Media center

19 Sep - 2026

In Presence of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad, Emperor Naruhito Opens Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

19 Sep - 2026

OCA President Sheikh Joaan visits Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Nagoya

Qatar Olympic Academy Unveils Comprehensive June Programme of Courses and Specialized Workshops

Doha: The Qatar Olympic Academy has announced its programme of courses and training workshops for June, reaffirming its commitment to developing the sports sector and enhancing professional capabilities in line with the latest international standards and global trends.The June agenda features a wide range of specialized programmes targeting leaders, administrators, and professionals working across the sports sector, as part of the Academy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen human capital and support the future development of sport in Qatar and the region.Through these initiatives, the Academy continues to reinforce its position as one of the region’s leading educational and training institutions in the sports field by combining academic learning with practical application and focusing on key areas such as digital transformation, sports management, and institutional development.The programme will begin on June 3 and 4 with a course titled “Generative AI for Leaders in Sports,” organized in collaboration with Google Cloud. The course reflects the Academy’s focus on integrating advanced technologies into sports administration and performance development.The programme is designed to provide sports leaders and decision-makers with practical knowledge and strategic insight into the use of generative artificial intelligence technologies, which have become among the most influential tools driving digital transformation worldwide.Topics covered include the use of AI in sports data analysis, enhancing fan engagement, supporting decision-making processes, and promoting innovation within sports organizations.Participants will also have the opportunity to prepare for the Google “Generative AI for Leaders” certification exam, an internationally recognized credential that adds professional value for individuals working in leadership, management, and innovation.The course is expected to attract broad participation from the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, sports clubs and federations, private academies, and professionals interested in technology and innovation in sport.From June 7 to 11, the Academy will organize the course “Principles of the Olympic Movement in the Sports System – Management 1” in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity of the International Olympic Committee.The course forms part of the qualification pathway for the Academy’s Diploma in Sports and Olympic Institution Management, which is officially accredited by the International Olympic Committee.Delivered by Omani academic and sports management expert Dr. Suleiman Al Balushi, the intensive five-day programme will address several core topics related to the Olympic Movement, including its historical development, Olympic Games hosting procedures, the structure of the IOC and its committees, the role of international federations, Olympic values, and the organization of major sporting events.The programme aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the institutional framework of the Olympic Movement while enhancing their managerial and organizational capabilities.The Academy will conclude its June activities with the third module of the Diploma in Sports and Olympic Institution Management, scheduled from June 22 to 25 under the title “Human Resource Management in Sports and Olympic Institutions.”The module focuses on one of the most important aspects of institutional success and sustainability: effective human capital management.Key topics include organizational structures, HR strategies and planning, recruitment and talent retention, staff training and development, and leadership skills necessary for managing teams and improving institutional performance.Commenting on the launch of the June agenda, Khaleel Ibrahim Al Jabir, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, emphasized the Academy’s commitment to delivering high-quality programmes that align with the rapid developments taking place across the sports and administrative sectors.He said: “We believe that investing in human capital is the foundation of excellence. Therefore, we are keen to design programmes that combine academic knowledge with practical application in cooperation with leading international partners such as the International Olympic Committee and Google Cloud.”Al Jabir added that the Academy places special emphasis on future-focused fields, particularly artificial intelligence, which has become a key pillar in the development of sports administration and performance.He stressed that the Academy aims through these initiatives to empower sports and administrative leaders with the tools needed to adapt to digital transformation and contribute to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global hub for sport and sports education.He concluded by affirming that the Academy expects strong participation from professionals inside and outside Qatar, noting that the rich content and practical value of the programmes continue to enhance the Academy’s role in shaping the future of sport through knowledge, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Samba Clocks Season’s Best at Xiamen Diamond League

Qatar Basketball Team’s WCQ 2027 Schedule Confirmed for Crucial Qualification Windows

