QOA Opens Registration for Advanced Sport Management Course

DOHA  (QNA) - The Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) announced the opening of registration for the 14th edition of the Advanced Sport Management Course, one of the basic pillars of the programs that the academy offers annually on its agenda. The QOA was selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to be among the first 20 Olympic committees in the world and the first Gulf and Arab Olympic committee to implement this program, which was first launched in 2008. The program begins on Feb. 6, and the study system for the diploma extends over seven semesters over seven months, at a rate of three days each month, after which students obtain a diploma certificate issued by the IOC, in addition to a certificate of completion of each chapter separately, which will bear the title of each chapter. For his part, Executive Director of the QOA Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber confirmed that the Advanced Sport Management Course for Olympic and sports institutions is considered one of the most important programs of the QOA and one of the main pillars of the academy's calendar every year and annually witnesses a large turnout from those interested in studying sports, administrative, and Olympic sciences. In a statement on Sunday, Al Jaber said that reaching the 14th edition of the program proves its success and the strength of its academic content, in addition to its significance to students, which reflects positively on them. He pointed out that the academy is working to approve the program among the lists of graduate studies in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, which is one of QOA partners.   

Team Qatar line up for Cambodia and Jordan friendlies

Doha: Qatar’s national football team began their preparations for the two international friendly matches against Cambodia on December 31 and Jordan on January 5. Coach Marques Lopez has announced the 27 players named to Qatar’s National Team roster for these two matches.   With Marquez Lopez at the helm, Team Qatar are preparing to defend their title at the 2023 Asian Cup, which runs from January 12 to February 10, 2024. Qatar Squad: Goalkeepers: Meshal Barsham, Saad Al (Al Sadd, Salah Zakaria (Al Duhail) and Soud Al Khater (Al Wakra). Defenders: Tarek Salman, Boualem Khokhi, Pedro Miguel (Al Sadd) Lucas Mendes, Al Mahdi Ali (Al Wakra) Sultan Al Beraik (Al Duhail) Homam Al Amin (Al Gharafa) and Bassam Al Rawi (Al Rawi). Midfielders: Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Gaber (Al Arabi), Abdelaziz Hatem, Osama Al Tairi (Al Rayyan) Hassan Al Haydos, Ali Asad, Mohammed Waad and Mustafa Meshal (Al Sadd). Forwards: Ahmed Al Janhi, Ahmed Alaa (Al Gharafa), Almoiz Ali, Mohammed Muntari (Al Duhail), Akram Afif, Yousif Abdurisg (Al Sadd) and Khalid Muneer (Al Wakra). Coach: Marques Lopez  

