2nd Edition of QOC's Padel Tournament 2020 to Kick Off Tomorrow

DOHA, October 26, 2020 - Qatar Olympic Committee's (QOC) second edition of the Padel Tournament 2020 will kick off Tuesday, with the participation of 304 players, and will run until Saturday.Participants in the tournament whose competitions will be held in Al Sadd Sports Club were divided into three categories, as eight teams will play in category (A), 48 in category (B), and 96 in category (C).The second edition of QOC Padel Tournament will be held under the sponsorship of Vodafone Qatar, Sports Corner and Al Salam International Group in addition to Al Meera as an official supplier.QOC's organization of the Padel Tournament comes within the framework of strengthening its role in social responsibility and raising awareness of the importance of practicing sport for a healthy and disease-free life, as the main goal of the Olympic Committee.The game of Padel is a sport that combines the best elements of tennis and squash. A Padel court is smaller than a tennis court. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in Spain.

Al Duhail wins HH the Amir Handball Cup

Doha, October 17, 2020 - Al Duhail SC was crowned champion of HH the Amir Handball Cup for the 2019-2020 sports season after defeating Al-Wakrah SC 31-29 in the final match that was held between the two clubs on Friday at Al Duhail Sports Hall.HE Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, handed over the cup to Al Duhail team leader Ahmed Mededy, in the presence of the Secretary General of Qatar Handball Association Mohammad Jabir Al-Mulla, and the Executive Director of Al Duhail SC, Adnan Mohammed Al Ali.Al Duhail deserved to win the title as the club performed well, especially during the first half in which Al Duhail players imposed superiority and ended it in their favor with a difference of six goals: 16-10,Despite the improvement in Al-Wakrah's performance in the second half and narrowing the gap by two goals, Al Duhail managed to maintain its lead and clinched the victory to secure its second title this season.​

QOC celebrates one year anniversary of ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019

Doha, October 11, 2020-The Qatar Olympic Committee today celebrated the one year anniversary of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019, which saw Doha welcome over 1,200 athletes from 97 NOCs for the first ever global festival of beach, water and action sports.Qatar planned and delivered the Games in just four months after stepping in following the withdrawal of San Diego as the host city. The Games also followed immediately after Doha had hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships increasing the operational and logistical challenges. However, due to the support of the State of Qatar, the strong relationship with ANOC and the strength of Qatar's extensive major event hosting experience and expertise, the QOC was able to deliver a successful event.The Games showcased 13 fresh and dynamic sports, selected based on their appeal with young people around the world. With a combination of Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines, Qatar 2019 provided an opportunity for the QOC, and all participating NOCs, to connect with new athletes and fans. The QOC was able to draw on its strong relationships with many International Federations (IFs) to ensure each competition was delivered to the highest standards.Sustainability was at the heart of Qatar 2019 and QOC maximised the use of existing and temporary venues to minimise the Games' impact on the environment. Only two new permanent venues were built, a bouldering wall and skateboard park, which were built for legacy purposes given both sports will feature on the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.QOC Secretary General HE Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain said:“It is with very fond memories that we look back and celebrate the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019. Qatar has been fortunate to host many world-class events but the ANOC World Beach Games, as the first global beach multi-sport event, was unique.“We were very proud we were able to plan and deliver the Games in just four months, particularly given we hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships just before. It has left a great legacy, connecting us with new talented athletes and helping to inspire people in Qatar to try new sports and disciplines. It is these legacy benefits both for Qatar and the region, and the powerful role sport plays in social development that is the driving force behind our desire to host these major international events."Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022 and the Doha 2023 FINA World Championships the following year. Doha is also currently bidding to host the 2030 Asian Games.

