Qatar Olympic Academy Advances Sports Education, Capacity Building in First Half of 2026

DOHA – The Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) reinforced its position as a leading regional center for Olympic education and professional sports development during the first half of 2026, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs, specialized training courses, and community initiatives that strengthened professional capacities in Qatar and across the region.From January to June, the Academy organized an extensive range of educational and professional development programs designed for sports administrators, coaches, athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts. The curriculum covered key disciplines including leadership, sports governance, event management, strategic planning, sports marketing, sustainability, innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, equipping participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills aligned with international best practices.During the same period, the Academy further expanded its network of strategic partnerships, enhancing collaboration with national Olympic committees, sports federations, academic institutions, and educational organizations to advance Olympic education and promote knowledge exchange throughout the region.The Academy also strengthened its contribution to sports research by participating in specialized conferences and seminars, while broadening its digital presence to make its educational programs and initiatives more accessible to audiences in Qatar and internationally.Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber, said the Academy's achievements during the first six months of 2026 reflected its continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality in Olympic and sports education.He emphasized that the Academy remains dedicated to developing national and regional expertise while promoting Olympic values in accordance with internationally recognized standards.Al Jaber attributed the Academy's continued success to the dedication of its staff and the strength of its strategic partnerships with sports and academic institutions, noting that the growing demand for its educational programs underscores the confidence placed in the Academy's role in developing qualified sports professionals.He also highlighted the importance of representing both Qatar and the Qatar Olympic Academy at major international forums, noting that participation in the National Olympic Academies Forum, alongside strengthened cooperation with the Saudi Olympic Academy, has fostered valuable knowledge exchange, enhanced Gulf collaboration, and supported the advancement of Olympic education and sustainable sports development.Looking ahead, Al Jaber affirmed that the Academy will continue expanding its academic offerings, integrating advanced educational technologies, and strengthening its regional and international partnerships in support of Qatar's vision of becoming a global hub for sport, education, and human development. 

Qatar Clinch Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV Promotion with Thrilling Victory over Kyrgyzstan

Colombo – Team Qatar secured promotion to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV after edging Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in a thrilling promotion semifinal on Saturday in Colombo, Sri Lanka.The Qatari team showcased remarkable resilience to book their place in the higher regional group, capping an impressive campaign with a composed and determined performance in the decisive tie.Qatar took the early advantage through Mubarak Shanan, who produced a spirited comeback after dropping the opening set to defeat Kirill Kistanov 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the first singles encounter.Kyrgyzstan restored parity when Mirgiiaz Mirdzhaliev overcame Mousa Shanan 6-3, 6-2 in the second singles match, sending the contest into a winner-takes-all doubles rubber.With promotion hanging in the balance, brothers Mubarak and Mousa Shanan delivered under pressure, recovering from a first-set setback to defeat Kirill Kistanov and Mirgiiaz Mirdzhaliev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and seal Qatar's return to Group IV.Following the historic achievement, Khalid Al Khulaifi, Board Member of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, praised the players for their outstanding commitment and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.He said the national team had produced exceptional performances from the opening round to the decisive promotion match, proving themselves worthy ambassadors of Qatari sport and earning promotion through determination, discipline and teamwork.Al Khulaifi attributed the achievement to the players' unwavering dedication, coupled with the tireless efforts of the coaching and administrative staff, stressing that the success reinforces the federation's commitment to investing in national teams, nurturing emerging talent and creating the conditions for sustained international success.Qatar advanced to the promotion semifinals after finishing runners-up in their preliminary group with one victory and one defeat. The team opened the competition with a narrow 2-1 loss to hosts Sri Lanka before responding with a crucial 2-1 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands to secure a place in the knockout stage.The national team arrived in Colombo following a two-week training camp in Thailand as part of its preparations for the tournament. Qatar's squad featured brothers Mubarak and Mousa Shanan, alongside Jabor Al Mutawa. 

