QOC President Crowns Grand Prix Winners at Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025

DOHA -  (QNA) - HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Chairman of Al Shaqab Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani crowned the winners of the CSI5* Grand Prix class at the Longines Outdoor Arena of Al Shaqab on Saturday evening. This marked the conclusion of the third and final round of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025, organized by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab, and the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), with the participation of an elite group of world class riders. Great Britain’s Scott Brash on his favourite mount Hello Folie stood out with a flourishing finish in the jump off of the CSI5* - Grand Prix 1.60m class to finish on top with a time of 43.21 seconds. Belgian Abdel Said astride Bonne Amie was second (45.24secs), and Portuguese Duarte Seabra on Dourados 2 third (46.69secs). Saturday’s action - the third and final day of the third round of Doha International Tour 2025 saw 6 different rounds for the star, CSI3*, and CSI5* categories at different heights, in addition to a round at a height of 100 cm for Future Riders, with more than 330 participations by local and international riders in the various rounds. Spaniard Mariano Martinez Bastidaastride claimed the top prize in the CSI3* - Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.50m (LR) - Art. 238.2.2 class as he rode bay gelding Belano Vd Wijnhoeve Z in a superb flawless routine of 44.19 seconds. He was followed by German Janne F. Meyer-Zimmermann on Messi Van 'T Ruytershof, also a bay gelding, and the combine clocked 45.09 seconds. South African Oliver Lazarus on bay mare Butterfly Ennemmel ended up third with a time of 45.88 seconds. In the CSI3* - Faults & Time - 1.35m - Art. 238.2.1, it was Saudi rider Mohammed Alasaker on bay stallion Scoobylensky Theyss claiming the top podium place in 59.62 seconds. Egyptian Yousef Saad Elhamady astride grey mare Gigi Boss was second with a time of 61.3 seconds, while Qatar’s Faleh Suwaid Al Ajmi on bay stallion Quick Bill claimed the third place with a time of 61.85 seconds. The CSI5* - Faults & Time - 1.45m (LR) - Art. 238.2.1 class was won by Britain’s Millie Allen, who rode bay mare Quick Diamant HR with poise to finish with a best flawless time of 58.4 seconds. He followed by Italian Emanuele Gaudiano finishing on darkbay stallion Vasco 118 in 0.58 seconds, while Austrian Gerfried Puck astride bay mare Equitron Melody Vd Smidshoeve ended third with a time of 59.86 seconds. Qatar’s rider Faleh Suwaid Al Ajmi excelled in the CSI1* - Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.25m - Art. 238.2.2 class, achieving a flawless best time of 38.17 seconds on bay mare La-Fayette-W. La Fayette, he was followed by Saudi rider Fonoon Alhumaidan on bay gelding Underline des Marais was finished second in 38.89 seconds, while Qatar’s Saad Ahmed Al Saad on bay mare Fashion des DouitsSaad finished third with a time of 39.34 seconds. Qatar rider Abdulla Khalid Al Julandani, riding brown mare Irschi stood out claiming the top place in the CSI1* - Immediate Jump Off - 1.15m - Art. 238.2.2 + 245.3 class with a flawless best time of 33.68, followed by his compatriot Yaqoub Nasser Al Mass on bay mare Aphrodite S Z in 35.46 seconds. Saudi rider Abdulmohsen Alshammari was third riding bay stallion Kingston and clocking 36 seconds. The National Competition - Optimum Time - 100 cm class at the Longines indoor arena saw impressive levels as Qatari rider Khalid Jaber Dharman, riding Inspiration VM Khalid, emerged best with a time of 61.04 seconds, 0.04 parts of a second behind the ideal time. He was followed in second place by Al Qaqa bin Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Bon Suela, finishing 0.65 parts of a second behind the ideal time, while Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani on his trusted mount Zion II was third with an ideal time of 59.98 seconds.  