HH the Amir officially receives hosting mantle of 2022 FIFA World Cup

Moscow, July 16, 2018 - HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani officially received the mantle of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar from HE President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, in the presence of HE President of International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, in a ceremony which was held in the Kremlin Palace on Sunday.HH the Amir extended congratulations to HE the Russian President and the Russian people for the success of organizing the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On behalf of himself and all lovers of football and sports around the world, HH the Amir congratulated Russia for the great success and looked forward to welcome everyone to 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.HH the Amir also thanked the friends in Russia, especially the organizing committee of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia for their cooperation with their counterparts, the organizing committee of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, confirming that they have benefited and looked forward to cooperating in organizing 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.HH the Amir thanked HE President of FIFA Gianni Infantino for all his exerted efforts and looked forward to work together to organize 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.HH the Amir stressed the importance of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar to all Arabs as mentioned previously in 2010 and welcomed the world to attend 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.His Highness confirmed the success of the tournament in Qatar and stressed his great trust in the Arab youth and friends who will be present in its organization.At the opening of the ceremony, HE the Russian President expressed his pride in all the efforts made in organizing 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, confirming his certainty that Qatar will succeed in organizing a similar high class world cup.He added "We are, of course, ready to share the experience we acquired in holding the World Cup this year," confirming that Russia will do its best to promote sports and its role in uniting people and countries.On his part, HE President of FIFA Gianni Infantino expressed his content with the ceremony saying "It's so important that we can be here today in the iconic place of the Kremlin to pass the World Cup hosting rights from the organizer of the 2018 World Cup to the organizer of the 2022 World Cup." He added this passion, emotion, love, family and unity were sentiments felt in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and will be transferred to Qatar in 2022.The handing over ceremony was attended by a number of Their Excellencies members of the delegation accompanying HH the Amir. From the Russian side, the ceremony was attended by a number of Their Excellencies the ministers and senior officials. (QNA)

Bassem Hassan sparkles in Global Champions Tour

​Chantilly, July 15, 2018,– Qatar's Bassem Hassan claimed the 10th place in the eleventh leg of the prestigious Lingines Global Champions Tour being held in Chantilly, France.The prestigious three-day event brings together the best riders in the world, who are competing in several classes.In teams event, Qatar's Doha Fursan including Ali bin Khalid Al Thani and Bassem Hassan occupied the sixth place among 19 teams.

Qatar’s Bassem Hemeida wins silver in IAAF Under-20 Championships

Tampere, Finland, July 15, 2018-Qatar's Bassem Hemeida narrowly missed the gold in the 400m hurdles at the IAAF Under-20 Championships after he was beaten at the post by South African Sokwakhana Zazini in a thrilling race yesterday.Zazini ran relaxed for the first half, leaving himself with much to do in the second. Caught in a fierce four-man tussle with just 60 metres remaining, Zazini shifted gears and made up some ground over the penultimate hurdle, but still trailed Hemeida as they approached the last.Hemeida, running the race of his life, showed little sign of slowing but Zazini dug deep, and didn't catch him until they were three strides from the finish, crossing the line in 49.42.Zazini lived up to the massive expectations heaped upon his slight shoulders to take South Africa's second-ever men's gold in the event, and to join Zenéy van der Walt for the country's sweep of the discipline at these championships.The 17-year-old, who took the U18 title in Nairobi last year, “The competition was really tough but I'm really happy with my team," Zazina said. “This is a really special and proud moment for me and my country."In a quality race, the top three dipped under 50 seconds for just the fourth time at these championships.Hemeida, 17, clocked 49.59 for the silver, slicing nearly a full second from his previous best of 50.55.“This is my first time running sub-50 seconds and it came at the right time," Hemeida said. “These championships have given me a lot of experience so hopefully you'll see me at the world senior championships in Doha next year."Alison dos Santos of Brazil, who ran strong for the gun, was rewarded for his aggressiveness with bronze and a 49.78 lifetime best.“I didn't expect a medal so I'm very happy with the bronze," he said. “Now, I will party!"It's likely that so too will Jamaican Leonardo Ledgister, who also dipped under 50 seconds, clocking 49.93 for fourth, just ahead of teammate Malik James-King who timed 50.25.

HH the Amir to receive World Cup Host's Mantle

​Doha, July 15, 2018-(QNA) - HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will officially receive the hosting FIFA World Cup on Sunday in the presence of HE President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and HE President of FIFA Gianni Infantino.HH the Amir and HE the Russian President will hold a meeting at the Kremlin to discuss means of strengthening the close relations between the two friendly countries, as well as key regional and international issues of mutual concern.HH the Amir will also attend the final match of Russia 2018 World Cup between France and Croatia in Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. (QNA)

Youth team to face Valencia in COTIF Football Tournament

​MADRID, Spain, July 15, 2018 – The Organizing Committee of COTIF International Football Tournament announced on Saturday the match schedule of the prestigious event which will take place from July 28 to August 8 in Spain.The opening match will see Qatar youth team lock horns against Valencia team, followed by the second match against Uruguay on July 30 and Qatar youth will conclude their campaign against Russian counterparts on August 2.The prestigious championship will bring together ten nations, including Argentina, five teams will play in one group and only two team of them will cruise their way into semifinals stage.

Junior handball team ready for Asian Championship

DOHA, July 15, 2018 – Qatar's Junior Handball team arrived in Sultanate of Oman for 16th edition of Asian Men's Junior Handball Championship will take place from 16-26 July in Salalah, Oman.Qatar junior team delegation to Oman is chaired by Mr. Khalifa Taiseer, the Assistant Secretary General of Qatar Handball Federation (QHF) accompanied by technical and managerial staff members and 19 players.In the Asian Men's Junior Handball Championship, Qatar is pooled in group B alongside Iraq, Palestine and Syria. Qatar team will begin campaign in the event against Syria on July 16, followed by a match against Palestine on July 17 and will face Iraq on July 18.The Asian championship acts as qualifying tournament to 2019 IHF Men's Junior World Championship 2019 scheduled in Spain