Team Qatar to participate in Asian Indoor Athletics Championships

Doha: The Qatar Athletics Federation has confirmed that the national team will take part in the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tianjin, China, from 6 to 8 February.The continental event is expected to bring together around 400 athletes from across Asia, competing in a wide range of indoor track and field disciplines.According to the federation, the Qatari delegation features a selection of established indoor specialists, including Ammar Ismail, Ashraf Hussein, Ismail Dawood, and Abubaker Hussein.Qatar’s athletes will contest several events during the championships, including the 60m hurdles, 400m, 800m, 4x400m relay, and the high jump, as the team looks to deliver strong performances on the Asian stage. 

Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation Reviews 2026 Plans at Ordinary General Assembly

DOHA – The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation held its Ordinary General Assembly on Thursday evening at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters.The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Federation, and attended by Mr. Sultan Hassan Al Jamali, Secretary General, Mr. Abdullah Hamad Al Mosaifri, Assistant Secretary-General, , along with members of the General Assembly and the Federation’s Board of Directors.The agenda included the approval of financial accounts and a review of the Federation’s strategic plans and programs for the 2026 season.Members also discussed preparations and upcoming commitments for participation in championships and sporting events at the Gulf, continental, and international levels.The meeting highlighted the Federation’s commitment to strong governance and structured planning, aimed at developing boxing and wrestling and strengthening Qatar’s competitive presence regionally and internationally. 

Stage set for Qatar Masters

Doha: The International Swing on the DP World Tour reaches its midway point as a strong field has been assembled for the 29th edition of the Qatar Masters, which will be held from Wednesday through Sunday in Doha.This week’s host, Doha Golf Club (DGC), has staged the event in 26 of its 28 editions, becoming a regular and popular stop for players. This year’s field is headlined by Race to Dubai Rankings leader Jayden Schaper of South Africa and his nearest challenger, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed of the United States.Andy Sullivan, Julien Guerrier, Daniel Hillier and Nacho Elvira will also be looking to continue their impressive starts to the season as they vie for the Mother of Pearl Trophy. The international stars will be joined by a trio of Qatari amateurs aiming to impress - Saleh al-Kaabi, Ali al-Shahrani and Daniil Sokolov.“Twenty-nine years is an incredible run and what we always do is work closely with our friends at the Qatar Golf Association and the Qatar Olympic Committee, whose support is so crucial,” said Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East at the DP World Tour, while addressing a press conference Tuesday.“Next year marks 30 years, which will be a huge landmark, and we look forward to reaching it and celebrating properly. This tournament continues to grow stronger every year. We have seven past champions teeing it up this week, along with three winners from the Race to Dubai so far this season. Another significant milestone will also be celebrated, as three-time major champion and 2003 winner Padraig Harrington is set to make his 500th DP World Tour start, which is remarkable. We are delighted to mark that achievement here,” he added.The course, however, may present a slightly different challenge this year, with several new and upgraded tee complexes - notably at the first, sixth, eighth, 13th and 15th holes - allowing greater flexibility in set-up while enhancing turf quality and visual definition.These improvements support a more strategic test for players while ensuring consistency across all tournament rounds. Operating in a desert environment, sustainability remains a core focus of course management, with DGC utilising warm-season turfgrasses selected for heat tolerance, reduced water demand and long-term durability.Irrigation practices are closely monitored and data-driven, ensuring water is applied efficiently and only where required, while ongoing soil health programmes help minimise inputs without compromising performance.“The forecast is looking very good. There may be a bit of wind on Thursday afternoon, but for the rest of the week conditions should be sunny with very light winds. We could see a little bit of rain over the weekend, but not very much,” said DP World Tour Senior Tournament Director Mikael Eriksson.“I have been coming here for around 12 years and I do not think I have ever seen the course in such immaculate condition. I received several messages from key players saying how grateful they are to be back and to see how much the course has improved over the past few years. We are looking forward to a very good and challenging week.”Speaking about the participation of Qatari players, Qatar Golf Association General Secretary Fahad Nasser al-Naimi expressed optimism. “We have three players from our national teams and they are in very good shape. This tournament is a significant opportunity for them and we truly hope they benefit from the experience,” he said.Al-Naimi also praised the strength of the field and confirmed that DGC is in perfect condition to host the event. “The Qatar Masters is one of the most significant sporting events held in Qatar. Once again, we have a strong 144-player field featuring many regulars from the circuit,” he said. 

