Qatar Olympic Committee gears up for the 2025 Half Marathon

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is ramping up preparations for the inaugural QOC Half Marathon, scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Organized as part of National Sport Day, this milestone event aims to encourage a passion for physical activity and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle within the community. The Half Marathon will feature four race categories to ensure inclusivity for participants of all ages and fitness levels. The 21-kilometer Half Marathon and the 10-kilometer race are open to participants born in 2007 or earlier. For younger runners, there’s a 5-kilometer race for those born in 2010 or earlier and a 1-kilometer fun run for children born between 2011 and 2019.   This exciting event underscores QOC’s mission to promote sports as a cornerstone of a thriving and healthy society, aligning seamlessly with Qatar National Vision 2030. The Half Marathon offers a vibrant platform for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the spirit of National Sport Day.   The race will take place at Lusail Boulevard, a venue that has hosted some of Qatar’s most iconic events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup 2023. With its world-class facilities and dynamic setting, Lusail Boulevard provides the perfect backdrop for this inaugural race and other festivities marking the occasion.   Salah Al-Saadi, Assistant Director of Sports Events at QOC, shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming event. “Preparations are well underway to ensure the QOC Half Marathon is a world-class experience. Our team is committed to upholding the high standards of quality and professionalism that Qatar is known for, focusing on every detail to provide participants with a seamless and memorable experience.”   He highlighted Lusail Boulevard’s unique appeal as a venue, stating, “We chose this location for its stunning setting and its reflection of Qatar’s modern infrastructure. It’s an ideal space to bring people together, foster community spirit, and celebrate the transformative power of sports.”   Al-Saadi also emphasized that the Half Marathon is more than just a race. “We’re creating an event that’s not only about running but about making it a day for everyone. From support zones along the course to fun activities for families and spectators, this event is designed to be a celebration of sports and community.”   He concluded with an invitation to all: “Whether you’re an experienced runner or a first-timer, we encourage everyone to join us. This is your chance to be part of something truly special, and it’s a reflection of QOC’s commitment to making sports an essential part of daily life. Registration is open, and you can find all the details on our social media channels.”   By organizing the QOC Half Marathon, the Qatar Olympic Committee reaffirms its dedication to fostering an active and engaged society. This event highlights the transformative role of sports in uniting communities and driving sustainable development and growth.   

Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee and UAE Rugby Federation Sign Cooperation Agreement

Doha – The Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee (QRHC) announced today, January 19, 2025, the signing of a cooperation agreement with the UAE Rugby Federation at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations in areas such as management, training, refereeing, and knowledge exchange. The agreement was signed by Mr. Youssef Jeham Al-Kuwari, President of the Qatar Rugby and Hockey Committee, and Mr. Mohamed Sultan Al-Zaabi, Secretary-General of the UAE Rugby Federation, in the presence of officials from both sides. The partnership focuses on joint initiatives, including training camps, programs, and activities to advance rugby development in both countries. Mr. Youssef Jeham Al-Kuwari emphasized that the agreement aims to foster strong ties between the two federations, share administrative and technical expertise, and organize training courses and camps. He also highlighted its role in enhancing sports medicine for rugby, benefiting national teams across all age groups. Mr. Mohamed Sultan Al-Zaabi reiterated that the agreement supports collaboration in key areas, such as rugby competitions, refereeing courses, and friendly tournaments. It also aims to improve team performance to compete more effectively in Asian and international championships.”  