Later, the Organizing Committee of the International Equestrian Tours - Qatar 2025 held a press conference in which it revealed the most prominent figures and statistics for the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025, which concluded its competitions on Saturday at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab, with the participation of more than 390 riders from over 33 countries, competing for a total prize money of more than 1.7 million euros for the three rounds of the Tour. During the press conference, Doha Int. Equestrian Tour Sports Director Nasser Al Hajri said that the tour achieved success on all levels, whether in terms of organization, technology or audience, as the Tour gains increasing importance year by year, considering that it provides the riders with an exceptional platform to shine and compete with elite riders of the world in the field of showjumping. He added, "The success achieved today is the result of the tireless and professional efforts made by all the championship committees in cooperation with the various sectors, and today we have reached the conclusion of the third round of the championship with Scott Brash of Britain, winning the CSI5* Grand Prix, Spanish rider Mariano Martinez Bastida winning the CSI3* Grand Prix, and rider Faleh Suwaid Al Ajmi winning the CSI1* Grand Prix title." The Sports Director added that the Tour provided local riders an exceptional opportunity to compete with the best-ranked international riders in the world, and our riders were present on the podiums in several rounds, perhaps the most prominent of which was the CSI5* round at a height of 150 cm, which was bagged by Basem Mohammed. Al Hajri also revealed that the committee has begun preparing for the launch of the 2025 HH the Amir's Sword ShowJumping competitions, which is a two-star, three-star and five-star championship, and will be held over 3 days of the weekend, from February 13 to 15, 2025, with the participation of an elite group of the best world champions of showjumping. For his part, Doha Int. Equestrian Tour Communications and Marketing Director Abdullah Al Qashouti devoted his speech to the technical aspects of the championship, explaining that the championship witnessed the participation of a number of world champions, in addition to knights from countries far and near, adding that the total number of rounds of the championship in its three rounds reached 63 for the categories of one star, two star, three star, four star and five star, in addition to the rounds of Future Riders at different heights. He explained: "The number of participating riders in the championship reached more than 390 (both male and female), from more than 33 countries, which reflects the high level and great diversity of participants. The largest percentage of participants came from the State of Qatar with 223 riders, 74 riders from European countries, then Saudi Arabia with 55 riders, and Egypt with 23 riders, in addition to riders from other countries." Al Qashouti added, "The championship also witnessed the allocation of stables for different categories, as the stables designated for European riders hosted 144 horses, the stables designated for local riders had 196 horses, the stables for Gulf riders - 130 horses, and the stables for Middle East rider - 38 horses, in addition to stables designated for other riders." The Doha Int. Equestrian Tour Communications and Marketing Director continued, by saying that the championship competitions were distinguished by a large audience presence exceeding 80,000 visitors over the course of 3 weeks, as a large number of cafes and restaurants options were provided to the public, in addition to the entertainment corner (van Zone) which witnessed a great turnout from the fans and families.   