DOHA- The schedule for the second and third windows of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 has officially been confirmed, placing Qatar’s national basketball team on course for a decisive stretch in its qualification campaign. The Executive Office of the Asian Basketball Confederation announced the updated calendar following the official postponement of the March fixtures by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), a decision taken earlier due to regional circumstances and in line with measures to safeguard players, officials, and delegations.Under the revised program, Qatar will contest three crucial matches within a demanding one-week period as the team seeks qualification to the second round of the continental qualifiers.Qatar will open the phase with a highly anticipated Gulf showdown against Saudi Arabia on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Al Gharafa Sports Hall in Doha, in the rescheduled fixture from the second qualification window.The national team will then travel to India to face the Indian side in Ahmedabad on Thursday, July 2, before concluding the first stage with another major encounter against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 PM in Jeddah.Qatar heads into the upcoming matches with strong momentum after producing impressive performances throughout the qualifiers. The campaign began with a narrow 75–74 defeat to Lebanon in Doha before the team responded in remarkable fashion with a historic 86–83 victory over Lebanon on its home court. Qatar later reinforced its credentials with a commanding 99–73 win over India in Doha.Group D has emerged as one of the most competitive groups in the Asian Qualifiers, with Qatar, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia currently level on five points each, while India remains in fourth place with three points.The Asian and Oceanian Qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the second round. Teams will then be redistributed into two new groups, from which three teams from each group — along with the best fourth-placed side overall — will secure qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.The qualification journey spans six competitive windows from November 2025 until March 2027, leading to the historic edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, which Qatar will host for the first time from August 27 to September 12, 2027.

Team Qatar Steps Up Preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign

DOHA - Qatar national football team players expressed confidence and determination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing the squad’s readiness and ambition to deliver a stronger performance than in their previous appearance at the global tournament at Qatar 2022.Team Qatar are in Group B along with Switzerland, co-hosts Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Team Qatar will open their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 13 in Santa Clara, California, before meeting Canada in Vancouver on June 19, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24 in Seattle.Speaking to the media ahead of their training session at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday, Homam Al Amin said the squad has benefited significantly from their current training period leading up to the World Cup.“We have prepared well for the tournament, and everyone is aware of the great challenge that awaits us in the World Cup,” Al Amin said. “We are entering the competition with high morale and great ambitions to perform better than in the previous edition of the 2022 World Cup.”He added that the upcoming friendly matches against Ireland and El Salvador will play an important role in helping the team reach full readiness before the tournament begins.Al Amin also praised the support of Qatari fans, describing them as a major source of motivation for the players. “Our fans are always number one in every tournament, and their presence gives us a great incentive to perform strongly on the field,” he said. “We hope to live up to their expectations and make them proud in the World Cup.“The responsibility is great for everyone, but we have the confidence and determination to give our best,” he added.Qatar defender Tarek Salman said the team’s preparations are progressing positively as Qatar aim to make a strong presence at the World Cup.“Preparations are going well, and we have two friendly matches against Ireland and El Salvador,” Salman said. “We will strive to perform well and prepare properly for the World Cup.”He noted that the players are working intensively to implement the coaching staff’s tactical and technical plans, while also focusing on correcting mistakes and improving collective performances.Salman stressed the importance of the upcoming friendlies, describing them as valuable opportunities to assess the squad’s readiness and strengthen team cohesion before the start of the tournament.“Our focus is on the teams we will face in the group, especially the opening match against Switzerland,” he said.The defender also highlighted the importance of fan support during the World Cup campaign.“The presence of Qatari fans with us at the World Cup is a great incentive and a strong motivation for all the players,” Salman added. “We hope to live up to their expectations by delivering strong performances and positive results.”Central defender Pedro Miguel said the team’s preparation has been “Very good. We are doing very, very hard work.”He stressed that Qatar aim to be at their best from the very first game against Switzerland.“All the players are giving 100% in the training to be in the best shape ahead of our first game (at the World Cup.”On the team’s morale, Miguel said, “All the players are excited. The players are very happy to arrive at the World Cup. To play in the World Cup which is one of the best competitions in the world. All the players are very excited to start the tournament.”He termed Qatar’s group as a difficult one. “We play against strong national teams. They have good players. But I feel my teammates are very ready for this tournament. We show another face, not like the last World Cup. And for sure we give everything in the games to qualify for the next stage from this group.“Of course we have to do our best to qualify for the next round. If we compare with the last World Cup here (in Qatar), it was a big, big pressure.“Now, I feel less pressure than last one because we play away. We don’t play at home. It was a lot of pressure because we wanted to do an amazing World Cup to show that everybody was ready. But unfortunately we could not because we didn’t play so well. But this part of football, it’s been already four years. We have a lot of experience. We have a lot of new players to come and help us. And Inshallah we’ll will have an amazing World Cup.”On a lot of fans travelling to support the team at the World Cup, Miguel said, “From my side and for the players, we will give everything to make them happy.”On Qatar’s warm up matches coming up against Ireland and El Salvador, he said, “It will be good games to prepare our team, to prepare ourselves for the World Cup against Switzerland. We are preparing very hard, training very hard to do the best in these two kinds of games and to be in the best shape for Switzerland.”Youssef Abdel-Razzaq said preparations are proceeding as required to reach full readiness before entering the upcoming World Cup finals.He stressed that the current focus of the team is on making the most of the two friendly matches against Ireland and El Salvador.