Second Round of Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 Wraps Up

DOHA  - The competitions of the second Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 concluded on Saturday at the Longines outdoor and indoor arenas of Al Shaqab, Qatar Foundation Member. The marquee CSI4*- Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.55m (LR) - Art. 238.2.2 class which added to the glorious lit up Longines outdoor arena of Al Shaqab threw up a surprise winner in Duarte Seabra. The Portuguese excelled on Dourados 2, a grey gelding, to beat a challenging competition with a swift flawless time of 39.03 seconds in the jump-off for the top prize. The in-form Gerfried Puck of Austria had to settle for the second place with a time of 39.75 seconds on the back chestnut stallion Equitron Naxcel V. Puck. German rider Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann on chestnut mate Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre finished third in 38.97 seconds. The international CSI4*- Faults & Time - 1.45m (LR) - Art. 238.2.1 class had Emanuele Gaudiano taking two podium places. The Italian, riding bay stallion Nikolaj de Music, emerged as the winner in flawless 50.84 seconds, and with darkbay stallion Vasco 118 took the third podium spot finishing in 52.78 seconds. Portuguese Mariano Martinez Bastida, on bay gelding Belano Vd Wijnhoeve Z, was second finishing in 52.28 seconds. Gerfried Puck continued good form to bag the CSI2* - Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.45m (LR) - Art. 238.2.2 title despite fierce competition. The Austrian stood out on bay mare Equitron Melody Vd Smidshoeve flawless best jump off time of 33.76 seconds. Portuguese Duarte Seabra on bay mare Geniale Star Kervec finished as the runners-up, clocking 35.37 seconds. The third podium place was claimed by Italian Roberto Previtali with a time of 37.08 seconds on chestnut stallion Qashquai SB. Qatari rider Hussain Said AM Haidan excelled in the international CSI2* - Faults & Time - 1.35m - Art. 238.2.1 class as he rode Viahipi d'Auzay, a chestnut gelding, impressively to claim the title with a clear round of 52.06 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Bader Alfard, on grey mare Hw Cosette, was the runners-up with a time of 53.5 seconds on Cosette, while Frenchman Antoine Ermann on bay stallion Je T'Adore finished third place with a time of 56.41 seconds. The international CSI1*- Grand Prix - Jump Off - 1.25m - Art. 238.2.2 class was won by Abdulaziz Fahad Aleid of Saudi Arabia, who combined with bay gelding Kayenne Of de Rocky Mounten to return the best flawless time of 35.86 seconds in the jump-off. His compatriot Khaled Alhady, riding chestnut gelding Doremi du Flot Z, was second in 36.07 seconds, while Qatar’s promising rider Haya Khalid Al Hitmi rode Hustique, a lightbay mare, with poise to clock 37.86 seconds for the third podium place. The CSI1* - Immediate Jump Off - 1.15m - Art. 238.2.2 + 245.3 event was won by Moroccan Achraf Oualla, who astride bay gelding Diamant D Amour, topped with a time of 31.46 seconds. His compatriot Omar Qermane on darkbrown mare Filerna followed in 32.99 seconds, while Qatar’s Hamad Nasser Al Qadi claimed the third podium place, riding bay mare No Limit MB and clocking 33.97 seconds. In the morning, the National Competition - Optimum Time – 100cm class at the Longines indoor arena of Al Shaqab saw Nayla bint Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani show her class as she guided Bon Suela with determination to return the best flawless time of 67.23 seconds, 0.23 seconds behind the ideal time and claim the title. Nayla was followed by Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, 0.41 seconds behind the ideal time, riding Zion II, while the third best time was achieved by Egyptian rider Yassin Mohamed Khalifa on Fanta Sparta, 0.91 seconds behind the ideal time. Commenting on the successful conclusion of the second round of the Doha International 2025, Event Director of Doha International Tour Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin stressed that event was within the framework of the championship and the organizing committee seeks to provide an ideal environment that supports and enhances the principles and values of equestrian sports in the region as a whole - which contributes to increasing the participation of various segments of society and visitors in the championship competitions, in addition to riders representing more than 25 countries. The Event Director added that the Doha rounds and the championships that will follow enhance the position of Qatari equestrianism on the global stage. The third round of the Tour will include the CSI5*round, which will have the participation of more international riders coming to Doha to compete and hence will have endless excitement, especially with the increase in the value of the cash prizes on offer. "The high levels, quality of organization and public attendance were the most prominent headlines in the last two rounds of the Doha International Tour 2025, which brings us to another date with an exceptional event next week. Today, we continue on the path of excellence and leadership in equestrian sports," said Al Khayarin.   