QTTA to host four WTT tournaments in January

Doha: The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) on Sunday announced plans to host a remarkable combined WTT World Championship events, featuring four tournaments under one banner in January 2024. Starting with the electrifying WTT Pro Tour Finals where the world’s best clash for ultimate glory, the event then progresses to the WTT Star Contender and WTT Contender tournaments, offering platforms for rising stars and seasoned players to shine. Finally, the future champions will take center stage in the Youth Contender Championship. The announcement of the combined WTT World Championships - to be hosted by the QTTA - was made at the Al Bidda Tower. High-ranking figures graced the occasion, including Khalil bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee and a prominent leader in the table tennis world. Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee, and Ali Sultan Al Muftah, Tournament Director, also spoke on the occasion. Doha serves as the bridge between seasons, concluding the 2023 World Table Tennis campaign with the thrilling Professional Tour Finals on January 3-5. The baton then passes seamlessly to the 2024 season, commencing in the same city with the WTT Star Contender - scheduled from January 8-13. This seamless transition promises an uninterrupted flow of table tennis excellence, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Following the WTT Star Contender, the action will continue with the third tournament, the WTT Contender - from January 14th to 20th. This event offers even more opportunities for talented players to showcase their skills and vie for championship glory. The grand finale of the entire championship series arrives with the WTT Youth Contender - from January 22nd to 25th. This prestigious competition shines a spotlight on the bright stars of tomorrow, showcasing the future of table tennis and giving fans a glimpse of the next generation of champions. “The month of January will not only welcome an elite group of world champions and top players, but also a sizable contingent of guests and delegations from around the globe. This signifies a significant moment for Qatari table tennis, showcasing its ability to organize world-class competitions,” said Al Mohannadi on Sunday. “The competitions will kick off at the Lusail Multi-Purpose Sports Hall with the WTT Finals Men marking the launch of the World Professional Tour Finals for Men under its new format. This is the third edition of the event, with previous editions held in Singapore, Germany, and most recently, Japan for the women’s championship,” Al Mohannadi added. “The men’s professional tour finals, kicking off January 3rd and concluding on January 5th, 2024, will showcase the world’s top 16 players in a fierce battle for ultimate glory. These include Chinese stars like Ma Long and Fan Zhendong, Japanese prodigy Tomokazu Harimoto, Brazilian sensation Hugo Calderano, and German national team standouts, will compete solely based on their global rankings, ensuring the participation of only the very best,” he added.   “Adding to the excitement, the four tournaments boast a combined prize money of approximately $750,000, with winners in each taking home their share of this substantial reward,” Al Mohanndi said. “A total of 700 players will grace the courts during the events. This includes the elite group of 16 top seeds competing in the professional singles finals and 8 of the world’s best doubles players. This impressive turnout promises a spectacle of skill and athleticism across all four tournaments,” he added. “The WTT World Championships finals offer a unique experience for both VIPs and dedicated fans. Special seating arrangements have been designed, bringing spectators closer to the action than ever before. This proximity, alongside exclusive VIP amenities, promises an unprecedented level of immersion and excitement for attendees,” Al Mohanndi announced. “For one whole month, Qatar will become the center stage for the global table tennis community,” said Al Mohannadi. He further emphasized the significant role these tournaments play for top players. “Not only does participation offer an exciting competition platform, but the substantial points awarded contribute to their rankings in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics and World Championships,” he added. Al Mohannadi also highlighted the significance of these championships as a valuable rehearsal for Qatar’s upcoming hosting of the 2025 World Cup. He emphasized the meticulous planning and preparation undertaken by the organizing committee, expressing eagerness for the tournament guests to arrive. “Beyond the competitive action, the event promises a vibrant side programme. Various meetings and conferences will be held alongside the tournaments, including the General Assemblies of both the Arab and West Asian Table Tennis Federations. This adds an extra layer of engagement and strengthens the sense of community within the sport,” he added. Addressing concerns about scheduling conflicts, Al Mohannadi assured the audience that the Pro Tour Finals will conclude before the start of the AFC Asian Cup to be held in Qatar from Jan 12-Feb 10, 2024. When asked about ticketing matters, Al Mohannadi said: “Marking a first in table tennis tournaments, ticket sales for the event are being conducted entirely online, accessible to both Qatari and international fans. This innovative approach serves as a valuable rehearsal for the World Cup finals, allowing the organizers to gauge public interest and demand. Ticket sales have already been brisk, suggesting a strong appetite for witnessing these exciting competitions.” Al Mohannadi added: “With all tournament supplies and equipment now secured, the Lusail Sports Hall is on track to host the competitions. Starting December 25th, the venue will be available for setup, and by the 28th, it will be fully prepared for player training sessions. Accommodation, and transportation arrangements are also finalized, ensuring a seamless launch for the opening competition.”  

