Qatar Beach Volleyball Team to Participate in Huntington Beach Tournament in USA

Doha, QNA – The Qatar men’s national beach volleyball team, consisting of the duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, will participate in the 2026 Huntington Beach Volleyball Tournament in the United States, scheduled to take place from May 15 to 17.Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will compete in a tournament featuring a number of the sport’s top stars in the United States. The Qatari duo currently ranks sixth in the world in the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) rankings following a series of outstanding results on the Volleyball World Pro Tour.The participation marks a historic occasion, as the tournament is considered one of the most prestigious beach volleyball events in the United States and is traditionally limited to American teams. The Qatari duo has become only the sixth international team in the tournament’s history to receive an official invitation to compete in the main draw.The Qatari pair boasts an impressive list of achievements, most notably winning the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, finishing fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and claiming three gold medals in Elite 16 tournaments on the Pro Tour last year. 

Team Qatar Win 14 Medals in Athletics Competitions at GCC Games

Doha, QNA – Team Qatar athletics secured 14 medals on the opening day of the athletics competitions at the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026, held at the track and field of Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club.Qatar’s medal haul included five gold, four silver, and five bronze medals, marking the first athletics successes for Team Qatar at the Games amid strong competition in both the men’s and women’s events.The gold medals were won by Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim in the high jump, Zakaria Ibrahim in the 3000m steeplechase, Mabrouk Saleh in the 5000m race walk, Saif Abdulsalam in the pole vault, and Sara Ali in the women’s 100m hurdles.The four silver medals came through veteran athlete Issa Barshim in the 5000m race walk, Hatem Hamid in the 800m race, Yasser Mubarak in the 3000m steeplechase, and Hamza Al Suwaisi in the shot put event.The bronze medals were claimed by Mubarak Saeed in the 800m race, Dana Salem in the women’s 100m, Salma Hamed in the long jump, Mariam Salek in the women’s 800m, and Shahad Mohammed in the women’s 100m hurdles.The gold medal won by Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim in the high jump marked his return to competition after a lengthy absence due to an injury sustained two years ago. His success coincided with the participation of his father, Issa Barshim, in the 5000m race walk event.Barshim secured the gold medal after tying with Omani athlete Fatik bin Abdulghafour at a height of 2.16m, with both athletes failing to clear 2.19m. Barshim then decided against a jump-off and chose to share the gold medal with his Omani counterpart, in a moment reminiscent of his shared gold medal with Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.The opening day competitions were attended by Dahlan Jamaan Al Hamad, President of the Asian Athletics Association, who participated in the medal ceremonies alongside Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, and several heads of participating delegations.

Qatar Wins Bid to Host Asian Weightlifting Federation Electoral Congress

Gandhinagar (India) – Qatar has won the right to host the Electoral General Assembly of the Asian Weightlifting Federation, scheduled to take place next December, during the Executive Board meeting of the federation held yesterday on the sidelines of the 2026 Asian Men’s and Women’s Weightlifting Championships, currently underway in Gandhinagar, India, until May 17, with the participation of 172 male and female lifters representing 28 national federations.The Executive Board meeting of the Asian Weightlifting Federation was chaired by HE Mohammed Yousef Al Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, President of the Qatar, Arab, Asian, and Afro-Asian Weightlifting Federations, and Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation. The meeting was attended by Mohammed Hassan Jalood, President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, President of the Saudi Weightlifting Federation and Secretary-General of the Asian federation, in addition to vice presidents Choi Sang Yong of South Korea, Shukrullo Makhmudov of Uzbekistan, Meng Bo of China, Abdullah Al Jarmal of Yemen, and Monico Puentevella of the Philippines.The Qatari bid secured hosting rights for the Electoral General Assembly following competition with bids from Iran, the Maldives, and Singapore. Iran and the Maldives later withdrew, leading to a direct vote between Qatar and Singapore, which ended with Qatar winning the hosting rights, while Singapore was designated as the reserve host nation.The Electoral General Assembly is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Qatar International Weightlifting Cup from December 7 to 17. The event represents the second qualifying competition for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, giving it special technical and organizational importance and making it a key stage in the Olympic qualification pathway.During the Ordinary General Assembly meeting of the Asian federation, chaired by HE Mohammed Yousef Al Mana, members reviewed the strategic plan for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Discussions also covered the development of technical regulations, enhancing the standard of continental championships, and strengthening anti-doping programs to ensure the highest standards of integrity and fairness in competition.Members also voted on amendments to the Asian federation’s regulations, with 17 members approving the amendments and two opposing them. The recommendations will now be submitted to the International Weightlifting Federation for official approval as part of efforts to enhance the legislative framework and ensure greater stability in continental competitions.HE Mohammed Yousef Al Mana described Qatar’s success in securing hosting rights for the Electoral General Assembly as a reflection of the country’s distinguished position in organizing and hosting major sporting events, reaffirming the strong confidence Qatar enjoys within the Asian sporting community. He added that the achievement extends Qatar’s long record of success in hosting major continental and international sporting events.Al Mana stressed that hosting the Electoral General Assembly represents an important step in the development of weightlifting across Asia, especially as it coincides with the Qatar International Weightlifting Cup, one of the qualifying events for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, which further enhances the technical and organizational significance of the event and gives it additional Olympic importance.He also praised the spirit of cooperation among Asian sports federations, emphasizing that such collaboration contributes to strengthening joint efforts to further develop weightlifting and elevate its technical and organizational standards internationally.Meanwhile, the Qatar national weightlifting team continued its intensive preparations for the 2026 Asian Men’s and Women’s Weightlifting Championships, which feature some of the continent’s top lifters as part of preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.Team Qatar will compete with two athletes: Wissal Khalaf in the women’s +86kg category and Fares Ahmed Jaber in the men’s +94kg category.The Qatari duo are scheduled to compete on May 17, the final day of the championships, with the team aiming to achieve positive results and raise Qatar’s flag on the continental stage. 

