Team Qatar to Face Japan in FIBA U18 Asia Cup Qualification Playoff

New Delhi (QNA) – Qatar’s U18 national basketball team will face Japan on Thursday in the qualification playoff for a place in the quarterfinals of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, currently being held in Ahmedabad, India.Team Qatar will be aiming to secure victory and continue their campaign after finishing third in Group C with four points. Qatar suffered defeats to Iran (94–69) and China (118–66) before bouncing back with a convincing 90–43 victory over Sri Lanka.Japan, meanwhile, finished second in Group D with five points after recording victories over India (91–56) and Kazakhstan (81–45), while suffering a narrow 67–64 defeat to Korea.Should Qatar overcome Japan, they will advance to face New Zealand in the quarterfinals on Friday.The tournament carries added significance as the four teams reaching the semifinals will secure qualification for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in the Czech Republic. 

Qatar Finalizes Preparations to Host FIVB U17 World Championship

DOHA - The Qatar 2026 Organizing Committee has completed all preparations for the second edition of the FIVB U17 World Championship, which Doha will host from Wednesday through August 28.Speaking at a press conference, Secretary-General of the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and Executive Director of the tournament Yusuf Ahmed Kanoo described the hosting of the championship as a historic milestone for Qatari volleyball, underscoring Qatar’s full readiness in terms of world-class facilities, organizational capabilities, and accumulated expertise in staging major international sporting events.The championship’s matches will be played at the Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire Zone and Al Arabi Sports Club. The inaugural edition of the tournament was held in Bulgaria in 2024, with Italy crowned champions.Kanoo highlighted the importance of the championship in showcasing emerging talent and providing a platform for the next generation of volleyball stars. He confirmed that the Qatar U17 national team is fully prepared for the competition following an extensive training program, while calling on Qatari fans to turn out in large numbers and support the team throughout its campaign.For his part, QVA Assistant Secretary-General and Tournament Media Director Saeed Salem Al Nuaimi confirmed that all organizational and media arrangements had been finalized, including the establishment of a fully equipped media center at the Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire Zone.QVA Board Member and Competition Director Mohammed Salem Al Kuwari expressed confidence in Qatar’s ability to deliver a successful championship, noting that the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) had praised the facilities and competition venues.Meanwhile, General Supervisor of the Qatar Men’s National Teams Sherif El Shemerly said the national U17 team had completed a seven-month preparation program featuring intensive training camps and approximately 25 international friendly matches in Doha, Cairo and Slovenia.Qatar will begin its campaign against Venezuela on Wednesday in Group A, before facing France on August 21 and Tunisia on August 23. All three of Qatar’s group-stage matches will be played at the Women’s Sports Hall in Aspire Zone.

Asia ready to shine as Aichi-Nagoya to host historic 20th Asian Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee today celebrate one month to go until Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, hosts the largest multi-sport event in Asia from 19 September to 4 October 2026.Bringing together more than 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials from 45 countries for 16 days of world-class competition, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will feature 43 sports and 71 disciplines, with 1,407 medals to be awarded across 469 events in what is set to be a historic celebration of Asian sport.Marking the third time Japan has had the honour of hosting the Asian Games, following Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 stands as Asia’s flagship multi-sport festival, uniting the continent under the official motto, "Imagine One Asia".“Representing the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family, these Games embody the true power, solidarity and shared vision of uniting Asia as one," said OCA President, H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani. “Japan has a world-class track record in hosting major sporting events and I have no doubt that Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will set a benchmark for future editions - empowering our youth and inspiring the next generation of Asian sport."Supported by 10,200 volunteers and covered by 5,300 accredited media representatives, with hundreds of millions of fans tuning in around the world, Japan stands ready to stage an unforgettable event."As we celebrate one month to go to Aichi-Nagoya 2026, I would like to thank our dear friends in Japan who have prepared the greatest stage for Asia’s athletes," said OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam. "These Games will create memories for millions of people not only in Japan, but across Asia, forging lifelong friendships through sport, promoting peace through our diversity and creating a legacy that reaches every corner of our great continent."Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will get underway with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on 19 September and conclude with the Closing Ceremony on 4 October. As the final countdown begins, Asia's diverse nations stand united, ready for sixteen days of world-class sporting competition. 

Media and Content Creators Get a First Look at Al Janoub Arena Ahead of Official Opening

