (Member, Qatar Foundation) on Friday with exhilarating showjumping, dressage and para dressage action.   Stealing the showjumping limelight at the magnificent Longines outdoor arena was Millie Allen, who won the CSI5* - Prix Hermes Sellier - Jump Off - 1.55m (LR) - GP Qualifier class after a thrilling finish in the jump off.   Allen (from Great Britain) sizzled with grey gelding Clearround IL Mondo Z on the vast course clearing obstacles with fine control and authority to clock flawless best of 37.74secs in the jump off.   Finishing almost a second behind was German Hans-Dieter Dreher, who combining with grey gelding Elysium needed 37.81secs to make the clear round.    Italian Emanuele Camilli, on mount Chacco’s Girlstar - a chestnut mare, and Spaniard Mariano Martinez Bastida (on bay gelding Jup) shared the third podium place - both finishing in 37.94secs.   As many as 45 top riders from around the world started in the class and 12 had made it to the jump off.   The winners were crowned by Wissam Al Mana, CEO of Hermes Middle East, and Rashid Nasser Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the championship.  

Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship concludes

Doha: The Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship concluded last night at Aspire Academy, following two days of intense competition featuring 225 young gymnasts from six countries—Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. Divided into 16 teams, the athletes delivered exceptional performances that impressed both the audience and officials. The tournament witnessed fierce competition among all participants, creating an exciting atmosphere that was enjoyed by fans in attendance.   The Organizing Committee, led by Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, crowned the winning gymnasts at the closing ceremony, held in an electric atmosphere with a large turnout of gymnastics enthusiasts.  Samira Said, Tournament Director, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, highlighting the high level of competition and the exceptional atmosphere throughout the championship.   "We were confident from the start that this would be a highly competitive tournament, given the caliber of participating nations, and the performances exceeded our expectations," she stated.  "This tournament served as a fantastic experience and a strong launchpad for future editions. The event provided valuable learning experiences for both young and senior gymnasts, refining their skills and preparing them for higher levels of competition. The performances were remarkable, promising even better levels in the future" She added.   Discussing the Qatari gymnasts’ performances, Said noted, "The championship featured 60 gymnasts from academies affiliated with the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, and they delivered outstanding performances, achieving commendable results. We are pleased with how Qatar’s gymnasts performed in this strong competitive environment, which provided them with a valuable opportunity to gain experience and exposure."  for his part, Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, Board Member of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, emphasized the tournament’s role in identifying emerging talents.   "Over the two days, we observed several promising young gymnasts who have the potential for a bright future in the sport. Championships like this serve as a launching pad for future stars, and that was one of our key objectives in organizing the event. The presence of strong competitors from various Arab countries further elevated the level of competition, making the tournament not only a technical success but also an organizational triumph as acknowledged by all participating delegations."He said.  Essa Al-Hitmi, Board Member of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the championship’s success across all aspects, including competition level, results, and organization.  "We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this edition, both in terms of the technical level and the exceptional organizational standards. The tournament was executed in an outstanding manner and received praise from all participants, particularly from our fellow Arab nations, who recognized the great benefits their gymnasts gained from the experience," he stated.  "The congratulatory messages from delegations and academy officials confirmed the success of the championship, as they commended the Qatar Gymnastics Federation for its commitment to supporting young gymnasts and organizing high-level competitions. There was also widespread appreciation for Aspire Academy’s world-class facilities and Qatar’s state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. Such positive feedback is a testament to the championship’s success and the nation’s capability in hosting top-tier sporting events" He added:   