Team Qatar Win Five Gold Medals on Day Two of Swimming Competitions

Doha: Team Qatar’s swimmers continued their impressive performances at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, dominating the second day of competition by winning gold medals in all five events contested while also setting new Games records.H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the Games, crowned Team Qatar’s quartet of Ali Tamer, Tamim Al Hamaideh, Emil Fuzaï and Mohammed Mahmoud after they won the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay with a new Games record time of 3:23.01 minutes. Saudi Arabia claimed silver in 3:27.72 minutes, while Bahrain secured bronze in 3:29.62 minutes.In the men’s 400m freestyle event, swimmer Saadaldin captured the gold medal after setting a new Games record of 3:50.80 minutes, while fellow Team Qatar swimmer Emil Fuzaï earned silver in 3:56.05 minutes. Bahrain’s Robert Bonsall claimed bronze in 3:57.97 minutes.Mohammed Mahmoud also secured gold in the men’s 50m breaststroke after recording a new Games record time of 28.38 seconds, finishing ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Al Otaibi, who won silver in 29.32 seconds, while Team Qatar swimmer Hamza Shaalan claimed bronze in 29.53 seconds.Ali Tamer continued Team Qatar’s dominance by winning gold in the men’s 100m freestyle with another new Games record of 49.78 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Imad Zaben took silver in 50.58 seconds, while the UAE’s Hussein Abdul Salam claimed bronze in 51.84 seconds.Abdullah Al Ghamri also captured gold in the men’s 200m backstroke after setting a new Games record of 2:05.91 minutes. Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al Issa won silver in 2:07.88 minutes, while Kuwait’s Abdullah Sultan secured bronze in 2:12.23 minutes.With these results, Team Qatar raised their overall tally in the swimming competitions to 12 medals, including eight gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal.Team Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team claimed the gold medal at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 after completing a dominant campaign crowned by victory in the final held yesterday evening at Al Gharafa Hall.Team Qatar secured the title after defeating Bahrain 20-11 in the final, delivering a composed and commanding performance marked by strong defensive organisation and efficient attacking execution, allowing them to seal victory comfortably and secure the gold medal in deserved fashion.The national team enjoyed a perfect run throughout the tournament, recording full victories in the preliminary round after opening with a 22-9 win over the UAE, before defeating Bahrain 21-15 and Kuwait 21-7. Team Qatar then concluded the preliminary stage with an important 19-12 victory over Saudi Arabia to underline their strong form heading into the knockout rounds.In the semi-finals, Team Qatar continued their impressive performances by overcoming Saudi Arabia 21-11 to secure a place in the final after another display of consistency and high technical quality.In the bronze medal match, Saudi Arabia secured third place after defeating the UAE 13-9 in a closely contested encounter that the Saudis settled in the closing moments.The medal ceremony was attended by Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari and Mohammed bin Saad Al Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Chairman of the GCC Basketball Coordination Committee, who crowned the winning teams in a festive atmosphere reflecting the significance of the event.Team Qatar’s fencers made an impressive start at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 after Ali Turki Al Athba captured the gold medal in the men’s foil competition, while fellow Qatari fencer Khalid Hussein secured silver to complete a remarkable result for the hosts.The bronze medal in the same event went to the UAE’s Fares Al Balooshi.In the women’s épée competition, Oman’s Israa Al Siyabi claimed gold, while Kuwait’s Fawzia Al Rifai won silver. The UAE’s Sheikha Al Zaabi secured bronze after finishing in third place.The fencing competitions continue today with the men’s individual épée event, beginning with the preliminary rounds and qualifiers before the final takes place later in the day.Today’s programme will also feature the women’s individual foil competition, followed by the final, before the day concludes with the medal ceremonies and awards presentation.Team Qatar bowlers Talal Al Marri and Badr Al Sada claimed the silver medal in the doubles competition on the second day of the bowling events at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026.The Qatari duo secured second place after collecting a total of 2481 points across six games. Saudi Arabia’s team, consisting of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Sultan Al Saud and Abdulmajeed Al Aslani, captured gold with 2652 points, while Kuwait’s Mustafa Al Mousawi and Faisal Saleem won bronze after scoring 2467 points.The bowling competitions continue