Team Qatar U18 Set for Saudi Arabia Showdown in FIBA Asia Cup Gulf Qualifiers Opener

DOHA – Qatar's national under-18 basketball team will launch their campaign in the Gulf Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup on Sunday when they face Saudi Arabia at Al Gharafa Club Indoor Arena in Doha.The hosts will be aiming to secure an opening victory that would provide an early boost in their pursuit of one of three coveted qualification spots for the continental championship, which will be held in Ahmedabad, India, this August.Hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), the Gulf qualifying tournament runs from July 25 to 30 and features five participating nations: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Sultanate of Oman.The competition is being played in a single round-robin format, with each team contesting four matches. The top three teams in the final standings will qualify for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, making every fixture crucial from the opening day in what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament.Qatar enter the qualifiers following an intensive preparation program designed to maximize the squad's technical, tactical, and physical readiness. As part of their build-up, the team completed an overseas training camp in Yalova, Türkiye, where they played a series of friendly matches that enabled Turkish head coach Cengiz Karadag to assess player performances and finalize his squad ahead of the competition.The national team is built around a talented generation regarded as the future of Qatari basketball. The final 12-player roster is captained by Abdullah Yassin and includes Tameem Ashraf Abouissa, Meshaal Khaled Al Mughni, Moaz Omar Moussa, Azzam Mohammed Yakan, Ziyad Tamer Al Gohary, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Moussa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohammed.  

Asian Handball Federation Announces Schedule for 11th Asian Men's Youth (U19) Handball Championship

Kuwait– The Asian Handball Federation (AHF) has unveiled the official match schedule for the 11th Asian Men's Youth (U19) Handball Championship, which will be held in Amman, Jordan, from Aug. 20 to 31, 2026.Qatar will begin their Group-stage campaign against Bahrain on Aug. 20, before taking on Uzbekistan the following day. The team will then face Japan on Aug. 23, Saudi Arabia on Aug. 24, and conclude the preliminary round against Chinese Taipei on Aug. 26.The Qatari side enter the continental championship with high ambitions and a firm determination to build on the nation's sustained progress in youth handball, targeting a deep run in the tournament.With a talented generation of emerging players, Team Qatar will be aiming to secure a place in the knockout stages while continuing the country's strong tradition of success on the Asian handball stage.  

Team Qatar Advances to Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV Semifinals

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Qatar's national tennis team booked its place in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV semifinals, currently taking place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after a determined performance in the group stage.The Qatari team advanced after finishing second in Group B with a 1–1 record. Following a narrow 2–1 defeat to host nation Sri Lanka in its opening tie, Qatar responded impressively with a 2–1 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands to secure qualification for the knockout stage.Qatar will now face Kyrgyzstan in Saturday's semifinal, with victory guaranteeing promotion to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group III.The national team is represented by brothers Mousa Shanan and Mubarak Shanan, alongside Jabor Al-Mutawa, who completed a two-week intensive training camp in Thailand as part of the team's preparations for the tournament.Following the victory, Al-Mutawa emphasized the significance of the upcoming semifinal, affirming that the entire team is fully focused on delivering another strong performance and securing promotion to Group III.Under the tournament format, the opening stage was contested in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the crossover semifinals. The winners of each semifinal will earn promotion to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group III. 

Gulf Qualifiers for FIBA U18 Asia Cup Tip Off in Doha

DOHA  – The Gulf Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup get underway today at Al Gharafa Club Hall in Doha, with five Gulf nations competing for three coveted places at the continental finals.Hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation from July 25–30, the tournament brings together the national teams of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, with the top three finishers securing qualification for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, India, next month.Qatar's hosting of the qualifiers once again underscores the country's position as a premier destination for major regional and continental sporting events. The Local Organising Committee has completed all technical and operational preparations to deliver a world-class tournament, reflecting Doha's proven expertise in staging international sporting competitions.The qualifiers represent the opening step in the Gulf teams' journey toward continental competition. The tournament will be played in a single round-robin format, with each team contesting four matches. The three highest-ranked teams at the conclusion of the competition will qualify directly for the Asian finals.Beyond continental qualification, the tournament also serves as an important milestone on the pathway to the global stage. The FIBA U18 Asia Cup will award four qualification places for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup Czech Republic 2027, scheduled to take place from 26 June to 4 July 2027, adding further significance and competitiveness to the qualifying campaign.The opening day features two fixtures, with Kuwait taking on Oman, while Saudi Arabia faces Bahrain. Qatar will begin its campaign on Sunday against Saudi Arabia, while Bahrain and Kuwait will also meet on the same day.Competition resumes on Monday, when Oman plays Bahrain and Qatar faces Kuwait. On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia meets Kuwait, while Qatar takes on Oman. The tournament concludes on Thursday, with Oman facing Saudi Arabia, before hosts Qatar close the qualifiers against Bahrain.The Qatar Basketball Federation views the tournament as an integral part of its long-term strategy to strengthen youth development and prepare the next generation of national team players for regional and continental success. The qualifiers provide a valuable platform for young athletes to gain international experience while pursuing qualification for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.