British sweep in Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025

Doha: British riders’ completed a podium sweep in the CSI4* 1.50m class, while Qatar riders impressed in the CSI* events during the second round of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 on Friday. In the day’s feature event, British riders stood out on the vast Longines outdoor arena of Al Shaqab under lights with as many as eight riders qualifying for the jump off. Claiming her second title on successive days was Millie Allen, riding grey gelding Clearround IL Mondo Z to a fabulous error-free winning routine in 35.57 seconds. She finished ahead of compatriot Ellen Whitaker, who astride bay mare Korlenski finished his round in 37.42 seconds. Great Britain’s famous rider Scott Brash, on chestnut mare Hello Folie, settled for third after clocking 37.58 seconds. The winners were crowned by Saeed Salem al-Aida, member of the Organising Committee. Meanwhile, Emanuele Gaudiano continued to domination at Al Shaqab as the Italian won the CSI4*- Faults & Time - 1.45m class. Gaudiano rode Vasco 118, a darkbay stallion, to claim the top podium place with a swift and flawless routine in 54.28 seconds. Allen on bay mare Quick Diamant HR had to be content with the second spot after clocking 56.26 seconds, while Austrian Gerfried Puck astride stallion Idiaal Special HJ ended up in third, clocking 58.83 seconds. The winners were crowned by Bader bin Mohammed al-Darwish, Vice-Chairman of Organising Committee of Doha International Tour. Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt also showed his liking for glorious Al Shaqab arena to win the first and third podium places in the CSI2* Jump Off 1.35m class. Weishaupt combining superbly with Callao L, a grey gelding, registered the best jump-of time of 33.33 seconds, and rode darkbay gelding Poivre Bleu du Gibet to clock 33.55 secs for the third place. Inigo Lopez De La Osa Franco of Monaco, astride bay stallion Golden Diamond was second with a time of 33.45 seconds. The winners were crowned by Ibrahim al-Amadi, Director of Creativity Department at Al Kass Sports. Meanwhile, Roberto Previtali of Italy continued his good show in the second round as he claimed the CSI2* - Faults & Time - 1.45m class on bay stallion Hachiko, clocking a flawless ride in best time of 57 seconds. Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker claimed the second place astride bay stallion Quainton X-Rated with a time of 58.08 seconds, while Frenchman Antoine Ermann on bay gelding Pegasus Dawsons Flex was third in 58.33 seconds. Hamza al-Kuwari, member of the Organising Committee, honoured the winners. CSI* title for Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani The CSI1* - Faults & Time - 1.10m class was bagged by Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who rode grey mare Cassandra 352 with ease and elegance to finish flawless best in 49.36 seconds. Moroccan Achraf Oualla on bay gelding Diamant D Amour was a close second in 49.89 seconds, while Libyan rider Shaheen Abu Green finished third with bay mare Henriette with a time of 50.89 seconds. The winners were crowned by Abdulrahman al-Kaabi, member of the Organising Committee. The following CSI1* - Faults & Time - 1.20m class saw a top performance from Qatari rider Hussain Ali al-Kaabi, who excelled on bay mare Contenta Della Verdina and clocked 58.1 seconds to claim the top podium place. Egyptian Naden Asaal, riding bay mare Happy Road, was second in 62.02, while Saudi rider Fonoon Alhumaidan on bay gelding Underline des Marais finished third with a time of 62.4 seconds. The winners of the class were honoured by Abdullah al-Qashouti, Marketing and Communications Manager of Doha International Tour. Future Riders stand out In the Future Riders’ National Competition - Optimum Time - 0.80m class held at the Longines Indoor Arena, Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani excelled once again on his trusted mount Zion II, returning flawless and fastest routine in 60.31 seconds to claim the top podium place. The second spot was shared by Amna Jassim al-Sumaiti, riding Zorro, and by Hassan Ali Almarhoon on Anyway II. Both clocked a similar 60.37 seconds. Khalifa Khalid al-Naimi astride Irbal des Marronniers finished third in of 59.61 seconds. Mohammed Jaber al-Khayaren, Event Director, Tour, honoured the winners.

Qatar to face Kuwait in IHF World Men's Handball Championship

Zagreb: Qatar will meet Kuwait tomorrow in the final match of the Group C preliminary round at the 29th IHF World Men's Handball Championship, taking place from January 14 to February 2 across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway.   Qatar enters the match with the goal of securing a crucial victory to keep its hopes alive for advancing to the main round. After suffering two losses—a 19-37 defeat to France in the first round and a narrow 26-28 loss to Austria in the second round—the team is determined to bounce back in this decisive encounter.   Similarly, Kuwait is also seeking qualification. The Kuwaiti team faced a 26-37 defeat against Austria in their opener, followed by a heavy 19-43 loss to France. A win in this match is vital for their chances of progressing further in the tournament.   Both teams will give their all in this pivotal clash as they aim to keep their championship dreams alive.

