Qatar names 29-squad for Gulf Cup

Doha: Newly appointed Qatar national football team coach Luis Garcia has announced the squad for the upcoming 26th Gulf Cup. The eight-team tournament will take place in Kuwait from December 21, 2024, to January 3, 2025. The squad consists of 29 players, representing several Qatari clubs: Al-Duhail: Salah Zakaria, Sultan Al-Buraik, Hammam Al-Amin, Mohammed Ayash, Abdullah Al-Ahrak, Almoez Ali, Rashid Al-Abdullah. Al-Sadd: Mishaal Barsham, Tariq Salman, Youssef Abdul Razzaq, Mustafa Mishaal, Akram Afif. Al-Gharafa: Abdullah Youssef, Asim Madibo, Mohamed Muntari, Rabah Boussaf. Al-Ahli: Abdulrahman Mustafa, Bahaa Al-Leithi, Marawan Al-Sayed. Al-Arabi: Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Jaber. Al-Rayyan: Hazem Shehata, Ahmed Al Rawi. Al-Wakrah: Mohammed Al Bakri, Lucas Mendes. Al-Shahaniya: Naif Al Hadhrami. Others: Ibrahim Al Hassan, Mohammed Joda, Al Hashemi Mohi El Din. The national team will conduct daily training sessions starting Wednesday until December 19, when they are scheduled to depart for Kuwait.  

Team Qatar gears up for 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship

DOHA – The Qatar national handball team is scheduled to depart next Saturday for Poreč, Croatia, to embark on an overseas training camp running from December 14 to December 24. The camp forms a crucial part of the team’s preparations for the 2025 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship, set to take place in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway from January 14 to February 2, 2025. This highly anticipated tournament will mark Qatar’s 10th participation on the global handball stage, solidifying their standing as a competitive force in the sport.

QOC & University of Doha sign cooperation agreement in sports and physical Health

DOHA: Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced today, on the 10th of December 2024, the signing of an agreement with University of Doha for Science and Technology to boost joint cooperation in the sports and physical health field. At the signing ceremony, HE QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain signed on behalf of QOC while Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi, President of University of Doha for Science and Technology, signed on behalf of UDST. The agreement aims to enhance the collaboration between the two organizations across various domains, including: training, leadership development, and providing academic support to athletes nationwide.  It will also cover the exchange of expertise in organizational management, consulting, human resources development, and facilitate opportunities for participation in both local and international events and competitions. Additionally, the agreement will foster cooperation in the media sector and the sharing of marketing strategies to strengthen mutual growth. Following the signing of the agreement, HE QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, emphasized that the partnership underscores the unwavering commitment of both institutions to advancing integrated sports programs.  HE QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, emphasized that the agreement also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity while advancing scientific research and specialized training to support athletes and enrich the broader community. UDST President,  Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi, affirmed that the agreement aligns with Qatar's national strategy to establish sports as a cornerstone of sustainable development.  “By merging sports with academic research, this initiative drives innovation, enhances athletic performance, and promotes public health,” he added, noting its critical role in realizing Qatar’s vision of becoming a global leader in sports and education.  

Doha to host three international weightlifting championships this December

Doha: The Qatar Weightlifting Federation has announced its plans to host three prestigious weightlifting events this December, bringing together some of the world’s top male and female athletes.   Preparations are underway for the 2024 Qatar International Cup, the Asian Youth and Junior Championships, and the Arab Men’s and Women’s Championships, all of which will take place concurrently from December 19 to 31.   In collaboration with the International Weightlifting Federation and local authorities, the Qatar Weightlifting Federation is ensuring all logistical and technical arrangements are in place to deliver successful and smoothly organized events.    