Hungary overcome slow start to defeat Qatar and reach quarter-finals

Zagreb - Qatar had a blistering start to the game, making Hungary nervous with their 3-2-1 defence and by the seventh minute, they had a fantastic lead, 3:0. Chema Rodiriguez's team had trouble finding the gaps in Qatar's defence and did not find the back of the net up until the eighth minute when Gergö Fazekas ended the negative run and scored Hungary's maiden goal in the game. However, Hungary's woes continued as Anadin Sulijakovic showcased a great performance between the posts, saving six shots for a 67% efficiency in the first 18 minutes. The goals did not come fast, but when the drought ended, it was once again Qatar that was in front by three goals, 7:4, putting Hungary under serious pressure. The European side finally found their rhythm and stepped up a gear in the last ten minutes of the first half. They had their own 7:3 run and within eight minutes, they celebrated Adrián Sipos's lob goal to level at 10:10. Their newfound energy allowed teams to also go to a break while still in deadlock, 12:12. As the second half threw off, it looked like Qatar slowly started to falter, not having the same spark and having problems scoring from the  back line. Left back Žarko Marković was left with one goal in seven shots, and it prompted head coach Veselin Vujović to call for a team time-out and demand from his players not to waste their attack and shots just seconds in, as that was their downfall in the opening minutes. Hungary needed only five minutes to change the course and set a 16:13 lead, and they never looked back. Hungary showcased a completely different game, hitting their first four-goal lead midway through the second half and improving their attacking efficiency, backed by Kristóf Palasics' performance between the posts. On course to an important victory, Hungary forced Qatar into mistakes, never allowing them back into the contest. Ultimately, Rodriguez's side secured a 29:23 win and left Qatar with only one win at the 2025 IHF Men's World Championship, against Kuwait. Bence Imre led Hungary with nine goals, Kristóf Palasics had 11 saves, while Žarko Marković came to a late wake-up, netting six for Qatar. For Veselin Vujović's team, the road to the World Championship ends here, Hungary will travel to Zagreb with France where they will play the first knock-out match against the first-placed team from Main Round Group IV - a place still in the run between Croatia, Egypt and Iceland. Qatar will likely finish 21st in the competition - the final placements will be decided after Sunday's last matches - outside of the top-20 for the second time in the last two editions of the IHF Men's World Championship, after they finished 22nd at Poland/Sweden 2023.  

Stage set for QOC Half Marathon 2025

Doha: Registrations have surged in recent days for the first-ever Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Half Marathon, set to take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Lusail Boulevard as part of the National Sport Day celebrations. The event aims to inspire a culture of sports and encourage physical activity among people of all ages and abilities.   The race features four main categories catering to different ages and fitness levels: the Half Marathon (21 kilometers), the 10-kilometer race, the 5-kilometer race, and the 1-kilometer Fun Run designed for the 6 to 14 age group. Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head of the QOC Championships and Sports Events Section and Head of the Race Technical Committee, expressed his delight at the overwhelming public response. “We are witnessing exceptional enthusiasm from all segments of society, reflecting an increasing awareness of the vital role sports play in building a healthier community,” he said. Preparations, he assured, are progressing at full speed to meet the highest organizational standards. Teams are hard at work ensuring the race routes are ready and all logistical needs are met, providing participants with a safe and unforgettable experience.   Al-Jaber praised Lusail Boulevard as the perfect location for the race, noting its modern facilities and track record of hosting world-class events. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and iconic reputation add a distinctive touch to the Half Marathon, making it an ideal setting for such an important event.   He extended his thanks to Qatari Diar for their invaluable support, which has been crucial to the race’s success. He highlighted their efforts in providing additional parking spaces for participants, organizers, and spectators, ensuring smooth logistics and accessibility for all involved. This collaboration between QOC and its partners exemplifies the unified effort to make the National Sport Day events a success.   Encouraging the community to take part, Al-Jaber invited everyone to register and experience a day that goes beyond competition. He emphasized that the Half Marathon aligns with QOC’s vision of making sports an integral part of daily life, contributing to a healthier, more active society. Registration details are available through QOC’s official social media channels.    