Al-Marri, Allen shine at Doha Tour

Doha: Qatar’s Rashid al-Marri emerged triumphant in the CSI4*- Two Phases 1.40m class while Britain’s Millie Allen topped the CSI4* - Faults & Time - 1.45m class on the opening day of the second leg of the Doha International Tour at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab on Thursday. The three-day event is held amidst a large audience presence with a total of six categories for CSI one-star, two-star and four-star categories at different heights, in addition to a round for Future Riders. More than 400 local and international riders are participating in the event, and the event has total prizes worth more than 400,000 euros. Al-Marri thrilled the home crowd as he combined with his horse Navaronne to finish on top in a flawless 27.53 seconds. Portugal’s rider Duarte Seabra on Van Halen Z came in second place with a time of 28.52 seconds, while Ukraine’s Anastasia Bondarieva, who along with Virunga H Z Anastasia, finished in 30.63 seconds. The winners were honoured by Khalid Issa al-Hammadi, Senior Vice-President Operations at Qatar Airways. The CSI4* - Faults & Time class witnessed exciting competition with Allen emerging on top astride Quick Diamant HR in 61.69 seconds. The second place was bagged by Abdullah Alsharbatly of Saudi Arabia, clocking 64.24 seconds on Boeckmanns Lord Pezi Junior, while Seabra on Cooper LB was third with a time of 64.3 seconds. The winners were crowned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahad al-Thani, representative of Doha Bank. Meanwhile, Qatar riders impressed in the CSI2* 1.30m class. Faris Saad al-Qahtani excelled on his mount Hidiene to claim the top podium place in 30.52 seconds, followed by Jaber Rashid al-Amri astride Apollon du Banney in second place, clocking 31.32 seconds. Mohammed Khalifa al-Baker completed the Qatar podium sweep as he finished third in a time of 31.65 seconds on Dukhan 3. The winners were crowned by Omar al-Bouainain, Deputy Director of the championship. The CSI2* - Faults & Time - 1.45m class was clinched by Italian Emanuele Gaudiano as he rode Chalou with aplomb for a fastest routine of 64.15 seconds. His compatriot Roberto Previtali, riding Hachiko finished in 64.47 seconds, was second while Austrian Gerfried Puck astride Equitron Melody Vd Smidshoeve clocked 65.27 seconds to be third. The winners were crowned by Dr Eman al-Ansari, Adviser to the CEO of Abdulghani Motors. The CSI1* - Special Two-Phase - 1.10m class was won by Shaheen Abu Green of Libya astride Henriette with the best time of 27.62 seconds. Abed Sanosy of Saudi Arabia was second astride Nina Rite E Z, finishing in 28.03 seconds, while Qatar’s Mohammed Faisal al-Marri claimed the third podium spot on his trusted mount Miss Chili, with a time of 28.67 seconds. The winners were crowned by Mohammed Jaber al-Khayareen, Event Director, Doha International Tour. Saudi’s Turky Alsaawy, who along with Falco, clocked the best time of 53.22 seconds in CSI1* - Faults & Time - 1.20m class. He was followed by Qatar’s Ibrahim Khalid al-Kuwari on Flexy Bel Z in the second place with a time of 53.31 seconds. Saudi’s Mohammed al-Asaker finished third with Scoobylensky Theyss in 53.98 seconds. The winners were crowned by Nasser al-Hajri, the Tour’s Sports Director. Future Riders’ National Competition - Optimum Time - 0.60m round generated a lot of excitement both among the riders and the fans where Rodha Tamim al-Thani, riding Peter, came on top achieving a time of 38.99 seconds, followed by Tamim Fahad al-Marri on Peter in second place, and Salha Khalid al-Obaidli, riding Lancome Paris, in third place. Ahmed Khalid al-Humaidi, Heritage and Heritage Specialist at Al Shaqab, honoured the winners.