Draw held for Arab Masters Tennis Championship

Doha: The draw of the third Arab Masters Tennis Championship was held in Doha yesterday.  The prestigious tournament, running from today  until  Thursday,  boasts  the  participation  of  16  top-tier  players  representing  eight Arab nations. The excitement begins with a   line-up   of   eight   exciting   matches in the first round. Top seed Benjamin Hassan, the Leb-anese sensation, is scheduled to take  on  Qatari  talent  Rashid  Nawaf on the opening day, while Tunisian star Mohamed Dagaz, the second seed, is set for a challenging match against Jordanian competitor Mohamed Alkotop. Adding to the intensity, third-seeded  Syrian  player  Yacoub  Makhzoumi is set to clash with Lebanese contender Hadi Habib. The match-ups continue as Egyptian  Mohamed  Safwat,  seeded    fourth,    takes    on    Moroccan Walid Ahouda, while fifth-seeded Syrian Mohamed Hazem  is  set  to  square  off  against Lebanese player Hassan Ibrahim. In the remaining first-round showdowns,  Algerian  Samir  Reguig   takes   on   Jordanian   Mousa   Alkotop,   Moroccan   Yascine   Al   Dulaimi   faces   Algerian  Toufik  Sahtali,  and  Qatar’s Mubarak Shannan meets Egyptian Karim Maamoun. Following  the  draw  ceremony held in Doha, yesterday, Qatar Tennis, Squash, and Badminton  Federation  (QTSBF)  Executive  Director  Saad  Al  Muhannadi expressed the Federation’s delight in hosting the tournament.  “We are happy to host the tournament  in  Qatar,  and  we  welcome  everyone  and  wish  them to hold the tournament. Happy and good luck to them in the tournament,” Al Muhannadi said. Highlighting the calibre of the event, Al Muhannadi noted that the tournament features the top 16 players selected according to the Association of Professional Players   (ATP)   classification.    Anticipating a thrilling competition, he added, “We hope that they will provide the best level of Arab tennis.” The organizers said that the preparations for  the  championship  are  complete  at  the  Khalifa International Tennis and Squash  Complex,  with  three  dedicated  courts  ensuring  a  seamless experience for players and spectators alike. Arab Tennis Federation Secretary Dr. Abdullah Abdulaziz expressed his jubilation at Doha being  the  chosen  host  for  the  third  edition  of  the  Arab  Elite  Championship. He underscored the significance of Qatar’s rich history in hosting international sports tournaments, particularly in tennis, citing the prestigious ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open and the WTA Qatar TotalEnergies Open as prime examples.  

Al Tamimi claims QSF 6 title

Doha: Kuwait's Ammar Altamimi produced a dominant display in the QSF 6 final to claim his second PSA Tour title.  The No.2 seed – who has a career-high ranking of No.78 in the world – had not dropped a game en route to this final, but was going up against Qatar’s own Waleed Zaman, who had already knocked out top seed Salem Al Malki in the quarter-finals.  Altamimi, though, controlled proceedings from start to finish, dropping just nine points in the entire match, winning 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 in just 26 minutes.  Victory secured the Kuwaiti a second Tour title, seven years after his first, and caps a successful end to the year, having also been crowned an Italian League champion a few weeks ago.  

QFA announces Team Qatar Squad ahead of two friendlies

Doha, December 22 (QNA) - The Qatar Football Association (QFA) on Friday announced team Qatar squad ahead of the two friendly matches against Cambodia and Jordan in preparation for AFC Asian Cup which will be held in Doha during the period between Jan. 12 and Feb. 10. The list of the Spanish coach, Marques Lopez, features 27 players. For goalkeeping, Saad Al Shaib, Salah Zakaria, Saud Al Khater and Mishal Barshim. The defense line is formed of eight players: Mahdi Ali, Bassam Al Rawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Sultan Al Breik, Tariq Salman, Lucas Mendes, Hammam Al Amin. In midfield nine were invited: Ahmed Fathi, Osama Al Tiri, Hassan Al Haydos, Jassim Jaber, Abdul Aziz Hatem, Ali Asad, Muhammad Waad, Mustafa Tariq, and Ahmed Al Janahi. The attack includes: Ahmed Alaa, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, Khaled Mounir, Mohamed Muntari, and Youssef Abdel Razzaq. The Qatari national team will begin their campaign in the tournament against the Lebanese national team on January 12 in the opening match at the Lusail World Cup Stadium in the first group, which also includes China and Tajikistan.