Weishaupt triumphs in CSI5* jump-off at Doha Tour

Doha: The gripping action of the third round of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 continued on Friday at the Longines outdoor and indoor arenas of Al Shaqab - with 6 different rounds for the CSI1*, three-star, and five-star categories in addition to a Future Riders’ 80cm class taking place with the participation of more than 350 riders. The CSI5* - jump off - 1.50m class produced exciting tussle with nine riders making it to the jump off as Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt, riding bay stallion Karaldo, held nerves to produce a flawless finish in 36.73 seconds to take the top spot. Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly continued his good form as he rode bay gelding Fiumicino van de Kalevallei in 37.13 seconds to get the second place, while Austrian Gerfried Puck on bay gelding Equitron Ornaat V was third, finishing 11 hundredths of a second behind Alsharbatly. The winners were crowned by Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin, Event Director of Doha International Tour. The preceding CSI5* - Faults & Time - 1.45m class was claimed by Italian Emanuele Gaudiano, who excelled on the back of darkbay stallion Vasco 118 to register the best time of 61.45 seconds. South Africa’s Oliver Lazarus on bay mare Miss Paris was second with a time of 69.08 seconds, while Portugal’s Duarte Seabra on bay mare Geniale Star Kervec claimed the third place, clocking a flawless 71.79 seconds. The winners were crowned by Enas Mohammed, CEO of Zabarjad Jewellery. The CSI3* - Faults & Time - 1.45m (LR) - GP Qualifier - class was bagged by Frenchman Antoine Ermann, who with bay gelding Odin Van ‘T Hanegoor, returned a flawless top routine in 60.96 seconds. Finishing in second was Italian Roberto Previtali on a chestnut stallion Qashquai SB in 61.67 seconds, while Ellen Whitaker of Great Britain was third in 63.51 seconds on bay stallion Quainton X-Rated. The winners were honoured by Hamza al-Kuwari, Member of the Organising Committee of Doha Tour. The CSI3* - Immediate Jump Off - 1.35m - class saw Saudi rider Khaled Almobty show his mettle on chestnut mare Mary Ann 12 with a time of 35.93 seconds to win the top place. Weishaupt on chestnut gelding Poivre Bleu du Gibet settled for second clocking 36.14 seconds, while Qatar’s Hussain Said Haidan, riding chestnut gelding Viahipi d’Auzay came in third with a flawless time of 36.28 seconds. The winners were honoured by Ali bin Yousef al-Rumaihi, Member of the Board of Directors of Qatar Equestrian Federation. Qatar riders put up impressive performances in the National Competition - Optimum Time – 0.8m class as Abdullah Mohammad al-Marri on his mount Faradiba claimed the top podium place with a flawless round in 59.91 seconds, 0.09 seconds behind the ideal time. He was followed by Alwaleed Fahad Alal-Ibrahim on Molga in second place, 0.27 seconds behind the ideal time. Hassan Ali Almarhoon on Anyway II finished third, 0.38 seconds behind the ideal time. Saud al-Rumaihi, Member, Organising Committee of Doha Tour, honoured the podium winners with their prizes. In the international CSI1* - Faults & Time - 1.10m class, Saudi rider Mohammed al-Dhalaan excelled on Sarina Del Valle to claim the top spot with a flawless routine in best time of 55.15 seconds. His compatriot Abdulmohsen Alshammari, riding Kingston, finished as runner-up clocking 56.88 seconds, while Qatar’s Ibrahim Khalid al-Kuwari, astride Fallon Nevada Vd Bernse Hoeve, claimed the third podium place with a time of 57.11 seconds. The winners were crowned by Abdullah al-Qashouti, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Doha International Tour. Also excelling in the CSI1* - Faults & Time - 1.20m - class was Qatar’s Suhaim Hamad al-Yafei on Gamin Raye to claim the top podium place of the category with a flawless ride with a best time of 58.35 seconds. Saudi rider Bader Alfard on Top Gun 90 finished second clocking 58.48 seconds, while his compatriot Khaled Alhady astride Doremi du Flot Z Khalid Al Hadi ended up in third place with a time of 58.54 seconds. The winners were awarded with their prizes by Hamza al-Kuwari, Member of the Organising Committee.

