Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Discusses Enhancing Sports Cooperation with Indian Ambassador

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, received this morning at his office H.E. Shri Vipul, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Qatar.During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of India and discussed ways to enhance sports cooperation between the two countries. They also explored opportunities to further develop partnerships and exchange expertise in the fields of sport and the Olympic Movement in the coming period.The meeting comes as part of the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to strengthening its international relations and expanding avenues of sports cooperation in a manner that supports sports development and promotes communication and understanding among peoples. 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Meets Saudi Ambassador

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, met this morning at his office with H.R.H. Prince Saad bin Mansour bin Saad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar.During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close fraternal relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They also discussed aspects of sports cooperation between the two brotherly countries and explored ways to further strengthen and develop them in the coming period. 

Team Qatar Held to Goalless Draw by El Salvador

Los Angeles: The Qatar national football team played out a goalless draw against El Salvador in an international friendly held yesterday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, United States, as part of its final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.Team Qatar will begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco before travelling to Vancouver to face Canada on June 18. They will then conclude their Group B fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24.The final friendly provided Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui with another opportunity to assess his squad and fine-tune preparations ahead of the tournament. He started with Mahmoud Abu Nada in goal, while Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Issa Lai, Jassem Jaber, and Ayoub Al Alawi formed the defensive line. The midfield featured Homam Al Amin, Edmilson Junior, and Ahmed Fathi, with Akram Afif and Yousef Abdurisag leading the attack.The match marked Qatar’s final test before their second FIFA World Cup appearance, having previously participated in the 2022 edition as hosts. Team Qatar will compete in Group B at the 2026 tournament as they seek to make a stronger impact on the global stage. 

Qatar Olympic Academy Hosts Generative AI Programme for Sports Leaders

Doha : The Qatar Olympic Academy organized the “Generative AI for Leaders in Sport” programme on June 3–4 in collaboration with Google Cloud, as part of its efforts to equip sports professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.The programme attracted more than 70 participants from Qatar and abroad, representing the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, sports federations, clubs, private academies, media organizations, and technology and innovation sectors.Designed for sports leaders and decision-makers, the programme explored the growing role of generative artificial intelligence in transforming sports organizations and enhancing institutional performance. Participants gained practical insights into the use of AI in sports data analysis, fan engagement, decision-making, and innovation.Google Cloud contributed its expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, providing participants with exposure to the latest technological solutions and global best practices. The programme also enabled attendees to prepare for the internationally recognized Google “Generative AI for Leaders” certification.Commenting on the initiative, Khaleel Ebrahim Al-Jaber, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, said the programme represents an important step in preparing sports professionals to meet future challenges and capitalize on the opportunities created by digital transformation.He emphasized that artificial intelligence is becoming an essential component of modern sports management and highlighted the Academy’s commitment to promoting innovation, continuous learning, and strategic partnerships with leading global organizations.Al-Jaber added that the collaboration with Google Cloud provided participants with valuable insights into emerging technologies and their practical applications in sport, helping to strengthen leadership capabilities and support the continued development of the sports sector.The programme reflects the Qatar Olympic Academy’s ongoing commitment to developing human capital and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for sports education, innovation, and excellence. 

Team Qatar to Conclude World Cup Preparations with Friendly Against El Salvador

Doha: Team Qatar will play their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face El Salvador on Saturday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, United States.The national team are currently continuing preparations in Santa Barbara as part of their final training camp before the tournament, aiming to reach peak readiness. Qatar previously faced Ireland in a friendly match in Dublin on May 28, suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat.The match against El Salvador will provide an important final test before Qatar begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco. They will then face Canada on June 18 in Vancouver before concluding their Group B matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24.Head coach Julen Lopetegui has already announced his final 26-player squad for the tournament, featuring a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents. The squad includes Meshaal Barsham, Mahmoud Abu Nada, Salah Zakaria, Ahmed Al Janahi, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior, Ahmed Fathi, Ahmed Alaa, Tahseen Mohammed, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Ayoub Al Alawi, Al Hashemi Al Hussein, Assim Madibo, Sultan Al Brake, Hassan Al Haydos, Jassem Jaber, Mohammed Manei, Lucas Mendes, Karim Boudiaf, Issa Lai, Abdulaziz Hatem, Yousef Abdurisag, Homam Al Amin, and Mohammed Muntari.The final friendly is expected to help Lopetegui settle on the starting lineup he will rely on during the World Cup, particularly after giving opportunities to several players during the Ireland match. The Spanish coach has included 12 players who are set to make their World Cup debut.Qatar, champions of the last two AFC Asian Cups in 2019 and 2023, will be looking to build momentum and gain valuable technical and psychological benefits from the El Salvador match ahead of their historic first World Cup appearance through qualification.After their group-stage exit at Qatar 2022, Team Qatar will be aiming to go a step further this time and challenge for one of the qualification spots to the knockout rounds. 

Paulino to open 400m title bid in Doha

Doha: Olympic 400m champion Marileidy Paulino (DOM) will open her Wanda Diamond League campaign at the Mazzraty Doha Meeting at the Qatar Sports Club on Friday 19 June.The 29-year-old – the first woman from the Dominican Republic to win gold in any sport at the Olympic Games – set an Olympic record of 48.17 in Paris 2024 and led the top three to times inside 49 seconds for the first time in a women’s 400m.The former world champion ran a Dominican record of 47.98 for silver at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. It was the third-quickest time in history and the first time that two women (Paulino and winner Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone) had dipped under 48 seconds in the same race.“I’m looking forward to returning to Doha where the crowd noise is incredible and the conditions are great for fast running,” said the three-time Diamond League Final winner who has won on both her previous outings to the Qatar Sports Club in 2022 (51.20) and 2023 (50.51).“My winter training has gone well and although the meeting record of 49.83 might be a tough one to beat so early in the season, every race is a challenge and an opportunity to grow. I’m proud to be an Olympic and world champion, but it’s important that I continue to learn and work hard every day to become an even better version of myself so that I can help inspire and motivate the younger generation.”The Mazzraty Doha Meeting is the seventh meeting of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League. The series comprises 15 of the most prestigious events in global track and field across four different continents and began in Shanghai/Keqiao on 16 May (as a result of the Doha Meeting being rescheduled). It concludes with a single final across two days in Brussels (4-5 September).