Carlos Alcaraz set to make Doha debut at Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025

Doha: The Qatar Tennis Federation has confirmed that Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked World No. 3, will compete in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025. Scheduled from February 17 to 22, the ATP 500 tournament will take place on the hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and will feature a stellar lineup of the world’s best tennis players.    At just 21 years old, Alcaraz is eager to begin his 2025 campaign with a strong showing in Doha, as he eyes his first title at this prestigious event. This marks Alcaraz’s debut appearance in Qatar, adding a fresh chapter to his already remarkable career.     A four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, claiming titles at Roland Garros (French Open) and Wimbledon. He also triumphed at the Indian Wells Masters and the ATP 500 event in Beijing, while earning a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics—cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest talents.    Tournament Director Karim Alami expressed his delight over Alcaraz’s participation, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome Carlos Alcaraz to Doha for the first time, especially as the Qatar ExxonMobil Open enters a new era as an ATP 500 event. His presence reflects the tournament’s growing prestige on the global tennis stage.”    He continued, “Alcaraz is a phenomenal young talent whose skill and charisma are sure to ignite excitement among fans and elevate the competitive spirit of this year’s event. We look forward to an unforgettable tournament.”    Alami also acknowledged the pivotal role of ExxonMobil Qatar as the title sponsor, thanking them for their unwavering support in enhancing the tournament’s profile and ensuring its continued success as a marquee event in the region.     Rashid bin Rashid Al-Hajri, Vice President and Manager of Government and Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar, shared his excitement, stating: “We are excited to welcome Carlos Alcaraz to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025, now recognized as an ATP 500 event. His first appearance in Doha adds a special element to this year’s competition.”    He added, “Alcaraz is a fan favorite, and we eagerly anticipate seeing him in action at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex. We remain committed to working with the Qatar Tennis Federation to deliver a memorable experience for players and fans alike.”    The 2025 edition of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open is headlined by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, along with other top-ranked players, promising an electrifying week of tennis action.    This year marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, with its elevation to ATP 500 status after 32 years. The upgrade is accompanied by increased prize money, further solidifying the event’s status as a premier destination for world-class tennis competition.  

Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships continue in style

Doha: The competitions of the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships continued for the third consecutive day. This championship is the first of three tournaments organized by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, running concurrently until December 31. The Federation is also hosting the Qatar International Cup 2024 and the Arab Men’s and Women’s Championships, which will both begin on December 26. Vietnamese lifter A Tieu delivered a dominant performance in the Men’s 61 kg category, claiming six gold medals across both the youth and junior competitions. In the youth category, he achieved gold in the total lift with 271 kg, the snatch with 149 kg, and the clean and jerk with 122 kg. He replicated the same impressive results in the junior category with identical weights. Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Muhaimeed excelled by securing two silver medals with 268 kg in the total and 121 kg in the snatch, along with a bronze medal for a clean and jerk lift of 147 kg. Vietnam’s Dong Tuan Kiet earned a silver in the clean and jerk with 148 kg, while India’s Shankar Labong clinched bronze in the total with 262 kg, and Kazakhstan’s Choiyev Sergei took bronze in the snatch with 118 kg. In the Men’s 61 kg Junior category, A Tieu continued his exceptional form by winning gold in the total (271 kg), the snatch (149 kg), and the clean and jerk (122 kg). His compatriot Thach Hoang Sang secured all three silver medals with a total of 259 kg, 111 kg in the snatch, and 148 kg in the clean and jerk. Saudi lifter Aqeel Jassim earned three bronze medals with a total of 247 kg, 110 kg in the snatch, and 137 kg in the clean and jerk. In the Women’s 55 kg Youth category, Chinese Taipei’s Chen Guan Ling dominated the competition, securing three gold medals with a total lift of 214 kg, 94 kg in the snatch, and 120 kg in the clean and jerk. India’s Lambam Neelam Devi followed with three silver medals, lifting a total of 190 kg, 86 kg in the snatch, and 104 kg in the clean and jerk. Thailand’s Natcha Kayonoi earned three bronze medals with a total of 189 kg, 85 kg in the snatch, and 104 kg in the clean and jerk. In the Women’s 55 kg Junior category, Filipina lifter Judy Peralta claimed two gold medals for a total of 184 kg and 84 kg in the snatch, as well as a silver medal for lifting 100 kg in the clean and jerk. India’s Koyal Bar secured one gold medal for 103 kg in the clean and jerk, a silver medal for a total of 182 kg, and a bronze medal for 79 kg in the snatch. The Asian Weightlifting Championships in Doha continue to exhibit exceptional levels of competition, with athletes delivering remarkable results across multiple categories.

