Qatar participates in FINA World Swimming Championships in China

HANGZHOU, China, December18, 2018 – A delegation from Qatar's Swimming Association (QSA) has participated in the prestigious the 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m) short course held in China's Hangzhou city.Mr. Khaleel Al Jaber, QSA president and FINA board member attended the 5th FINA World Aquatics Convention on the sidelines of the championship.The convention mainly focused on new strategies and goals to be adopted by FINA in the future. The convention brought together 1200 representatives of national federations and 300 coaches from across the world.In the championship, Qatar was represented by swimmers, Noah Abdulaziz Al Kholaifi, Yagoob Abdulaziz Al Kholaifi, Abdulaziz Hassan Al Obaidly and Faras Murad Al Saeedi.

Qatar Winter Sports Committee organizes Qatar Ice Hockey Cup

Doha, December 18, 2018-The Qatar Winter Sports Committee (QWSC) organized Qatar Ice Hockey Cup at Villaggio Arena on December 15-16, 2018.Qatar Oryx which include a number of Qatar national team players claimed the title. On the sidelines of the tournament, the QWSC organized a number of friendly matches for boys' teams under 12 and 16 years. The QWSC Secretary General Hassan Hassam Al Hababi honored the winning teams. The medal ceremony was attended by the QWSC Assistant Secretary General Hamad Al Baker and representatives of the participation teams.

Hosting World Athletics Championships copes with 2030 national vision, says Al Hamad

DOHA, December 17, 2018 – The IAAF Vice- President and General Director of Local Organizing committee of the prestigious IAAF 2019 World Athletics Championships, HE Dahlan Al Hamad has confirmed that Qatar is organizing the athletics Mundial not for hosting purposes only, but because it copes with 2030 Qatar national vision." Qatar has designed its 2030 national vision not only for the sport field only but to promote comprehensive development in all fields" said Al Hamad. The state of Qatar will host the 17th edition of the world athletics championships from September 27 to October 06, 2019. “Qatar today has a long legacy in hosting major world championships. In doing so, Qatar doesn't look at itself, but it always serves as a global sporting destination in the Arab World and Middle East" he added. Al Hamad stressed that Doha began hosting athletics championships 21 years ago and said, “we were aiming at reaching this goal which is hosting the biggest athletics championships in the world, so will be keen to organize an event which reflects Qatar 2030 national vision."Since revealing to the world that the state-of-the-art Khalifa International Stadium will host the event, the organizers have received registrations of interest from literally all corners of the world. Fans as far and wide as Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cameroon, Chile, South Africa to Sri Lanka and as close to Doha as Azerbaijan, Jordan, Syria and Tunisia, have all sought ticket information and registered for tickets.With tickets now on sale, excitement for the first World Athletics Championship to be staged in the Middle East is expected to spread even further. Avid athletics fans can select from an array of options which allow them to follow their champion, sit in traditional Arab cushioned Majlis seating or choose finish line seats. Whilst for those new to athletics, affordable taster options have been made available to purchase. Family and group discounts are also on offer for those looking to attend with their families or groups of friends or colleagues from work.IAAF President Sebastian Coe hailed the Qatari preparations for the event and said: “Qatar has been hosting official IAAF events for over 21 years and in the organising committee we have a trusted partner who is committed to delivering a World Athletics Championship which makes a real difference to the world of athletics."

Qatar Golfers sparkle in GCC Championship

MUSCAT, Oman, December 16, 2018 – Qatar's golfers continued their impressive run in the prestigious GCC Golf Championship in Oman's capital of Muscat, to claim two gold, two silver and three bronzes in different categories on Saturday.Qatar's Saleh Ali Al Kaabi won the gold medal in the individual event , while in team event Qatar's youth confidently clinched the gold medal. On the same track victory, Qatar's Nada Ridwan seized the silver medal in the Women's individual event and Qatar's Arnaf Jane secured the second silver medal in Youth event (Under 18).Qatar's golfers, Fahad Ridwan took the bronze in Youth class (Under 18), Qatar team claimed the second bronze medal in the team event, while Ali Abdullah Al Shahrani won the bronze medal in Individual event.The prestigious championship took place December 10 -13 at Gala Golf court in Muscat.

