SOP competitions continue in style

DOHA, January 16, 2019-The sports competitions of the Schools Olympic Program (SOP), in its 12th edition continued in style on Tuesday. The Basketball Competitions for boys' preparatory schools were held at Al Gharafa Sports Club where DPS Indian School and Al Khore International School qualified to the next round. In Table Tennis competitions for boys preparatory schools, Indian School (MIS) claimed the first place ahead of Pirla Public School in the second Place while DBS School finished third. In basketball competitions for girls' secondary schools, Asma bint Abi Bakr School defeated Dukhan School 6-3 while Al Bayan School overpowered Al Shahaniya School 6-0. The SOP Technical Expert Dr. Salah Salem hailed the level of competitions and said “We are happy with the level of competitions during this edition of the schools Olympic Program as this wide participation reflects commitment of the schools to the program"

Qatar line up for Saudi Arabia in AFC Asian Cup

Abu Dhabi, January 16, 2019-The Qatari national football arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday to complete their preparations for the crucial match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The Qatari team began their campaign in the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Lebanon, then they overpowered North Korea 6-0 to secure their place in the second round. Qatar's rapid-fire start was the key to their 6-0 defeat of DPR Korea in Al Ain on Sunday afternoon, said coach Felix Sanchez, after his side secured their place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.Almoez Ali scored four in a comprehensive victory for the West Asians, who moved to the top of Group E ahead of their meeting with Saudi Arabia on Thursday, which will determine who claims pole position in the standings. “We're very pleased with the performance the team displayed today," said Sanchez. “The fact of scoring early also gave us the confidence to keep going and the team never stopped trying to keep playing our game, even when it seemed the game was over, with the fourth goal especially." He added.

Qatar to face Sweden in IHF World Men's Handball Championship

DOHA, January 16, 2019 – Qatar's handball team will lock horns against Sweden in group D clash on Wednesday at the prestigious IHF World Men's Handball Championship 2019 taking place in Germany and Denmark.Qatar team will play Wednesday's match with two point in its tally after defeating Egyptian counterparts 28/23 and suffered two defeats against Angola 23/24 and Hungary 32-26.It is worth mentioning that, Qatar side is pooled in group D alongside Sweden, Hungary, Argentina, Egypt and Angola.World Men's Handball Championship is the 26th event hosted by the International Handball Federation in Denmark and Germany from 10 to 27 January 2019

SOP competitions resumed after winter break

DOHA, January 15, 2019-The competitions of the Schools Olympic Program (SOP), in its 12th edition, were resumed early this week after the winter break. In the volleyball competitions for boys secondary schools held at Al Arabi sports club, Sudanese School defeated Middle East School 2-0 while Cambridge Schools edged past Global Academy 2-0. The Basketball Competitions for Boys Primary Schools were resumed at Al Gharafa Sports Club. Edison Academy overpowered Al Manar School 15-0 and Birla Public School defeated Al Khor International School 17-16. Ali Al Hitmi, Secretary General of the Qatar School Sport Association hailed the level of the competitions after being resumed this week. “The program aims at providing the students with a large space to play sport and instill its value in them as an important factor in building a civilized Qatari society and achieving Qatar's National Vision 2030, which pays attention to human development." He said.

Qatar lose to Hungary in World Handball Championships

Copenhagen, January 15, 2019-The Qatari handball team suffered a 29-32 defeat at the hands of their Hungarian counterparts in the 2019 World Handball Championships on Monday. This the second defeat for the Qatari side after losing their opening match against Angola 23-24 but they edged past Egypt on Sunday. “Their players were better than ours, and they played better as a team today. Tomorrow its rest-day and that will become us good." said Qatar Coach Valero Rivera after the match. “Our players are not used to play that much, in so few hours. We will try our best to reach the next round." He added.

Qatar thrash North Korea to move into Asian Cup Knock-outs

ABU DHABI, UAE, January 14, 2019 - A four-goal haul from Almoez Ali inspired Qatar to a 6-0 thrashing of North Korea in Al Ain on Sunday to seal their place in the Asian Cup knock-out rounds with a game to spare.Ali's dream display with two goals in each half catapulted him top of the scoring charts. Boualem Khoukhi headed the third shortly before the break and Abdelkarim Hassan completed the rout.World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar top Group E on goal difference and meet Saudi Arabia, who have also guaranteed progress, in a politically charged encounter to decide first place on Thursday.North Korea and Lebanon remain without a point but the winner of their meeting could still qualify as a third-placed team.Asian Cup record champions Japan later hope to build on their opening Group F victory when they face Oman in Abu Dhabi. Japan, along with Uzbekistan who face Turkmenistan in Dubai, can ensure progress with victory.North Korea had been humbled 4-0 by the Saudis in their opening game and it was immediately clear they would fare little better against Qatar. Ali controlled Akram Afif's cross to open the scoring in nine minutes and two minutes later doubled the advantage by sweeping home a delivery from Hasan Al Haydos.Playinng without Perugia attacker Kwang Song Han, suspended after a red card in the first game, North Korea tried to rally but lacked a cutting edge.Khouki headed a 43rd minute third before Ali added another two by the hour, becoming just the fifth player to score four in an Asian Cup game. Hassan ended the North Korean scoring in the 68th and North Korea's misery was completed by Jong Il Gwan's second yellow card in added time.