First round of the Al Shaqab International League concludes

Doha: Qatari riders delivered outstanding performances as the first round of the Al Shaqab International League concluded on Saturday, wrapping up two days of thrilling action at the Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab. The event, a qualifier for the FEI Group Seven Championship Final, featured competitions across Junior, Young Rider and Youth categories. In Saturday’s marquee event, Jaber Rashid al-Amri claimed the biggest prize of the night as he topped the CSI1* Al Shaqab Champions (Open Class) 1.35m with a flawless performance on Apollon du Banney. The Qatari rider clocked an impressive 34.85 seconds in the jump-off to secure victory. Nasser al-Ghazali, riding Etna du Chateau, finished second with a time of 38.00 seconds, while another Qatari rider Mohammed Saeed Haidan took third place after recording a time of 35.78 seconds with Mediena, penalised by eight faults in the jump-off. Manager of the Equine Education Department at Al Shaqab Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin presented trophies to the podium winners. Saad Ahmed al-Saad delivered a flawless performance with 12-year-old Craquante de Mazin to claim victory, clocking 38.70 seconds in the jump-off and securing qualification for the FEI Group 7 Final 2025. Sultan Salem al-Naemi (Cethys de Vernay) finished second with a time of 53.69 seconds after four penalties while Ibrahim Yousuf al-Mahmoud (Qataro van het Texelhof) settled for third in 52.09 seconds with eight penalties. Qatari riders also impressed in CSIJ-B Junior Champions (1.20m) as Fahad Jassim H K al-Thani clinched the title with a perfect 31.11 seconds on Hazel de Luxe, earning a spot in the 2025 FEI Group Seven Championship Final. Haya Khalid A E al-Hitmi (Hustique) claimed second with 31.25 seconds while Mohammed Jassim A J al-Thani (Cattleya Plassay) was third with 34.10 seconds. Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani swept the top two spots, winning with Goteborg Handyman (31.96 seconds) and finishing second with Cassandra 352 (32.04 seconds). He advanced to the FEI Group 7 Final after an outstanding show. Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed al-Mutairi (Baccarat d’Azur) came third with 33.45 seconds. CEO of Old Doha Port, engineer Muhammad Abdullah al-Mulla, crowned the winners of the 1.20m and 1.10m events. In Small Tour (1.10m), Saudi Arabia’s Fahad al-Juaid triumphed on Dushi with a time of 25.90 seconds, followed by compatriot Nasser al-Bagami (Vahine de Curaine, 27.34 seconds) and Morocco’s Achraf Oualla (Just In Time, 27.46 seconds). FEI-certified judge Nasser Mubarak al-Hajri presented the trophies. Also on Saturday, Belgium’s Jana Bart Sas (Dilandra) cleared the second phase in 25.23 seconds to win the Amateur Class (90cm). Saudi Arabia’s al-Mutairi (Diane, 25.25 seconds) and Qatar’s Hamad Nasser S al-Marri (Dilandra, 25.53 seconds) completed the podium. Director of Commercial and Marketing Manager at Al Shaqab Abdulrahman al-Kaabi presented the awards. Qatar’s youngsters, meanwhile, were also impressive in the Optimum Time (60cm) title as Ghanim Thamer K al-Maadadi (Bay Barney) emerged victorious, followed by Mohammed Hamad N al-Maadheed (Bay Barney) and Salha Khalid A al-Obaidli (Lancome Paris). Specialist in Inheritance and Heritage at Al Shaqab Ahmed Khaled al-Hamidi crowned the winners.  