Flag Relay 2018 unites more than 1,500 in solidarity and unity for Qatar

Doha, December 16, 2018- More than 1,500 people took part in the second edition of Flag Relay covering over 300 kilometers across Qatar as the flag travelled up and around the country as part of National Day celebrations.Participants came from all walks of life, including current and former Team Qatar athletes, ambassadors, diplomatic core, nearly 800 schoolchildren, 10 cancer survivors, as well as hundreds from the public. The flag's journey took it through many key landmarks where it was welcomed and celebrated by participants. The flag was transported via multiple different sporting activities including cycling, running, swimming and more which reflected the strength and depth of Team Qatar athletes. Commenting on Flag Relay 2018, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee said: “The second edition of the Flag Relay has united the hearts and minds of more than 1,500 people under one flag. They came together in harmony and solidarity to express love for Qatar side by side with our athletes who continue to inspire us all as we celebrate National Day."“Our flag will always be the beacon that lights our path to guide us towards more success and glory to make our nation proud. I would like to sincerely thank all the participants and partners who contributed to the success of this event," HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani added.Hundreds of participants exchanged the Qatari flag as it travelled through iconic landmarks around the country, starting from Team Qatar's Winter Camp in Sealine and transporting it towards a grand finale at Aspire Park.“It is events like this that give me tremendous confidence and hope about the future of Qatar. The show of unity and solidarity among citizens and residents from all cultures, backgrounds and fields was unrivalled. We are grateful to everyone who shared with us the celebration of the flag and made this event a day to remember," HE Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee, said.This edition of the Flag Relay invited a diverse number of expat communities to participate and raise the flag with Team Qatar athletes and be part of the country's celebrations.“I was very proud to be part of the celebration and carry the flag while riding my motorbike. It was an opportunity for my whole community to come together and show unity and solidarity for Qatar and I'm honored to share these feelings with my fellow members of the community," said Margarita Zuniga, Qatari, Historian Officer Qatar Chapter.Meanwhile, Jawaher Al Mutawa, Flag Relay ambassador who carried the flag at The Pearl, was excited to show what it means for her as a Qatari woman to be part of the occasion.“As a Qatari woman, today meant so much to me. Not only did I carry the flag at such a glorious occasion but also, I represented women and I hope that inspires some of them into taking up sport and seeking their passions," Al Mutawa said.The day ended with celebrations at Aspire Park where a gathering of Team Qatar athletes, stakeholders of Qatar Olympic Committee and the public came together to watch the finale. Team Qatar's squash player Abdulla Al Tamimi was one of three athletes making the final act as Flag Relay 2018 came to an end after uniting a nation and inspiring solidarity and hope.“I've been blessed enough to carry Qatar's flag at the Asian Games and today as I raised it again for Flag Relay the feeling of pride and honor was as strong. Raising that flag carries so many emotions that no words can describe. I hope I will continue to raise it in front of my people and the whole world," Al Tamimi said.Standing beside him was Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Al-Thani, the first Qatari to climb Mount Everest, who said: “Carrying the maroon flag today brought back so many proud memories from the top of Mount Everest when I raised it there. It's a great honor to be able to represent my country and celebrate with my community at such a great occasion."Qatar Olympic Committee extend its thanks to the sponsors and suppliers for their support, namely: Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros, Co., Abu Issa Holding, Aspire Zone Foundation, Baladna, National Tourism Committee, Al Meera and Hamad Medical Corporation. Qatar Olympic Committee also thanked the media for their continuous support to bring coverage of the event to the public. QOC would also like to thank the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense for their close collaboration on the second edition of the Flag Relay. Flag Relay also could not have taken place without the support of Sealine, Hamad international Airport, Mesherb Properties, Hamad Medical Hospital, Museum of Islamic Art, Katara, The Pearl, Qatar University, Lusail City, and Qatar Foundation. Each partner, supplier, athlete and participant saw the value of Flag Relay 2018 and how it aims to unite the community on this important occasion. Flag Relay aimed to demonstrate what it means to be #IAmQatar; the campaign that was launched to encourage the nation to come together and support Team Qatar at the Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018. Qatar Olympic Committee wanted to share the success of its athletes with the nation and to highlight that the athlete's successes are in due part to the support and backing of its nation. Qatar Olympic Committee encouraged the community to continue supporting Team Qatar athletes in 2019 as they start preparing for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Please show them your support and follow and share your messages on Qatar Olympic Committee's social media channels and website: Olympic.qa and @TeamQatar

QOC Multisport Tournament gets positive response

DOHA, December 16, 2018 – Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has successfully organised Multisport Tournament 2018 that brought together 548 participants who competed in several sports.The participants were distributed into 18 teams to compete in five sports, including football, basketball, athletics, swimming and rugby.Eight teams competed in the basketball competitions, 13 teams in football, 16 teams in swimming, 10 teams in athletics, while rugby event brought 10 teams (men) and 6 teams (women).In festive sport scene, Mr. Nasser Al Modhahka, Head of the QOC Sport Development and Community Affairs Section crowned the top winners with the attendance of representatives of teams, managers and players.In the football event, Al Sadd team clinched the first place and (QR 8000), in athletics Al Gharafa team won the first place and (QR 5000), meanwhile Al Wakrah claimed the first place and QR 5000 financial award.Al Modhahka was delighted by the success of the event and the wide participation of the athletes and said “The QOC is keen to provide all the community members including men, women, children, professional and amateurs with the opportunity to practice sport." “We aim at organizing a multi-sport competition like Olympic Games and Asian Games but for community members"