School Olympic Program Organizing Committee honors 70 young athletes joining national teams

Doha): The Organizing Committee of the School Olympic Program (SOP) held a special ceremony today to recognize promising young athletes who have successfully joined to the national teams through the program.   The event was attended by H.E. Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, QOC Secretary-General, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani, Chairman of the SOP Organizing Committee, along with several heads and representatives of various sports federations.   A total of 70 talented male and female athletes were honored for their achievements, having been identified through the School Olympic Program and selected to represent Qatar in eight sports, including football, shooting, basketball, volleyball, hockey, taekwondo, wrestling, and cricket.   H.E. Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana extended his gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the QOC, for his unwavering support of the School Olympic Program. He emphasized that this commitment reflects Qatar’s dedication to developing young sports talents, reinforcing the country's standing on the regional and international sports stage.   Expressing pride in the honored athletes, Al Mana highlighted the importance of creating the right environment to nurture and sustain their growth in various disciplines, ensuring they continue to shine as future champions of Qatari sports.   In his address during the ceremony, H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al-Thani, Chairman of the SOP Organizing Committee, underscored the significance of identifying and developing young talent through the program. He noted that this initiative plays a crucial role in strengthening the future of Qatari sports and aligning with the vision of preparing elite athletes for the Doha 2030 Asian Games.   He explained that, in line with the directives of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, the School Olympic Program has evolved into a strategic platform for talent development. This is achieved through competitive sporting events and school visits by sports federation experts, enabling federations to identify and nurture the next generation of national athletes.   Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Association, praised the initiative, acknowledging the impact of the SOP in identifying and developing sports talent. He expressed pride in the young athletes who have demonstrated exceptional potential and emphasized the need for continued collaboration between sports and educational institutions to maintain this momentum and align with Qatar National Vision 2030.   Similarly, Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Executive Director of the SOP, extended his appreciation to the Qatar Olympic Committee for its continuous support. He emphasized that honoring young talents serves as both motivation and encouragement, reinforcing their role in shaping the future of Qatari sports.   The School Olympic Program continues to play a pivotal role in Qatar’s sports development strategy, serving as a gateway for young athletes to achieve excellence and contribute to the nation’s success on the global stage.  

QOC President Meets with President of World Triathlon

DOHA: His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), met with Mr. Antonio Fernandez Arimany, President of World Triathlon who is currently visiting Doha. During the meeting, they discussed various aspects of development and opportunities for mutual cooperation between the Qatar Olympic Committee and World Triathlon. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the QOC, and Engineer Abdulaziz Saud Al Tamimi, President of the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation.  

FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Brand Identity unveiled

Doha: FIBA, basketball’s world governing body, and the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee unveiled today (27/1) the official brand and logo of the tournament. This day marks a historic milestone as Qatar will host basketball’s most prestigious tournament for the first time in the Middle East. The brand identity for the flagship event is rooted in Qatar’s history and spirit. The logo is inspired by the iconic Qatari Bisht, a garment usually worn by men on special occasions as a symbol of pride and achievement. The Bisht wraps around the iconic James Naismith Trophy, blending the nation’s cultural heritage with the global passion for basketball. The Brand reveal celebrates Qatar’s vision to produce a transformative tournament that will leave a lasting legacy for basketball and inspire players, fans, and nations worldwide. The Bisht’s journey is represented through its three traditional colors—White, Brown, and Black—each color symbolizes a phase of the basketball journey. From the excitement of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Qualifiers to the resilience of the competition and the ultimate celebration of the finals, the branding captures the essence of the tournament’s journey. The journey begins with the White Bisht, which represents peace, unity, and the energy of new beginnings and the qualifying tournaments around the world. As the competition proceeds, the warm tones of the Brown Bisht take center stage, signifying the strength and endurance required to reach the finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The competition concludes with the Black Bisht, symbolizing triumph, legacy, and celebration. This is the pinnacle, where champions emerge, and memories are made. Black represents also the intensity of the final contests, where every move and point matters.  The logo, featuring the Bisht wrapping around the James Naismith Trophy, is a powerful representation of Qatar’s embrace of the global basketball community. It reflects the nation’s dedication to hosting a world-class event that unites cultural pride with athletic excellence. Global Ambassador of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Carmelo Anthony was also on hand to help launch today’s brand identity, along with the Step It Up global campaign.  The slogan of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 is "Step It Up", a call to action for players, fans, and the host nation to elevate the game to new heights. It reflects the determination, resilience, and unity required to overcome challenges. It highlights the shared ambition of Qatar and FIBA to create a tournament that not only showcases world-class talent but also leaves an enduring impact on future generations, fostering the growth of basketball and the values it represents on a global scale. FIBA and the members of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee are working tirelessly to prepare and deliver the best World Cup to date. FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis commented:  "This is a very exciting stage of our journey to Qatar. The branding expresses the unique identity of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and captures the essence of our sport’s pinnacle men’s competition. This 2027 edition of the tournament will inspire even more fans around the world and will reach out in new and innovative ways to engage the next generation.     “We can’t wait to see the action on the court, but also the positive reach and impact of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. We are confident it will set a milestone that will accelerate the growth of our sport globally and deliver an even stronger and lasting legacy.”    Mohammed Saad AI-Meghaiseeb, Director General of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee, said:    "The design of this logo celebrates the rich Qatari and Arab culture and values, reflecting Qatar's commitment to showcasing its heritage on the global stage through this prestigious sporting event. We aim to play a pivotal role in promoting basketball culture, increasing its appeal across the region as we firmly believe that the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 will stand out as one of the most sustainable editions in the history of the competition, driven by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This tournament serves as a global call for unity, peace, and solidarity, bringing together nations of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and languages. It offers a platform for fostering mutual respect and camaraderie in an atmosphere of shared enthusiasm. Additionally, we are confident that this event will highlight Qatar’s capability to deliver world-class sporting experiences while creating a lasting cultural and sporting legacy that future generations can be proud of." Sara Khalid Al-Mesnad, Executive Director, Communications & Guest Relations, said:  “The launch of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 brand is a proud moment for Qatar. It reflects our commitment to showcasing the spirit of basketball while celebrating our rich cultural heritage. The Bisht-inspired logo symbolizes achievement and unity, aligning perfectly with the values of this historic event. Through this brand, we invite the world to experience the power of sports to inspire and connect communities. This brand represents more than just a tournament; it embodies a journey of determination, resilience, and celebration. Qatar is honored to host this historic event, and we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for players and fans alike. The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 will be a platform where tradition meets innovation, leaving a lasting legacy for the sport”. Fahad Muhana, Executive Director of Strategy & Planning, said:  “The launch of the official identity for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 is a significant step toward hosting an exceptional edition of the tournament, where the authenticity of Arab and Middle Eastern traditions meets the excitement of basketball competitions. This edition reflects our ambitions to solidify Qatar’s position as a global sports hub.   Moreover, sustainability will be a central pillar in all planning and execution phases of this tournament. Our approach focuses on environmentally friendly practices, including reducing the carbon footprint, utilizing sustainable resources, and supporting community initiatives that create a positive impact locally and globally.  The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Local Organizing Committee aims to make this tournament a model for integrating sports with the Sustainable Development Goals. We are dedicated to deliver a holistic sporting experience that goes beyond the thrill of the games, driving meaningful and sustainable changes in society while fostering values of unity and solidarity among nations worldwide”. About the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 will take place from August 27 to September 12, 2027.  Basketball fans will travel to Qatar from around the world to experience the first tournament in the history of the sport to take place in one city. Residents and visiting fans will be presented with the opportunity to attend more than one match per day, minimizing their travel. Thirty-two teams will participate in the tournament and games will be played in four venues. The final match will be played in Lusail Arena. The National team of Qatar will participate at the World Cup for the second time in its history, after competing in 2006 in Japan. The Road to Qatar will commence in November 2025, with 80 national teams from all four FIBA regions competing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The Qualifiers will span across 15 months and showcase over 2,000 players in 420 national team games. The Draw of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers will take place on May 13, 2025, in the Doha.   Qatar was awarded the honor of hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 during the FIBA Central Board meeting held in the Philippines capital, Manila on April 28, 2023.  The handover ceremony took place in Manila on September 10, 2023 during the closing ceremony of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.  About FIBA  FIBA - FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  

WTT Youth Contender Doha 2025 gets underway

Doha: The WTT Youth Contender Doha 2025 tournament officially began today at Aspire Women’s Sports Hall. Organized by the Qatar Table Tennis Association in collaboration with World Table Tennis (WTT), the event runs until January 30 as part of Qatar’s 2025 International Table Tennis Series. This year’s tournament has set a new record, drawing 400 players from 60 countries to compete. The opening day showcased thrilling matches in the boys’ and girls’ under-17 singles categories, as well as the boys’ under-13 singles. In the boys’ under-17 singles, South Korea’s Lee Sangsoo advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Qatar’s Ahmed Al-Qarni in the round of 16. Tunisia’s Wasim Al-Said also progressed, defeating Turkey’s Kenan Kahraman 3-0 in the same round. In the girls’ under-17 singles, South Korea’s Yoo Yoorin cruised to the quarterfinals with a dominant 3-0 win over Azerbaijan’s Marziya Nirmatova. Meanwhile, her compatriot Choa Nahyoom overcame Japan’s Yu Sakuma in a tightly contested match, winning 3-2 to secure her spot in the next round. The competition continues until Thursday, featuring a packed schedule of matches, including boys’ and girls’ singles, mixed doubles for under-19 and under-15 categories, and events for under-17, under-13, and under-11 categories. Following this tournament, the WTT Youth Star Contender will be held from January 31 to February 2. The series will conclude with the flagship Feeder Series Championship, scheduled for February 4 to 8, which will bring together world-class players and top-ranked athletes from around the globe. The Qatar Table Tennis Association’s focus on hosting these events in close succession reflects its strategic vision to prioritize youth development and prepare future Qatari table tennis stars. This initiative aligns with the Qatar Olympic Committee’s long-term plans to groom athletes for the Doha 2030 Asian Games, with the ultimate goal of achieving podium finishes. These tournaments also serve as vital preparation for the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships Finals, set to take place in Doha from May 17 to 25. Returning to Doha for the first time since 2004, this global event will test organizational readiness while highlighting Qatar’s capabilities as a premier host for world-class sporting events.  