tomorrow with the trio event before the winners are crowned.Meanwhile, Talal bin Ziyad Al Tuwairqi, President of the Saudi Bowling Federation, praised the outstanding organisation and hospitality, stressing that Qatar’s success comes as no surprise given its distinguished history of hosting major sporting events.He described the GCC Games as a celebration of Gulf unity and togetherness, adding that such tournaments go beyond victory and defeat and contribute to strengthening relations among Gulf nations.Al Tuwairqi also praised Qatar’s advanced sports facilities and highlighted the continued development of bowling across the Gulf region through investment in youth categories and sports academies.He concluded by expressing confidence in the bright future of bowling in the region and wished success to all participants in the tournament.Team Qatar’s taekwondo athletes continued their positive results on the second and final day of the sport at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026.Qatar’s athletes secured two silver medals and two bronze medals on the final day of competition, raising Team Qatar’s overall tally in taekwondo to seven medals, including three silver and four bronze medals.The medals were won by Ali Al Arimi, who claimed silver in the men’s over 80kg category, Mohammed Awadallah, who earned bronze in the men’s under 68kg category, Noor Mohammed, who secured silver in the women’s over 67kg category, and Najood Ali Al Fahad, who captured bronze in the women’s under 57kg category.Meanwhile, Adel Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the results achieved by Team Qatar athletes during the Games.He stressed that the achievements reflect the continuous development witnessed by the sport and praised the discipline and commitment shown by the athletes throughout their preparations.Al Marzouqi also highlighted the strong technical standards of the GCC competitions and praised the outstanding organisational atmosphere of the Games in Doha.He concluded by expressing confidence that the current achievements will motivate Team Qatar athletes to continue delivering strong performances at continental and international events.Team Qatar player Ali Al Obaidli secured the silver medal in the 10-Ball Singles Billiards competition after losing the final to Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Baayad by a score of 7-5 in a highly competitive contest.Al Obaidli had earlier booked his place in the final after defeating the UAE’s Mahmoud Sharif 7-2 in the semi-finals, while Baayad advanced after overcoming Kuwait’s Suleiman Ghuloom 5-4 in the other semi-final.The Qatari player delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament and produced a commendable display during the competition.The billiards and snooker competitions at the GCC Games feature ten events — five in billiards and five in snooker.Team Qatar are represented by seven players in the billiards and snooker competitions: Ali Al Obaidli, Muhanna Al Obaidli, Mansour Al Obaidli, Ahmed Saif, Bashar Hussein, Mishal Turki Al Ali and Abdulatif Al Fawal.Meanwhile, Al Obaidli expressed his happiness at winning the silver medal while noting that he had hoped to secure gold.“The final match was extremely tough and remained highly competitive until the very last moments. I would like to thank everyone who supported and stood by me,” he said.Al Obaidli also praised the outstanding organisation of the GCC Games, stating that the current edition has been exceptional on all levels.Team Qatar’s table tennis team secured the bronze medal in the team competition on the second day of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, currently taking place in the Qatari capital and running until 22 May.Team Qatar claimed third place with four points after recording a 3-0 victory over Oman, while suffering 3-1 defeats against both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.Saudi Arabia finished in first place with six points to claim the gold medal, while Bahrain secured silver after finishing second with five points. Oman placed fourth with three points.The table tennis competitions will continue tomorrow, Thursday, with the men’s doubles event, which will run until 17 May.Team Qatar’s senior handball team launch their campaign at the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 today when they face the UAE in a highly anticipated clash at Duhail Hall starting at 6:30 PM on the opening day of the competition.The technical staff, led by Montenegrin coach Veselin Vujovic, announced the 18-player squad selected to represent Team Qatar in the tournament.Team Qatar will aim to compete strongly for the gold medal and reaffirm their regional and continental dominance in the sport while capitalising on home advantage and crowd support.The competition continues tomorrow with Bahrain facing Kuwait before action resumes on Saturday with two matches, including Team Qatar’s second match against Kuwait. 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad crowns Equestrian Champions