Rublev to face Draper in Qatar Open final

Doha: Andrey Rublev of Russia on Friday secured his third Qatar Open final berth with a hard-fought three-set victory over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.  The 2020 champion, seeded fifth, battled for nearly three hours, ultimately prevailing 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). In the final today, Rublev will take on Great Britain’s Jack Draper who on Friday rallied from a set down to beat Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka who defeated Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.  Draper on Friday won 3-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 on the Centre Court at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex. Auger-Aliassime’s powerful serve, delivering 21 aces, pushed Rublev to his limits in the day’s first semi-final.  The Russian admitted feeling helpless at times against such strong serves from Lehecka. “It feels amazing (to be in a third Doha final), but at the same time what can I do?” Rublev said on Friday.  “If it doesn’t happen, next week I have another tournament, another opportunity. “I am happy that I am back in terms of my level. I think I am playing better and better week by week, so I’m improving.  “I will keep the main focus, even if I don’t win this final, just to keep improving,” he said. Having qualified for his third final in Qatar, Rublev said he is playing better compared to 2018 when he first reached the Doha title clash.  “Everything is better. If I can compare my game, physically I’m better, mentally I’m better, game-wise I’m better. So, yeah, more complete player as before,” Rublev said on Friday.  “The year 2020 was amazing for me because I was coming back from 2018 and 2019 and those were tough seasons because I had injuries.  “It was a comeback for me. At the end of 2019 I played really well. With 2020, because Doha (tournament) was (held) in January that time, I was able to win Doha and Adelaide back-to-back. For me it was like a huge step forward to get closer to the top 10 in the world,” he added.  “I guess those were the main tournaments, because then we had pandemic. And after pandemic, like after one tournament I was already top 10. Those two tournaments helped me a lot to get closer to the top-10 ranking, and then I was able to stay there. Yeah, so now I’m much better player in everything,” the Russian told reporters.  Draper battled from behind to beat Lehecka and reach his fifth tour-level final. The British lefty fired 14 aces and won 88 per cent (45/51) of his first-serve points to win after two hours and 24 minutes. Draper is up to No.12 in the world rankings and will rise to a career-high on Monday.  The 23-year-old would become the World No.11 if he defeats Rublev and wins his third tour-level title and second at ATP 500 level (Vienna).   

Saleh Al Kaabi scores 1-stroke victory at 39th Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship

Doha: Saleh Al Kaabi demonstrated his skill to claim the 39th Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship title with a one-stroke victory at Doha Golf Club on Saturday. The top Qatari golfer shot a two-under-par 70 in the third and final round, finishing with an aggregate of 213 shots to edge out Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela. The triumph secured Al Kaabi’s spot in the prestigious Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. “We are thrilled with the outstanding victory of Qatar’s Saleh Al Kaabi. This achievement highlights his remarkable progress and the dedication he’s invested in the sport,” said Walid Saad, Media Coordinator for the Qatar Golf Association and Member of the Tournament Organizing Committee. “The Qatar Golf Association has consistently improved the tournament, turning it into a globally recognised event. It has also made significant strides in developing local talent, helping players reach their fullest potential. Al Kaabi’s victory further solidifies his status as a key player on the Qatari national team, as he outperformed some of the best, including last year’s champion. This win brings pride to Qatar and sets a shining example for the future of golf in the region.” Meanwhile, overnight leader Daniil Sokolov, also representing the host nation, finished two shots behind El Ela after a difficult round of six-over-par 78 yesterday. Defending champion Calum Fitzgerald of England finished joint fifth along with Qatari golfer Ali Al Shahrani, both with a total of 227. English golfer Joe Jones claimed fourth place, one shot ahead of the pair. Australia’s Andrew Ikstrums (229) and Cam Krahner (234) followed, with England’s Andrew Saunders (236) and Ireland’s Keith Crowley (238) rounding out the top 10. Scores 1. 213 – Saleh Musbah Al Kaabi (Qatar) 75, 68, 70 (–3) 2. 214 – Issa Abou El Ela (Egypt)68, 74, 72 (–2) 3. 216 – Daniil Sokolov (Qatar) 68, 70, 78 (Level) 4. 226 – Joe Jones (England)76, 77, 73 (+10) 5. 227 – Calum Fitzgerald (England) 77, 74, 76 (+11) 6. 227 – Ali Al Shahrani (Qatar) 70, 80, 77 (+11) 7. 229 – Andrew Ikstrums (Australia) 75, 77, 77 (+13) 8. 234 – Cam Krahner (Australia) 73, 76, 85 (+18) 9. 236 – Andrew Saunders (England) 83, 74, 79 (+20) 10. 238 – Keith Crowley (Ireland)80, 79, 79 (+22).