Fencing Grand Prix Qatar 2025 kicks off in style in Doha

Doha: The 21st edition of Fencing Grand Prix "Qatar 2025" began today at Aspire, hosted by the Qatar Fencing Federation (QFF) under the supervision of the International Fencing Federation. The championship will run over three days, featuring top talent from around the world. A total of 440 athletes, comprising 247 men and 193 women, representing 56 countries, including 9 Arab nations (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia), are competing for top honors in this prestigious event. Day one saw the women's preliminary qualifiers, where top performers from the group stage advanced to the round of 128, followed by the knockout round of 64. In standout results, Tamara Gnam of Hungary defeated Alexandra Louis-Marie of France 15-6 to advance to the round of 64. Sara Maria Kowalczyk of Italy overcame her compatriot Maccagno Carola in a close 15-14 match. Tierna Oxenreider from the United States beat Aube Vandingenen of Belgium 15-10. Meanwhile, Kim Jun-ho from South Korea secured a victory against Outi Jaakkola of Finland 15-8. The men's preliminary rounds are set to begin on Saturday, with similar formats leading to the knockout stages.  The championship offers an invaluable opportunity for Qatari players to gain experience by competing against some of the world’s top-ranked athletes. The Qatar Fencing Federation aims to maximize the participation of local players to develop their skills and build exposure. Speaking to Media, Hamad Saad Al Jassim, Director of the Qatar 2025 tournament, praised the strong start to the women’s competition and the significant participation of 440 athletes from 56 countries. He noted that Qatari players performed well but faced tough challenges against world-ranked champions, limiting their progression to advanced rounds. “This is an excellent learning opportunity for our players to compete with world-class fencers and enhance their skills,” said Al Jassim. He also confirmed that no protests were raised on the first day, attributing this to the meticulous organization overseen by Abdullah Ali Al Ghanim, Head of the Organizing Committee. Ali Sayar Al Tamimi, Deputy President of the Media and Protocol Committee, highlighted the long-standing success of the tournament, organized annually in Qatar since 2004. “This Grand Prix is one of the most important fencing tournaments globally, and Qatar has consistently delivered world-class events,” said Al Tamimi. He emphasized the tournament’s unique appeal, including its financial prizes, with a total prize pool of USD 22,000, awarded to the top three winners alongside valuable international ranking points.  As the championship progresses, attention now shifts to the men’s competitions. Al Tamimi expressed optimism for Qatar’s male players to deliver strong performances, gain valuable experience, and make the most of their opportunity to compete against the best in the world. The Fencing Grand Prix "Qatar 2025" is poised to reinforce Qatar’s standing as a leading host of international sporting events, thanks to its outstanding facilities, organizational excellence, and dedication to fostering talent in the sport of fencing.

Qatar Olympic Academy begins 2025 with AIPS-Accredited Media Skills Program

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) kicked off its 2025 training calendar with the successful completion of the "Skills for Dealing with Sports Media" course. Held from January 19 to 23, the five-day program attracted 50 participants from diverse professional and academic sectors. The course, officially accredited by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), further solidified its reputation as one of QOA's flagship initiatives. The training was led by Dr. Tareq Al Jalahma, a distinguished sports analyst with beIN Sports and a former player for Kuwait’s national football team and Qadsia SC. With extensive experience in sports media, coaching, and academia, Dr. Al Jalahma has worked with leading networks like Al Kass and Abu Dhabi Sports and collaborated with institutions such as Qatar University. Participants engaged in interactive sessions covering essential skills for navigating the complexities of sports media, including, Media Interaction Protocols, Journalistic Writing and Building Media Relations.  The program provided attendees with practical tools to deliver impactful messages, handle media inquiries professionally, and avoid missteps during public engagements. Mr. Khalil Al Jaber, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, highlighted the importance of the program, saying: "This course addresses a critical need in the sports industry, empowering professionals to communicate effectively with the media while avoiding controversies and ensuring their organizations are accurately represented. It also equips participants with essential writing skills for print, TV, and radio, which are invaluable in today’s dynamic sports landscape." Mr. Al Jaber expressed gratitude to the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and its President, Mr. Gianni Merlo, for their support in advancing QOA's mission. He also commended Dr. Tareq Al Jalahma for delivering a program that combined practical insights with real-world expertise.