Neisser Loyola wins Qatar Fencing Grand Prix

Doha: Belgian fencer Neisser Loyola emerged victorious at the Qatar 2025 Grand Prix Epee Fencing Championship, organized by the Qatar Fencing Federation under the supervision of the International Fencing Federation. Held at Aspire over three exciting days, the event featured 440 participants (247 men and 193 women) from 56 countries, including 9 Arab nations. In the men’s individual final, Loyola defeated Hungary’s Gergely Siklósi with a score of 15-11 to secure the gold medal. The bronze medals were shared by Venezuela's Rubén Limardo, who lost to Siklósi in the semifinals (12-7), and Italy’s Davide Di Veroli, who was beaten by Loyola in the other semifinal (15-9). In the women’s individual final, Hong Kong’s Hsieh Kailan Sin Yan claimed the gold medal after defeating Estonia’s Nelli Differt with a score of 15-7, leaving Differt with the silver medal. The semifinals saw Sin Yan overcome Ukraine’s Dzhoan Bezura (14-11), while Differt defeated Italy’s Lucrezia Paolini (15-11). Bezura and Paolini each earned bronze medals. The winners were honored in a closing ceremony attended by H.E. Mohammed bin Youssef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Abdullah Ali Al Ghanim, President of the Qatar Fencing Federation. The medical team was also recognized for their swift action in saving the life of Oldrich Kubista, President of the Czech Fencing Federation, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the competition. Other honorees included Aspire representatives Rawda Al Mana and Yousef Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Khalid Sweid, head of the equipment and field inspection committee, and Marjorie Geneviève, event supervisor from the International Fencing Federation.  

QOC President honors Advanced Sports Management Diploma Graduates

DOHA  (QNA) - HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Board of the Qatar Olympic Academy Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani honored the graduates of the 14th cohort of the Advanced Diploma in Sports and Olympic Institutions Management, a flagship postgraduate program offered by the Qatar Olympic Academy, at the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) headquarters on Sunday. This year's graduating class consisted of 23 students from Qatar and beyond, representing various professional and sports sectors. The cohort was distinguished by seven outstanding research projects conducted by students from Qatar: Mohammed Duhaim Al Dosari; Adel Lami, Adeeb Awadhi; Al Dana Al Obaidli; Suad Al Humaidi; and from Kuwait: Abdullah Al Ajmi and Turki Khushman. These exceptional projects will be published by the International Olympic Academy and serve as reference materials for future studies. Since 2008, the program positions Qatar among the top 20 National Olympic Committees worldwide and the first in the Gulf and Arab region to implement such an initiative. The diploma encompasses six semesters, covering key topics such as Olympic institution structures, strategic planning for sports organizations, and major event management, equipping participants with the necessary skills for their sports and administrative careers. The event opened with remarks from Qatar Olympic Academy Executive Director Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber, who expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy, and QOC for their continued support. He congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to pursue a master's degree in the field, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the Qatar Olympic Academy's programs and initiatives. A video presentation recapped the program's journey, highlighting its seven modules and the diverse learning experiences over the year. Graduate Adel Lami, a former member of Qatar's national team, delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of his peers, describing the milestone as a turning point in their academic and professional lives. He lauded the academy for providing comprehensive academic and practical training that prepares graduates to positively impact the sports sector. HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani personally honored the 23 graduates, acknowledging their dedication and achievements. Among the distinguished graduates were Mohammed Duhaim Al Dosari, Adeeb Mohammed Awadhi, Turki Abdullah Khushman, Adel Lami Al Duhimi, Abdullah Mohammed Al Ajmi, Al Dana Ali Al Obaidli, Suad Waleed Al Humaidi, and others. The full list included professionals from diverse disciplines, underscoring the program's appeal and versatility.  In a press statement, Qatar Olympic Academy Executive Director Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber highlighted the program's success with the graduation of the 14th cohort, producing since its inception more than 600 graduates from Qatar and beyond. The Qatar Olympic Academy Executive Director praised the students' commitment and the academy’s role in enhancing their expertise through a curriculum encompassing administrative, financial, and sports management disciplines. He expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee and QOC for their unlimited support for the academy and this specific program. Al Jaber also noted the publication of distinguished projects by the International Olympic Academy as a testament to the program's impact. Looking ahead, the Qatar Olympic Academy Executive Director announced the opening of registration for the 15th cohort for the 2025 academic year, which has already garnered significant interest.