Ali Al-Kuwari re-elected President of the Qatar Volleyball Association

Doha: The General Assembly of the Qatar Volleyball Association has re-elected Mr. Ali Ghanim Al-Kuwari as President of the Association for the term 2024-2028. During the meeting, which was held today at the Qatar Olympic Academy's headquarters, Yousef Ahmed Kanu, Saeed Salim Al Jamaani, Mohammed Salim Al Kuwari, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Neama, Saeed Juma Al Hitmi and Amna Barakat Al Kuwari were elected as members of the Board of Directors. Mr. Ali Ghanim Al Kuwari said that the next phase will focus on intensifying efforts to elevate volleyball in Qatar stressing that the Key priorities of the Association include enhancing local competitions, boosting the performance of national teams and upgrading infrastructure.

Cherif Younousse elected to the FIVB Athletes' Commission

Doha: Team Qatar beach volleyball star Cherif Younousse has reached another major milestone in his illustrious career by being elected to the Athletes' Commission of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The FIVB Athletes' Commission is a vital committee dedicated to empowering players and promoting the growth of volleyball globally. Cherif’s election to the commission marks a significant achievement, strengthening Qatar’s presence and influence in the world of volleyball. This accomplishment is yet another testament to the rising success of Qatari sports and underscores the high level of performance demonstrated by Qatar’s athletes on the global stage.

Sharjah Wins 27th Asian Club League Handball Championship

Doha, November 23 (QNA) - The Sharjah Handball Club of the UAE clinched the 27th Asian Men's Club League Championship title after a thrilling 27-26 victory over Saudi Arabia's Al Khaleej at the Duhail Sports Hall in Doha. With this historic victory, Sharjah secured its spot in the 2025 IHF Super Globe, the World Club Handball Championship. Meanwhile, Al Khaleej fell short of defending the title it had claimed last year. HE First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Mohamed bin Yousef Al Manaa, HE Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, President of the Qatar Handball Association Ahmed Al Shaabi, and Asian Handball Federation Representative and Vice President of the International Handball Federation for Asia Bader Al Theyab presented the trophies to the top three teams and honored the standout players of the tournament. Qatar's Al Duhail secured third place with a commanding victory over Kuwait's Kazma SC, defeating them 34-24 in the third-place playoff held prior to the final. (QNA)

Under the Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the QOC Hosts the 2024 Sports Excellence Awards

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) hosted the 2024 Sports Excellence Awards today, under the patronage of its President, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani. The event took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Also in attendance, at the ceremony held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, were H.E. Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mana, the First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, the Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, the Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, as well as the Presidents of Qatar’s sports federations and several prominent sports figures. The ceremony honored outstanding athletes, administrators, sports personalities, and institutions that have supported sports in Qatar. In his speech, the QOC Secretary General H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, said:  “It is truly an honor to gather once again at this annual celebration, which has become a valued tradition for honoring Qatari champions and athletes with outstanding achievements, as well as our partners and sponsors from government and private sectors who play a vital role in supporting sports and the Olympic movement in our country.”    “We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,  for his unwavering and profound support of Qatari sports, which has been instrumental in driving achievements across all levels. We also offer our sincere thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, for his boundless support and guidance, which have significantly advanced the development of sports in Qatar.”  He added.  Reflecting on the accomplishments of the past season, Al Buenain noted:   “This season has been extraordinary for Qatari sports. Our participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games saw our athletes continuing their successes on the international stage. Notably, our world champion Mutaz Barshim earned a bronze medal in the high jump, becoming the first athlete to win four Olympic medals in this event.   "In addition, the season featured key organizational and institutional milestones, including Doha hosting the World Aquatics Championships and the Congress of the International Gymnastics Federation, further solidifying Qatar’s reputation as a leading host of major sporting events. Moreover, distinguished Qatari sports figures secured prominent international and regional positions, reaffirming Qatar’s esteemed standing and leadership in the global sports arena.”   Al Buenain emphasized the foundation of these successes, stating:   “These achievements are not the result of chance but the outcome of long-term planning and sustained efforts. They mark the beginning of a new phase for Qatari sports, paving the way for even greater triumphs in the future. While we honor the exceptional achievements of individuals today, we also commend the efforts of all our athletes for their dedication and impressive performances across various competitions.”   He also recognized the contributions of key stakeholders, adding:   “We deeply appreciate the vital role played by ministries, government entities, public institutions, and private companies in supporting the sports movement. Their collaboration is essential in implementing our plans and achieving our aspirations.”   Looking ahead, Al Buenain concluded:   “The challenges of the next phase are substantial, requiring everyone in the sports sector to intensify their efforts to realize even greater accomplishments for Qatari sports.”   H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, presented the awards to the honorees of the 2024 Sports Excellence Awards. Qatar Foundation received the award for Distinguished Organization in Supporting the Olympic Movement, while the Ministry of Education and Higher Education was honored with the award for Distinguished Organization in Supporting Sports Community Events. Alkass Sports Channels was recognized with the award for Media Partner. H.E. Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani received the Recognition Award for Personalities That Served Sports in Qatar. Masraf Al Rayan, Aamal QPSC and Ibn Ajayan Projects were honored with the Team Qatar Official Supporter Award.  The Qatar Handball Association was honored with the Golden Federation Award for Team Sports, while the Qatar Athletics Federation won the Golden Federation Award for Individual Sports. The Men’s Team of the Season Award went to Team Qatar’s Beach Volleyball team. Mutaz Essa Barshim was named Male Athletes of the Season, while Amal Mohammed Mahmoud was awarded Female Athlete of the Season. Ismail Dawood Abakar received the Promising Male Athlete of the Season Award, and Noor Nizar Abdulqader Mohammed was recognized as the Promising Female Athlete of the Season. Hendrik Jacobus Kotze was named Coach of the Season. Ali Radi Arshid won the Male Para-Athlete of the Season Award, and Sara Hamdi Masoud received the Female Para-Athlete of the Season Award. Khalifa Yousuf Abdulmalik was awarded Male Administrator of the Season, while Amal Mohammed Awad was recognized as Female Administrator of the Season. The Male Referee of the Season Award was presented to Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim, Talib Salim Al Marri, Saoud Ahmed Al Maqaleh, Abdullah Ali Al Marri, and Abdullah Ali Al Hammadi for their contributions to officiating in men’s sports. In camel racing, Jaber Salim Jaber Ali Faran received the award for Camel Trainer of the Season (Open Races), while Abdulhadi Khalil Al Shahwani Al Hajri was named Camel Owner of the Season (Public Races). In equestrian sports, Khalifa Sheail Al Kuwari was awarded Horse Owner of the Season, Faleh Nasser Saleh Salem Bougneim received the Best Jockey Award, and Mohammed Hamad Khalifa Al Attiyah was recognized as the Best Qatari Horse Trainer. The Best Personal Sports Achievement Award was jointly awarded to Ali Al Obaidli. The ceremony recognized the Local Organizing Committees for their success in hosting major events: The World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 and The World Judo Championships – Doha 2023.  His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also honored representatives of local media for their significant role in supporting and developing the Qatari sports movement, as well as highlighting Qatar's sports achievements at local and international levels.  