Sheikh Joaan Celebrates Team Qatar Champions Following Historic GCC Achievement at Doha 2026

Doha: Team Qatar did not simply win medals… they wrote one of the brightest chapters in Gulf sports history.At Doha 2026, Qatar was not merely hosting a sporting event, but presenting the image of a nation that has transformed sport into a project of ambition, excellence, and achievement.In an evening filled with pride and celebration, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani honoured Team Qatar athletes and national teams following the historic achievement they accomplished at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026.H.E. Sheikh Joaan, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and President of the Organising Committee of the Games, celebrated a new generation of champions who led Qatar to the largest medal haul in the history of the tournament, securing 134 medals, including 48 gold, 50 silver, and 36 bronze medals.The achievement further confirmed the growing stature of Qatari sport, not only in terms of results, but also through its ability to develop a competitive generation of athletes, deliver exceptional organisation, and establish a sporting presence that continues to strengthen across Gulf, continental, and international arenas.The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mohammed bin Yousuf Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games, alongside several senior sports officials, federation presidents, and GCC delegations, in addition to Team Qatar athletes and technical and administrative staff, in an atmosphere that reflected the scale of the sporting and organisational success achieved during this exceptional edition of the Games.During the ceremony, outstanding athletes across various sports were honoured amid widespread praise for the strong performances and competitive spirit displayed by Qatari athletes throughout the tournament, which helped Team Qatar dominate the Games from the opening day until the conclusion.Qatar imposed its dominance on the overall standings after winning the title of the fourth edition in emphatic fashion, recording the highest medal tally in the history of the Games and reaffirming the remarkable progress achieved by Qatari sport across all technical and organisational levels.Saudi Arabia finished second with 82 medals, including 32 gold, 27 silver, and 23 bronze medals, while Bahrain placed third with 63 medals, followed by Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman, in an edition characterised by strong competition and a genuine Gulf spirit reflecting the close ties among the peoples of the region.Doha 2026 also marked another milestone confirming Qatar’s capability to organise major sporting events according to the highest international standards, benefiting from advanced sports infrastructure and extensive organisational expertise that have strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading sports capitals.The Games, held from 11 to 22 May, featured the participation of more than 1,400 athletes and officials competing in 17 sports, including athletics, swimming, shooting, volleyball, handball, karate, padel, table tennis, boxing, and archery, alongside several other disciplines, in a highly professional sporting environment that reflected the remarkable development of Gulf sport.Mohammed Issa Al Fadala: Team Qatar’s Achievement Is the Result of Strong Support and an Ambitious Sporting VisionMohammed Issa Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, expressed his pride in the outstanding achievement accomplished by Team Qatar athletics at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, after topping the athletics standings with 34 medals, including 12 gold, 13 silver, and 9 bronze medals, confirming that these results reflect the remarkable development of Qatari athletics at all levels.Speaking on the sidelines of the dinner banquet hosted by the Organising Committee in honour of Team Qatar medalists, Al Fadala said: “What was achieved in this edition represents a major accomplishment and a source of pride for everyone involved in Qatari athletics, especially as our athletes delivered outstanding technical performances and showed great competitive spirit throughout the competitions, which was clearly reflected in the results and medals achieved.”He added: “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and President of the Organising Committee of the Games, for his continuous support for Qatari sport and his constant commitment to providing all the necessary factors for athletes to succeed and develop. This support played a major role in achieving these honourable accomplishments and raising Qatar’s flag high at various sporting events.”Al Fadala also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games, praising his continuous follow-up of all aspects of the tournament and his important role in supporting the national teams and providing the ideal organisational and technical environment that contributed to the success of the event.He also commended the tremendous efforts made by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organising Committee of the Games, stressing that the close follow-up and continuous work carried out by the various organising committees played a major role in delivering the Games in an outstanding manner that reflects Qatar’s leading organisational stature.He stressed that the achievements at Doha 2026 represent an important stage in the athletes’ preparation programme for upcoming events, most notably the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, noting