Qatar bow out of Gulf Cup after 1-1 draw with Kuwait

Kuwait: Qatar’s national football team saw their journey in the 26th Arab Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 26) come to a disappointing end following a 1-1 draw with Kuwait in their final Group A match at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium.  The result left Qatar in third place with just two points, while Kuwait advanced to the semifinals with five points. The tournament continues in Kuwait until January 3.   Kuwait took the lead in the 74th minute through Mohammed Daham’s strike, while Qatar equalized in dramatic fashion with Mohammed Muntari’s header in the 90+10th minute.   Qatar entered the match with a must-win mindset, fielding a lineup designed for victory. Ahmed Al-Rawi partnered Almoez Ali in attack, with Akram Afif and Youssef Abdulrazzaq supporting from the wings. Fullbacks Homam Al-Amin and Abdullah Youssef added width to the attack.   The team dominated early exchanges, using high pressing to control possession. In the fifth minute, Homam Al-Amin unleashed a powerful shot that flew over the crossbar. Almoez Ali followed with a near-miss header in the 10th minute.   Kuwait, forced into a defensive strategy, relied on counterattacks. Qatar’s defense, marshaled by Lucas Mendes, held firm, while their attack kept testing Kuwaiti goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi. Almoez Ali's 20th-minute header and Akram Afif's creative play gave Qatar opportunities, but Kuwait’s defense stood resolute.   The first half ended with Qatar on the offensive but unable to break through, while Kuwait’s rare counterattacks posed little threat.   Qatar continued to dominate after the break, with Almoez Ali and Ahmed Al-Rawi testing Al-Rashidi. In response, coach Luis Garcia introduced fresh legs, bringing on Mohammed Muntari and Abdulrahman Mustafa.   Kuwait’s counterattacks became more dangerous as Moaz Al-Enezi and Mohammed Daham came close to scoring. Qatar’s efforts paid off briefly in the 66th minute, but Almoez Ali’s goal was disallowed for offside.   Kuwait broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with Daham’s free-kick. Qatar pushed for an equalizer and were denied a penalty after a controversial VAR review in the 80th minute. Despite relentless efforts, including a thunderous shot by Muntari that hit the crossbar, the breakthrough only came in stoppage time when Muntari’s header found the net.   Though Qatar salvaged a draw, it wasn’t enough to progress. Their campaign was marked by strong performances but marred by missed opportunities and moments of misfortune.  

Qatar’s Haidan, Al Naemi shine on opening day of Al Shaqab International Showjumping League

Doha: The first round of the Al Shaqab International Showjumping League began on Friday, with riders delivering thrilling performances on the opening day at Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab. Hussain Said Haidan demonstrated his skill to win Friday’s marquee event, the CSI1 Al Shaqab Champions (Open Class) 130cm, riding Viahipi d’Auzay to a flawless time of 29.30 seconds. The podium was dominated by Qatar, with Fahad Jassim al-Thani securing second place after completing the course in 32.16 seconds aboard Ambre de Beaufour. Mohammed Yousef al-Jaber, riding Serendipity, took third place with a time of 32.26 seconds. Qatar’s Sultan Salem al-Naemi, astride Cethys de Vernay, reigned supreme in the CSIY-B Youth Champions 125cm, clocking a flawless 41.80 seconds in the second and decisive phase. Saad Ahmed al-Saad, astride Craquante de Mazin, secured the silver medal for Qatar with an error-free 42.63 seconds in the second and decisive phase. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz Fahad al-Eid, riding nine-year-old Proud, followed closely with a time of 42.94 seconds in the second phase, earning third place. Head of the Horse Riding Academy Karam Syed Majid Hamad al-Husny honoured the winners of 125cm class. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Hasan al-Hady emerged as the winner of the CSIJ-B Junior 115cm event, partnering with Capoen. The duo posted impressive times of 34.26 seconds and 32.98 seconds in the two phases to secure the top spot. Qatar’s Fahad Jassim al-Thani, riding Hazel de Luxe, finished in second place after clocking 33.57 seconds and 33.27 seconds in his rounds. Another home rider, Mohammed Jassim al-Thani, aboard Cattleya Plassay, claimed third place with times of 38.43 seconds and 40.41 seconds. Also on Friday, Qatar’s Abdulaziz Jassim al-Thani teamed up with Gabbana M to deliver a stellar performance in the CSICh-B Future Champions 105cm event, winning the title with a time of 30.49 seconds in the second phase. Fellow Qatari rider Sharida Nasser al-Kaabi, riding the 14-year-old Famous, finished second in 33.86 seconds, while Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed al-Mutairi earned third place with Baccarat d’Azur after a time of 35.77 seconds. In Intro. 3 Optimum Time – 80 cm class, Abdulla Faisal al-Mana claimed victory, completing the course in a perfect 73.33 seconds aboard seven-year-old Al Sadd on Friday. Rashid Abdulaziz al-Torki, riding Faradiba, posted a time of 72.55 seconds to secure second place, while Aisha Jassim al-Sorour took third with a time of 75.74 seconds aboard Geale. Earlier, Abdulaziz Nayef al-Hajri set the tone for an exciting opening day by delivering a flawless routine with Vegas in the Intro. 1 Optimum Time – 40cm class, finishing in 53.99 seconds to win the gold medal. Abzulaziz Mohamed al-Asmakh, riding Pedro, claimed the silver medal, while Jabr Abdulrahman al-Muftah, also aboard Pedro, took home the bronze. The opening round of the competition will conclude on Saturday, with seven titles yet to be decided, including the highly anticipated Al Shaqab Champions 135 cm class. The first round of the Al Shaqab International Showjumping League serves as a qualifier for the FEI Group Seven Championship Final, with competitions in the Junior, Young Rider, and Youth categories.