Medvedev, Rublev set to shine at 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open

Doha: The Qatar Tennis Federation has confirmed that world No.5 Daniil Medvedev and world No. 8 Andrey Rublev will participate in the highly anticipated 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Scheduled from February 17 to 22 at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex, the tournament will bring together some of the brightest stars in the world of tennis. Returning to Doha for the first edition of the event as an ATP 500 tournament, Medvedev and Rublev are expected to elevate the level of competition, bringing added excitement to this year’s event.Daniil Medvedev, 28, is no stranger to success in Doha, having claimed the 2023 Qatar ExxonMobil Open title in the ATP 250 category with a commanding straight-sets victory (6-4, 6-4) over Britain’s Andy Murray. With 20 career titles, including the 2021 US Open, Medvedev has established himself as one of the sport’s finest. Hard courts have been his forte, with 18 of his singles titles earned on the surface, including two ATP Masters 1000 victories in Cincinnati and Shanghai in 2019. Despite not adding to his title count this season, Medvedev’s track record in Doha and his dominance on hard courts position him as a strong contender for the 2025 crown. Andrey Rublev, 27, also returns to the tournament with high expectations. A former champion, Rublev won the 2020 Qatar ExxonMobil Open in the ATP 250 category by defeating France’s Corentin Moutet in straight sets. In the current season, Rublev has added two titles to his impressive tally of 16 career victories, including a remarkable win at the 2024 Madrid Open, where he defeated two-time champion and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz. Rublev’s presence in Doha promises another thrilling campaign as he aims to leave his mark in the upgraded ATP 500 tournament. Speaking on this occasion, Karim Alami, Tournament Director said in a statement: “We are excited to welcome Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev back to the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in 2025. Both players are exceptional talents who consistently compete at the highest level. With the tournament’s elevation to the ATP 500 category, we look forward to witnessing their top performances on Doha’s courts. Their participation adds significant prestige and excitement to this year’s event, and we are confident fans will enjoy a spectacular week of tennis.” For his part, Rashid al-Hajri, Vice-President and Public and Government Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “We are delighted to see both Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev returning for the 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. As previous champions, their return to the newly upgraded ATP 500 tournament is a testament to the event’s stature. Their incredible skill and competitive spirit will surely make this year’s edition one to remember.” Headlining the stellar roster for the 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open will be world No. 1, Jannik Sinner of Italy, further solidifying the tournament’s status as a marquee event in the tennis calendar. This year’s tournament marks a historic moment as it transitions from an ATP 250 to an ATP 500 event, a significant milestone in its 32-year history.  

ATTU President Announces Details of 34th Asian Championship in China

CHENGDU - (China) (QNA) - President of the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) and the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) Khalil Al Mohannadi has announced the details of the 34th Asian Table Tennis Championship, which will be held in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, from February 19 to 23. This came during Al Mohannadi's inauguration of the branch headquarters of the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) in the Chinese city of Chengdu, in the presence of a number of officials from the city and the Chinese Table Tennis Federation. This event is considered special as the total prize money of the tournament will reach USD 400,000, which is the first of its kind in the history of the tournament, and the number of players has become 32 for men and 32 for women. The opening of the new ATTU headquarters represents an important milestone for the Asian Table Tennis Federation as it continues to enhance the growth and popularity of the game in the region. Khalil Al Mohannadi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Asian Cup, highlighting its importance in providing a platform for Asias best table tennis players to showcase their talents. He stressed that hosting the event in Shenzhen, a city known for its vibrant sports culture and state-of-the-art facilities, would enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike. Al Mohannadi said in a statement: "The Asian Table Tennis Cup is not only a prestigious tournament, but also a crucial qualifying event for various international competitions, with a dynamic schedule of matches and planned activities. Therefore, the 2025 edition is an opportunity for an exciting display of skill and sportsmanship among the participating countries." He pointed out that as preparations for the Asian Cup begin, the Asian Table Tennis Federation is committed to keeping all member federations informed of new activities and all arrangements leading up to the event. He explained that through this cooperation, everyone aims to ensure a successful tournament that will raise the profile of table tennis in Asia. Concluding his speech, Al Mohannadi said that the announcement of the 34th AFC Asian Cup in Shenzhen, China, represents an exciting chapter for sports in Asia and this event is set to be an unforgettable celebration.