Doha 2030 submits Candidature File promising gateway to certainty and legacy for Asia

Doha, October 04, 2020- The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee today submitted its Candidature File to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), which details the bid's inspirational, sustainable plan that will provide a gateway to certainty and an enduring legacy for Asia. Doha 2030 is a national priority for Qatar and has the full support of His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar. The Bid Committee has drawn from Doha's extensive sports events hosting experience and leveraged its wealth of existing state-of-the-art venues and infrastructure to develop its world-leading plan. With all permanent sports venues in place or already planned, Doha 2030 is able to focus on delivering a Games that brings benefits to all of Asia before and after 2030.Doha 2030 and QOC President President HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani said:“We are honoured to submit our candidature file to the OCA and present how Doha is ready to serve the OCA and Asia through the delivery of a world-class, sustainable Games.“But we also feel strongly that the Asian Games is about more than elite sport. We are committed to ensuring that Doha 2030 is a gateway to a brighter future for Asia. We want to deliver a Games that supports development throughout the continent before and after it is hosted. At the heart of our bid is the belief that now more than ever, sport can play an important role in inspiring hope, connecting nations and celebrating our peaceful diversity."Doha 2030 proposes a compact, sustainable Games, with athletes' experience placed at its very core. Travel times between venues and the athletes' village have been minimised and athletes would be located in the heart of the vibrant, diverse and welcoming city.Doha 2030 CEO and QOC Secretary General HE Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain said:“With all are sports venues and infrastructure already planned or in place, Doha 2030 represents certainty at a time of great uncertainty for Asia and the world. We believe that now is a time when low-risk, responsible and sustainable solutions are what is needed.“Doha 2030 is promising a Games which is low-cost but of the very highest quality. In the last 15 years alone, Qatar has hosted more than 500 major international sports events, conferences and training camps. We have proven ourselves as a reliable partner to OCA, Asian NOCs and many International and Asian Federations (IFs and AFs). We have developed the knowledge and experience to know what athletes need to compete at their very best. We are ready to work with our colleagues and partners in Asia once again to ensure that Doha 2030 is a gateway to excellence."

We are ready to host 2020 Wanda Doha Diamond League: QAF President

Doha, September 22, 2020-The Organizing Committee of the 2020 Wanda Doha Diamond League, the fourth round of the Diamond League, announced full readiness to host the international sporting event scheduled to be held on Friday evening, with the participation of a large number of champions on the field and track of the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar Sports Club. At a press conference held by the committee Tuesday, HE President of Qatar Athletics Federation and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari affirmed that the preparations for this exceptional event, which will take place in light of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, have been completed and with no public attendance. He pointed out that the organizing committee accepted this challenge and cooperated with all concerned agencies and the Ministry of Public Health to put in place all appropriate precautionary measures in order to ensure the success of the tournament as done every year. Organizing the championship at this time confirms to the whole world the extent of Qatar's ability to host international events even in the most difficult circumstances, given its advanced health system and great organizational capacity as recongised by all, he added. Dr al-Kuwari stressed that hosting this Doha Diamond League round will be the first and last in the Middle East region this year, and confirms the confidence of the world's champions in the measures taken by Qatar to ensure the safety of everyone and ensure the success of the global event. It also sends messages to the world that the global capital of sport always meets the expectations of athletes around the world in all circumstances. The President of Qatar Athletics Federation thanked all state agencies and the Ministry of Public Health for the contribution and co-operation to host this global event after it was postponed several times this year due to the epidemic that is affecting the whole world, but they are committed to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and it was agreed with them on September 25. He pointed out that this championship is the tenth edition that is successfully organized by the Athletics Federation annually. For his part, Advisor Consultant to the Minister of Public Health Dr Abdul Wahab al-Musleh affirmed that Qatar possesses capabilities in the field of health that qualify it to confront diseases, and because it has become a global hub for hosting international sporting events, exceptional measures have been taken at the highest level through the protocol of the Ministry of Public Health to achieve the required safety and ensure success in the championship. He pointed out that coordination has been made with the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Athletics Federation and a special protocol has been drawn up for such tournaments, stressing that the Qatari Federation and the organizing committee of the tournament have implemented all precautionary measures. Those arrived in the country were put in the hotel quarantine and have been examined and will also be examined before they go out to participate in the competitions on Friday to make sure that everyone is free from Covid-19, and it was agreed with the organizing committee that the participating champions will not leave the hotel except when they go to the stadium of the Qatar Sports Club that will host the competitions, whether to conduct exercises or participate in competitions. For his part, tournament director Khalid al-Marri affirmed that the Doha Diamond League meeting this year comes at a very delicate timing, indicating that it was held annually on the first of May and at the beginning of the Diamond League rounds, but it was postponed this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. He added that the Doha edition is only fourth and last round this year of more than 14 rounds that were supposed to be held around the world. Al-Marri explained that this year's edition will see the participation of 117 athletes and runners, including 10 medalists of the Olympic Games (Rio 2016) and 17 medalists of the last World Athletics Championships (Doha 2019). Regarding the Qatari participation in the championship, al-Marri said that Musab Abdul Rahman and Hamza Darwish will participate in the 1500-meter main race, while Mohammed al-Qarni and Yasser Baghrab will participate in the 1500-meter race (B). Abdulaziz Salem will participate in the 200-meter race and Jamal Hayran, the Asian champion, will take part in the 800-meter race. On the most prominent world and Olympic champions who will participate in the championship, al-Marri said that the Jamaican Elaine Thompson, Olympic champion in sprints on two occasions, tops the list of stars participating in the women's 100 meters race.