Qatar to take on Kuwait in Gulf Cup

Kuwait: Spaniard Luis Garcia, head coach of the Qatari national football team, emphasized the challenges of facing Kuwait in the third round of Group A of the 26th Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 26), currently taking place in Kuwait. Speaking at a press conference today, Garcia acknowledged the difficulties posed by Kuwait, who have delivered impressive performances in the tournament, particularly in their most recent match. He noted that Kuwait enjoys strong support from their home fans, adding an extra layer of complexity to the encounter. However, Garcia expressed confidence in Qatar's readiness to secure the crucial victory required to advance to the semi-finals. The coach highlighted his faith in the capabilities of his squad, despite the absence of key players Sultan Al Buraik, sidelined due to injury, and Meshaal Barsham and Ahmed Fathi, both unavailable due to accumulated yellow cards. "Our team includes talented players capable of stepping up and filling any gaps," he said, voicing optimism that the starting lineup would deliver a high level of technical and mental performance to claim the vital three points. Regarding the potential participation of Akram Afif, Garcia underlined the star player's significance, describing him as "the best player on the continent." He praised Afif's stellar performances, particularly during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where his skills made a decisive impact. "Akram is a game-changer, and we always need his contributions. Whenever he is fully fit, he will undoubtedly be in the starting lineup," Garcia stated. Heading into tomorrow's decisive match against Kuwait, the Qatari team sits on one point and aims to secure a two-goal victory to guarantee their spot in the semi-finals, irrespective of the outcome of the other Group A clash between Oman and the UAE. 

First round of Al Shaqab International League to begin today

Doha: The first round of the Al Shaqab International Showjumping League, which is a qualifier for the FEI Group Seven Championship Final for the categories of Juniors, Young Riders and Youth – is scheduled to take place this Friday and Saturday at the Longines Outdoor Arena at Al Shaqab. The Al Shaqab International League promises to be an exceptional sporting event showcasing the skills of riders in showjumping competitions.  The objectives of the league are to create a distinguished platform for riders from various categories, focusing on providing opportunities for young riders, juniors, youth and all riders in general.

Qatar junior golf team win two gold at GCC Championship

Muscat: The Qatari junior golf team claimed two gold medals in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Junior and Women’s Golf Championship, hosted by Oman at the Ghala Golf Club in Muscat. Daniel Sokolov secured the gold medal in the under-16 singles category, finishing the tournament with a total of 218 strokes over three rounds. He dominated the leaderboard from the first day to the last, showcasing his skill and deserving the title. Omani player Adam al-Barwani came in second with 247 strokes, while his compatriot Brunesh Jakwani placed third. In the team competition for the same age group, the Qatari junior team excelled, winning the gold medal with a combined score of 480 strokes over three rounds. The Omani team finished second with 490 strokes, followed by the UAE team in third place with 519 strokes. In the women’s singles competition, Qatari player Nada Radwan delivered an impressive performance, securing fourth place with a total of 243 strokes after a fierce contest with players from the UAE team, who claimed the top three positions. Mohammed Faisal al-Naimi, head of Qatar’s delegation to the championship and Board Member of the Qatar Golf Association, praised the outstanding performances of the players, highlighting their consistent excellence throughout the championship amidst strong competition from top Gulf golfers. He also emphasised that investment in youth categories is yielding results and positioning Qatari golf for further success. Fahad Nasser al-Naimi, Secretary-General and Executive Committee Member of the Arab Golf Federation, underlined the importance of nurturing young players and involving them in tournaments that enhance their skills and refine their talent. He expressed optimism for a bright future for Qatari golf, with the younger generation holding great promise.