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, crowned the top three teams in the equestrian team showjumping competition, which was held today at the indoor arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation amid strong competition.Team Qatar, represented by riders Faleh Suwaid Al Ajami, Salman Mohammed Al Emadi, Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi and Bassem Mohammed, achieved a major accomplishment after winning the gold medal by topping the competition, which was held over jumps of 145cm across two rounds and a jump-off.The UAE team claimed the silver medal through riders Mohammed Ahmed Al Owais, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Saeed Mohammed Al Mazrouei and Sheikh Ali Jassim Al Nuaimi while Kuwait secured the bronze medal after finishing third with riders Yara Al Hunaidi, Annaz Al Annaz, Hussein Al Kharafi and Ali Al Kharafi.

Team Qatar Win 10 Medals on Opening Day of GCC Games Doha 2026

Doha: The competitions of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 officially got underway today in Doha, which will host the event until May 22, with the participation of 1,400 male and female athletes representing six Gulf nations across 17 different sports.Team Qatar made a strong and exciting start, collecting 10 medals across various competitions to finish the opening day in second place overall with three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals. Saudi Arabia topped the standings with eight medals (four gold, three silver, and one bronze), while Bahrain came third with six medals (two gold, three silver, and one bronze). The UAE ranked fourth with two medals (one gold and one bronze), Kuwait fifth with five bronze medals, and Oman sixth with two bronze medals.Qatar Women’s 3x3 Basketball Team Reach Semi-FinalsIn basketball, Qatar’s women’s 3x3 team advanced to the semi-finals after topping Group A with four points following victories over Oman (15-10) and Kuwait (14-13). Kuwait also defeated Oman 13-12 in the group stage. Qatar will now face Saudi Arabia, runners-up of Group B, in the semi-finals tomorrow. Bahrain, winners of Group B, will take on Kuwait in the other semi-final, with the winners progressing to the final.Group B saw Bahrain defeat the UAE 19-8 and Saudi Arabia 17-12, while Saudi Arabia overcame the UAE 19-12.The women’s 3x3 basketball competition features six teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, while Group B consists of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.Meanwhile, Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team also secured qualification to the semi-finals after topping the standings with victories in all three matches played today.The national team produced an impressive technical and physical performance, opening with a dominant 22-9 win over the UAE before defeating Bahrain 21-15 and Kuwait 21-7.Elsewhere, Bahrain defeated Saudi Arabia 16-13 and Kuwait 21-10, Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait 22-10, while the UAE overcame Saudi Arabia 15-13.Qatar currently lead the standings with three wins, ahead of Bahrain with two victories and one defeat. Saudi Arabia and the UAE each recorded one win and one loss, while Kuwait suffered three defeats.Silver and Bronze for Qatar in Bowling CompetitionsQatar’s bowlers won silver and bronze medals in the men’s singles competition on the opening day of the Games.Badr Al Sada claimed silver after finishing second overall with 1,275 points from six games, while teammate Talal Al Marri secured bronze with 1,260 points. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Khulaifi won gold with 1,295 points.Silver and Two Bronze Medals in Taekwondo EventQatar’s taekwondo athletes secured three medals, including one silver and two bronzes, at the start of their campaign in the GCC Games. Maram Fatnasi won silver in the women’s under-67kg category, while Hassan Al Nuaimi claimed bronze in the men’s under-58kg division and Mohammed Shaalan secured bronze in the men’s under-80kg category.Al Obaidli Advance to Billiards Semi-FinalsTeam Qatar player Ali Al Obaidli advanced to the semi-finals of the individual 10-ball billiards competition after defeating compatriot Bashar Hussein 6-4 in the losers’ qualification round.Al Obaidli will face UAE player Mahmoud Sharif in Wednesday’s semi-final after Sharif had previously defeated him 7-6 in the winners’ qualification round.The second semi-final will feature Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Babada against Kuwait’s Suleiman Ghuloom.The individual 10-ball billiards competition features 10 players representing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, with each country fielding two players.The billiards and snooker competitions at the GCC Games include 10 events — five in billiards and five in snooker.Team Qatar is represented in billiards and snooker by seven players: Ali Al Obaidli, Muhanna Al Obaidli, Mansour Al Obaidli, Ahmed Saif, Bashar Hussein, Mishal Turki Al Ali, and Abdul Latif Al Fawwal.