Qatar Olympic Academy Announces Its 2021 Agenda

Doha, October 01, 2020 - Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) announced the agenda of its courses and programs for 2021, which will start on January 3 and continue till December 16.The 2021 agenda includes a variety of 21 programs, courses and workshops, accredited by a number of international and continental bodies, foremost among which is the Olympic Solidarity Commission of the International Olympic Committee.The Academy's programs will include postgraduate programs, Olympic education workshops, training and management programs in the sports field and sports psychologist preparation, in addition to various courses in many sports and Olympic fields.The Academy is keen on diversifying its agenda every year in order to reach the largest segment of those interested and to achieve its goals aiming at spreading sports and Olympic culture in the State of Qatar and abroad. Its agenda includes a master's program in sports law for the fourth year in a row, which is one of the strongest programs in the region in general. The agenda also includes the launch of the tenth edition of the advanced diploma for management of Olympic sports institutions, accredited by the International Olympic Committee, as well as a number of Olympic education workshops. On the other hand, the courses covers many fields, such as media, law, management and planning, psychology and others.The distance learning system has been adopted in a number of agenda programs. The system achieved a great success and an unparalleled turnout, therefore, the Academy decided to adopt it for many courses in order to provide an opportunity for those wishing to join the course but unable to attend.Executive Director of Qatar Olympic Academy Saif Mohammed Al Nuaimi underlined the keenness of the Academy on diversifying the agenda every year to contain many programs that focus on the benefit of the sports community and those interested in the field of rehabilitation and sports science in its various fields, in addition to the Academy's interest and focus on educating the community about the Olympic and sports culture, which is one of the most important goals of the Academy.Al Nuaimi noted that a number of programs and courses will be taught through the distance learning system using the Microsoft Teams program, following the great success of this method of learning during the past period after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the application of the health precautions and social distancing in all official headquarters in the state, including educational institutions.For his part, Head of the Sports Development Department and Director of the Sports Management Program accredited to the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Ali Abdulrahman Al Bakri, underlined that Qatar Olympic Committee always strives to provide distinguished programs and sciences that benefit the sports system in particular and the whole society in general.Dr. Al Bakri noted that the Academy started in recent years offering intensive and specialized courses in the sports field in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee. The beginning was with the Arab Trainers Program at the foundation level, and then the advanced level, in addition to the sports psychologist preparation program (in both theoretical and applied parts) in cooperation with Qatar University. These programs constituted a great and strong addition to those working in the sports community and to preparing professional sports cadres in all sports disciplines.