that the federation continues to work according to a strategy aimed at developing talent and building a new generation capable of continuing Qatar’s achievements at Gulf, continental, and international levels.He added: “During the Games, we witnessed the emergence of several promising talents alongside the continued brilliance of experienced athletes, which gives us great confidence in the future of Qatari athletics, especially in light of the continuous technical and administrative work within the federation.”The President of the Qatar Athletics Federation also praised the outstanding organisation of the Games, stressing that Qatar once again proved its ability to host and organise major sporting events according to the highest international standards, thanks to its world-class sporting facilities and highly experienced national cadres in managing major events.Al Fadala concluded his remarks by thanking the Qatari fans who supported the athletes throughout the competitions, affirming that this support served as a major motivation for the athletes to achieve the best results and raise Qatar’s flag high on Gulf podiums..Mutaz Barshim: Winning Gold Was Special, But My Father’s Silver Made It More MemorableOlympic and world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim expressed his happiness after winning the high jump gold medal at the GCC Games, describing the event as one of the most memorable editions for him personally.Barshim said that while winning gold in the high jump always carries special meaning, seeing his father Essa Barshim win silver in the 5000m walk made the occasion even more emotional and memorable.He also praised the exceptional atmosphere of the Games, noting that the competitions reflected the strong unity and brotherhood among Gulf athletes while providing valuable preparation for future continental and international events.Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti: Team Qatar’s Achievements Reflect Continuous Work and Strong Support for Qatari Shooting Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti, Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, affirmed that the major achievement accomplished by Team Qatar shooting and archery at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 reflects the significant development of the sport in Qatar, after the national team topped the overall standings with 26 medals, including 12 gold, 6 silver, and 8 bronze medals.Speaking on the sidelines of the dinner banquet hosted by the Organising Committee in honour of Team Qatar medalists, Al Sulaiti said: “The medal haul achieved by Team Qatar’s male and female athletes in this edition is a source of pride, especially given the strength of the competition and the high technical standards witnessed during the tournament, with the participation of some of the GCC’s top shooters.”He added: “What was achieved did not come by coincidence, but rather as a result of continuous technical and administrative work, carefully designed preparation programmes, and intensive training camps that helped prepare our athletes in the best possible way to compete for titles.”Al Sulaiti extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and President of the Organising Committee of the Games, praising the tremendous support he provides to Qatari sport in general, and to shooting and archery in particular, stressing that this ongoing support serves as a major motivation for achieving further successes and accomplishments.He also praised the major role played by H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, commending his continuous follow-up and keenness to provide all factors necessary for the success of the national teams throughout the Games.Al Sulaiti pointed out that Team Qatar shooting and archery athletes succeeded in imposing a strong presence on the podiums across various events, whether in shooting or archery, which confirms the quality of technical work and the continuous development witnessed by the sport in Qatar over recent years.He said: “During the tournament, we witnessed the emergence of several promising talents alongside the continued brilliance of experienced athletes, which gives us great confidence in the future of Qatari shooting and its ability to continue competing strongly at Gulf, continental, and international levels.”Al Sulaiti also praised the outstanding organisation of the Games, stressing that Qatar has once again reinforced its position as a global sporting destination capable of hosting and organising major sporting events according to the highest standards, thanks to its advanced facilities, qualified national cadres, and extensive organisational expertise.He explained that these results represent an important step within the preparation plans for upcoming competitions, most notably the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, affirming that the federation will continue working to further develop athletes and achieve more accomplishments in the future.Al Sulaiti concluded his remarks by thanking the Qatari fans and everyone who contributed to the success of the Games, stressing that what was achieved at Doha 2026 will remain a bright milestone in the history of Qatari and Gulf sport.

Doha 2026 Showcased the development of GCC Sport: Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid

News Gallery

Olympic Sports

In Presence of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad, Emperor Naruhito Opens Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

OCA President Sheikh Joaan visits Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Nagoya

All News