Qatar share points with UAE in Arabian Gulf Cup opener

Kuwait: A first-half strike by Akram Afif on Saturday helped Qatar share points with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening match of the Arabian Gulf Cup 26. Yahya al-Ghassani produced the equaliser just before the end of the first half at Jaber Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Stadium. In another match on Saturday, hosts Kuwait and Oman also played a 1-1 draw. Yesterday’s 1-1 draw was new coach Luis Garcia’s first match in charge of the Qatar side. During the second half, Garcia was shown a yellow card by the referee. Qatar midfielder Tareq Salman said after the match on Saturday: “It was a fighting match for us. Thank God, we managed a good result. We had chances to score more goals. I think we dominated the match. Yes, we could have scored some more goals.” Afif looked in fine form throughout the match with his threatening moves especially in the first half. The Asian Cup hero arrived in Kuwait less than 24 hours ago. Qatar opened the scoring through their mercurial play-maker Afif who converted a penalty in the 17th minute. Earlier the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup kicked off with an exciting but evenly matched encounter as Oman and hosts Kuwait battled to a 1-1 draw at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. The atmosphere was electric as Kuwait took an early lead. In the 34th minute, Yousef al-Sulaiman rose above Mohammed al-Musalami to powerfully head home from a corner, sending the stadium into a frenzy. The hosts, sensing victory, pressed forward with renewed vigour, but Oman remained composed. Just before halftime, Jameel al-Yahmadi threaded a brilliant pass through the Kuwait defence, finding Issam al-Sabhi who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, silencing the home crowd.

Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024 voted tournament of the year

 Doha: The Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024 has once again cemented its reputation as one of the premier events on the ATP Tour, winning the prestigious " ATP 250 Tournament of the Year" award for the sixth time. This recognition follows previous wins in 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022, underscoring the tournament’s enduring excellence and global appeal.    Russian standout Karen Khachanov captured the 2024 singles title with a commanding performance, while the doubles crown was claimed by the formidable duo of Britain’s Jamie Murray and New Zealand’s Michael Venus.    In a landmark development, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open will ascend to the ATP 500 category starting with the 2025 edition. This promotion, the first in the tournament's history spanning over three decades, highlights its exceptional growth and standing within the international tennis community.     Tournament Director Karim Alami expressed his pride in this remarkable achievement, stating:   “This is a moment of immense pride for everyone involved in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Being named the Best ATP 250 Tournament for the sixth time reflects our commitment to providing players, fans, and partners with an unparalleled tennis experience. We are truly honored by this recognition.”     Alami also extended gratitude to the tournament’s long-standing partner:   “Our journey toward excellence would not have been possible without the steadfast support of ExxonMobil Qatar. Their contributions have been integral to the event’s success over the years. I would also like to thank the players who continue to honor us with their trust and appreciation through their votes. Their recognition motivates us to reach even greater heights.”    Looking ahead to 2025, the tournament’s elevation to the ATP 500 category is set to further enhance its prestige and global footprint.  The upgraded event will take place from February 17 to 22 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, featuring an impressive lineup of top talent. Among the stars confirmed are world number one Jannik Sinner and tennis legend Novak Djokovic, promising an unforgettable week of world-class competition.   