Team Qatar gets better of Cambodia to secure third consecutive victory

DOHA - Imal Liyanage’s blistering knock of 86 powered Qatar to a 48-run win over Cambodia, securing their third consecutive victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub Regional Qualifier B on Saturday. Liyanage hammered eight sixes and three boundaries in his 54-ball innings, steering Qatar to 170-7 after they elected to bat first at the University of Doha for Science and Technology ground. The left-hander forged a pivotal 98-run opening stand in 10.1 overs with Saqlain Arshad, who contributed a quickfire 38 off 24 balls. Their partnership laid a solid foundation as the rest of the batting lineup struggled, with only Muhammad Tanveer (19) managing double figures. On debut, 41-year-old Mohammed Aslam spearheaded Qatar’s bowling attack, claiming 3-20 as Cambodia were restricted to 122-8. Arumugaganesh Nagarajan bagged two wickets while Owais Ahmed and Ikramullah Khan picked up one apiece. Cambodia’s Lakshit Gupta top-scored with 49. Qatar are set to face Bahrain tomorrow. In other matches, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued their dominant run, thrashing Thailand by 155 runs at the University of Doha for Science and Technology ground. Meanwhile, Bahrain crushed Bhutan by 90 runs at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium. UAE lead the standings with eight points from four matches, while Qatar remain in contention for a top-two finish with six points from three games. Bahrain and Thailand are tied on four points, followed by Saudi Arabia (2 points). Cambodia and Bhutan are yet to register a win. The top two teams will qualify for the Regional Final, joining Nepal, Oman, and Papua New Guinea.

Qatar supports cooperation to Develop Arab Sports

Amman: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) participated in the Executive Board and General Assembly meetings of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, held in Amman, Jordan under the chairmanship of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees.   The QOC delegation at the 22nd General Assembly of the Union was led by H.E. Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mana, Deputy Speaker of Qatar’s Shura Council, First Vice President of the QOC, Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation, and President of the Afro-Asian, Asian, Arab, and Qatari Weightlifting Federations. He was accompanied by Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at the QOC.  The meeting reviewed several key topics, including a report on the 15th Arab Games held in Algeria in 2023 and a report on the 7th Arab Women’s Clubs Games held in Sharjah in February 2024.   The General Assembly also confirmed Bahrain as the host of the 17th Arab Games in 2031 and granted Jordan the rights to host the 18th Arab Games in 2035.  H.E. Mohamed bin Yousef Al Mana praised the active participation of the QOC in the meetings of the Executive Board and General Assembly, held in Jordan from November 20 to 22. He said, “The QOC’s participation in these meetings reflects its constant commitment to strengthening joint efforts with Arab National Olympic Committees, contributing to the Union's goals and the development of sports across the region. These meetings provided an important opportunity to exchange ideas and visions and to develop strategic plans that support Arab sports in regional and international arenas.”   He added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, for his significant efforts in advancing the Arab Olympic movement and enhancing sports integration among member states. His wise vision and continuous support have been key factors in achieving remarkable progress in the development of Arab sports.”  H.E. Al Mana also expressed his gratitude to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Jordanian Olympic Committee for their exceptional hosting of the Executive Office and General Assembly meetings. He stated, “We thank Jordan for the warm hospitality and outstanding organization, which provided an ideal environment for the success of these important meetings. We also appreciate the Jordanian Olympic Committee’s efforts in promoting cooperation among Arab National Olympic Committees. We look forward to continued collaboration among all member states and to implementing the projects and initiatives discussed during the meetings, enhancing the international standing of Arab sports and meeting the aspirations of Arab youth.”