DOHA - The Local Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 hosted an exclusive site visit for media representatives and social media content creators at Al Janoub Arena on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, providing an introduction to the tournament and offering a first look at the venue ahead of its official opening.The exclusive tour provided media representatives and content creators with a comprehensive insight into the tournament, giving them a first-hand look at Al Janoub Arena, its facilities and preparations. Participants were also briefed on major activities and initiatives planned in the lead-up to the tournament, including the opening of ticket sales, the unveiling of the official tournament logo and the World Cup Trophy Tour, as Qatar builds momentum ahead of the event. The tour further offered an opportunity for direct engagement and deeper knowledge-sharing, supporting efforts to showcase Al Janoub Arena across a wide range of media outlets and digital platforms.The tour comes eight days ahead of the official opening of Al Janoub Arena, which is set to host the highly anticipated clash between Qatar and China in the fourth window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 Qualifiers. The Local Organizing Committee has invited fans and basketball enthusiasts to attend and cheer on the national team, with free admission for all.From the legacy of the FIFA World Cup to the future of basketball, Al Janoub Arena in Al Wakrah continues to write its own remarkable story. Following its role as a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue, the arena has been transformed and repurposed to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, marking a first-of-its-kind transition. Featuring an iconic architectural design, Al Janoub Arena will accommodate up to 8,200 spectators for basketball.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications & Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee – FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, said the tour was designed to bring the Organizing Committee closer to content creators, influencers, and media representatives. It offered them a first-hand look at Al Janoub Sports Arena and an opportunity to learn more about the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, allowing them to share the experience with their audiences and showcase the championship through engaging media content.The Organizing Committee expressed its sincere appreciation to all content creators, influencers, and media representatives for taking part in the tour and for their positive feedback on the championship, its historic significance for the Middle East, and its potential to promote basketball and strengthen its legacy among young people and future generations. The tour comes as preparations gather pace ahead of the official launch of the one-year countdown to the championship, an important milestone on the road to this major global sporting event” added Mr Mr. Abdulla Ali Al MawlawiContent Creators, Influencers and Media Share Their Impressions:Commenting on the Al Janoub Sports Arena tour, Mohammed Al Alam, Al Kass Channels Coordinator, said: “Following the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar completed the first part of its mission by delivering a world-class sporting event, earning praise from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and international media and further strengthening Qatar’s reputation as a leading host of major sporting events.Today, we are focusing on the second part: legacy. Al Janoub Sports Arena is a clear example, having been transformed from a FIFA World Cup 2022 football stadium into a modern basketball venue. It reflects Qatar’s commitment to making sustainable use of its sports infrastructure and repurposing it to host future local, continental and international competitions, creating lasting value for generations to come.”Abdulla Al-Ghafri, a social media influencer, hailed the exceptional readiness and quality of Al Janoub Arena, viewing it as a notable addition to Qatar’s impressive sporting achievements. He said: “Al Janoub Arena has truly exceeded my expectations. It is setting a new record in the history of Qatari sport, and its distinction as the first venue ever to host two World Cups in two different sports makes it a truly remarkable landmark on the global sporting map. I am also particularly pleased by the decision to provide free admission for fans attending the Qatar-China match on August 27, 2026. I extend my deepest appreciation to the Organizing Committee for its outstanding efforts in delivering this event.”Anas Abou Qamer, a content creator, meanwhile expressed his excitement at the prospect of Doha hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. He said: “It was a fantastic tour and an experience I greatly enjoyed. It has only heightened my anticipation for the Basketball World Cup matches in Doha, where I look forward to experiencing a vibrant and unique atmosphere and discovering a different sporting experience through a game that commands a truly global audience.”Content creator Ahmed Qablawe said: “Ever since Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, there has been a clear vision to maximize the long-term value of the sporting facilities and infrastructure developed for the tournament by putting them to further use in hosting major international competitions. What we are seeing today at Al Janoub Arena is a powerful demonstration of that vision and of Qatar’s commitment to creating a lasting sporting legacy.”The FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 will take place from 27 August to 12 September 2027, featuring 32 national teams competing in 92 games across four arenas: Lusail Arena, Al Janoub Arena, Al Attiyah Arena, and Duhail Arena. 

Team Qatar Advances to FIBA U18 Asia Cup Quarterfinals

India - Qatar advanced to the Qualification to Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026, currently being held in India, after securing a commanding 90-43 victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday.The tournament, which runs through August 23, features 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top-ranked teams advancing directly to the Quarter-Finals while the second- and third-placed teams compete in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals.Qatar produced a dominant performance against Sri Lanka at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad in the third and final round of Group C, taking control of the game across all four quarters with scores of 20-17, 18-9, 29-10 and 23-7.Qatar captain Abdulla Yassin Mousa delivered a standout performance, finishing as the game’s top scorer with an impressive 37 points, while Sudam Liyanage led Sri Lanka’s scoring with 10 points.The emphatic victory provided Qatar with a major boost of confidence at the conclusion of the Group Phase, with the team finishing third in Group C on four points. China topped the group with a perfect six points after defeating Iran 96-58, while Iran finished second with five points. Sri Lanka ended the group stage in fourth place.As Group C winners, China secured direct qualification to the Quarter-Finals, while third-placed Qatar will face Japan, who finished second in Group D, in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals, with the Qataris aiming to secure their place among the tournament’s last eight.In the other Qualification to Quarter-Finals matchups, Iran will face India, Bahrain will take on Chinese Taipei, and Syria will meet the Philippines.Australia, New Zealand, China and Korea have already secured direct passage to the Quarter-Finals after topping their respective groups.Under the tournament format, the four group winners advance directly to the Quarter-Finals, while the teams finishing second and third compete in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals to determine the remaining four quarter-finalists.The Qualification to Quarter-Finals games will be played on Wednesday, followed by the Quarter-Finals on Thursday and the Semi-Finals on August 22. The tournament will conclude with the Final on August 23.Qatar will enter the next stage with renewed determination, particularly with a place in the Semi-Finals carrying added significance. The four semi-finalists will earn the opportunity to qualify for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Pardubice, Czechia, from June 26 to July 4, 2027.

Qatar U-18 Team to Face Sri Lanka Tuesday in FIBA U-18 Asia Cup

DOHA - Qatar’s U-18 basketball team will take on Sri Lanka on Tuesday in the third and final round of Group C at the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup in India, which runs through August 23.Qatar, currently third in the group with two points, will be looking to secure its first victory and keep its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive. The group winners will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the teams finishing second and third will compete in qualification games.The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Pardubice, Czechia, with the four semifinalists earning qualification.