Qatar set for a strong opening against UAE

Kuwait: The Qatari national football team will face the UAE tomorrow, Saturday, at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium, marking the beginning of their campaign in Group A of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup. The tournament, hosted by Kuwait, runs until January 3.  Team Qatar’s team aims to make a statement in their Gulf 26 opener, setting the stage for a potential advance to the semifinals. The group also includes hosts Kuwait and Oman, who clash later the same day at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium after the opening ceremony.  Having arrived in Kuwait on Thursday evening following an intensive training camp in Doha that started on December 12, the team is under the leadership of their new head coach, Luis Garcia. Garcia recently took over from his fellow Spaniard, Marquez Lopez, bringing fresh energy to the squad.  Coach Garcia has named a 26-player squad for the tournament. The goalkeeping trio comprises Marwan Sharif (Al-Ahli), Meshaal Barsham (Al-Sadd), and Salah Zakaria (Al-Duhail). The outfield players include Ahmed Al-Rawi (Al-Rayyan); Sultan Al-Brek, Almoez Ali, Abdullah Al-Ahrak, Homam Al-Amin, and Mubarak Shannan (Al-Duhail); Ibrahim Al-Hassan and Mohammed Khalid (Calahorra, Spain); Abdulrahman Mustafa and Baha Lythy (Al-Ahli); Lucas Mendes and Abdulaziz Khalid (Al-Wakrah); Akram Afif, Youssef Abdulrazzaq, Tarek Salman, and Mustafa Tariq (Al-Sadd); Ahmed Fathi and Jassem Jaber (Al-Arabi); Rabah Boussafi, Asim Madibo, Abdullah Youssef, and Mohammed Muntari (Al-Gharafa); and Al-Hashemi Al-Hussein (Alcorcon, Spain).   The team will hold their final training session today at Kazma Club Stadium in Kuwait, refining their strategy for the opening match. Garcia is expected to finalize the starting lineup and tactical approach during this session. He will also address the media at a press conference later today to share insights about the team’s readiness and objectives.  As the reigning Asian champions from 2019 and 2023, Qatar is determined to bounce back from recent setbacks in the World Cup qualifiers, where they managed just two wins and a draw from six matches. These results placed them fourth in Group A with seven points, trailing the UAE by three points, Uzbekistan by six, and group leaders Iran by nine.  With their direct World Cup qualification hopes compromised, Qatar faces a challenging path via the fourth qualification stage and potential playoffs. This scenario prompted a change in leadership, with Marquez Lopez stepping aside after guiding the team to the 2023 Asian Cup title. Garcia has now been tasked with reinvigorating the squad and restoring their competitive edge.  

Duong sets three records in 55kg category at Asian Weightlifting Championship

Doha: Vietnamese weightlifter Ki Duong broke three records, including the Asian and world records, in the 55kg category during the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship held in Doha. This is the first of three championships organized concurrently by the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, running until December 31.   The Qatar Weightlifting Federation is also hosting the 2024 Qatar International Cup and the Arab Men’s and Women’s Championships, both starting on December 26.   Ki Duong set three new records in snatch, clean & jerk, and total for the third consecutive time in the 55kg youth category, shattering his own Asian and world records. He secured three gold medals: lifting 116kg in snatch, 146kg in clean & jerk, and achieving a total of 262kg.    Duong initially set these records at the Asian Championship in Uzbekistan early last year, lifting 113kg in snatch, 143kg in clean & jerk, and a total of 256kg. He then broke them again at last year’s Youth World Championship in Albania with lifts of 114kg (snatch), 144kg (clean & jerk), and a total of 258kg.   In the same category, Vietnam’s Do To Tung claimed three silver medals, lifting 115kg in snatch, 145kg in clean & jerk, and achieving a total of 260kg. Meanwhile, Filipino lifter Prince Delos Santos earned three bronze medals with lifts of 110kg (snatch), 132kg (clean & jerk), and a total of 242kg.  In the 55kg junior category, Ki Duong continued his dominance by claiming another three gold medals, bringing his total for the day to six. He repeated his lifts of 116kg (snatch), 146kg (clean & jerk), and 262kg (total).  Filipino lifter Prince Delos Santos earned three silver medals in this category, lifting 110kg in snatch, 132kg in clean & jerk, and totaling 242kg. Vietnam’s Huyen Van Ty took home three bronze medals with lifts of 108kg (snatch), 131kg (clean & jerk), and 239kg (total).   In the women’s and girls’ events, Vietnamese lifter Wei Lin claimed four gold medals and one silver in the 49kg category. In the junior competition, Lin secured two golds (clean & jerk at 101kg and total at 177kg) and one silver (snatch at 76kg). Turkmen lifter Amanova Ogulshet earned one gold and two silver medals with a 79kg snatch, a 97kg clean & jerk, and a total of 163kg. Meanwhile, Filipina Rosalinda Faustino won two bronze medals for a 70kg snatch and a total of 163kg, while the bronze for clean & jerk (94kg) went to Indian lifter Asmita Duna.   In the 49kg youth category, Wei Lin added two more gold medals, lifting 101kg in clean & jerk and totaling 177kg. Amanova Ogulshet again took one gold and two silver medals, while Thai lifter Narumon Phungajak secured three bronze medals with lifts of 76kg (snatch), 95kg (clean & jerk), and a total of 171kg.  The competition will continue on Saturday with four weight categories, starting at 10 a.m. with the 55kg category, followed by the women’s 59kg, men’s 61kg, and ending with the junior 61kg events.