On National Sport Day QOC Half Marathon 2026 and Team Qatar Village Ready with Complete Organizational and Technical Setup

Doha: The Organizing Committee of the second edition of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Half Marathon and Team Qatar Activities 2026 has confirmed full organizational, logistical, and technical readiness during a press conference held today at Lusail Hall at the QOC headquarters. The annual sporting event, along with the short-distance races and Team Qatar Village events , will take place on 10 February 2026, in celebration of Qatar National Sports Day.The press conference was attended by members of the Organizing Committee, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al-Thani, Head of the Marketing Committee of  the Half Marathon and Team Village; Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber, Head  of the Technical Committee of  the QOC Half Marathon 2026; Mrs. Maha Dahawi Al Shamari, Director Communication  and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour; Mr. Abdulla Ibrahim Al-Fakhroo, Manager, Logistics & Security at Qatar Diar Real Estate Investment Company; and Mr. Ahmad Hassan Al-Mahasna, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communication at Qatar Development Bank, in addition to representatives of local and international media.The press conference opened with a welcome note by Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Al Marri, Conference Moderator, who welcomed representatives of official entities, partners, sponsors, and media outlets. He highlighted the significance of the event as a key annual fixture that reflects the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to promoting sport and fostering community participation, in line with the celebration of Qatar National Sports Day.QOC Half-Marathon and Short Distance Races Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber outlined the event’s technical details, race categories, and age-appropriate courses, announcing a new route for both the Half Marathon (21 km) and the 10 km race extending to the Qetaifan Islands  Corniche, with the finish line at Lusail Boulevard. He noted that the Half Marathon will start at 6:00 a.m., Ad’am Village activities at 7:00 a.m., and that the highest standards of safety and medical supervision will be applied, alongside prizes for the winners.Team Qatar Village For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani confirmed that the event’s marketing strategy is fully finalized and ready for field implementation. He praised the swift and effective cooperation of sponsors and partners in delivering a comprehensive package of logistical, medical, catering, and media services for the event. He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Labour (Official Partner), Doha Bank (Team Team Supporter), WHOOP Smart Technology (Gold Sponsor), West Bay Medicare Center (Gold Sponsor), Al Rayyan Water Company (Gold Sponsor), The Look Company (Gold Sponsor), Recovery Lab (Gold Sponsor), and Qatar Development Bank (Gold Sponsor).Hel also added that Team  Qatar Village at Al Sa'ad Plaza will host a vibrant programme of sports and entertainment activities, organized in collaboration with several national sports federations. The event is supported by key partners, led by Qatar Diar Real Estate Investment Company as Host Partner, ASICS Japan as Official Apparel Sponsor, Doha Bank, the Ministry of Interior, and Hamad Medical Corporation, with strong and active engagement from volunteers.Official Sponsors confirm their support to QOC Meanwhile, Mr. Abdulla Ibrahim Al-Fakhroo, Manager, Logistics & Security at Qatar Diar Real Estate Investment Company, highlighted the strength of the strategic partnership between Diar and the Qatar Olympic Committee. He confirmed the readiness of infrastructure, logistical support systems, secured race routes, and coordination mechanisms with all relevant authorities to ensure smooth access to and from Al Sa'ad Plaza and Lusail Boulevard.In turn, Mrs. Maha Dahawi Al Shamari, Director Communication  and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour expressed her appreciation for the invitation and commended the strategic relationship between the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Labour, stressing that both entities are united as partners in success. She noted that today’s labour market is built on a culture of human capital investment across all sectors, including sport.In the same context, Mr. Ahmad Hassan Al-Mahasna, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communication at Qatar Development Bank stated that Qatar Development Bank maintains a strategic partnership with the Qatar Olympic Committee in supporting the implementation of Qatar’s National Development Strategy. He affirmed that five Qatari companies remain committed to supporting all sporting events organized by the QOC, including activities held in conjunction with Qatar Sports Day.For his part, Mr. Fouad Chehade, Head of Marketing at  Rayyan Water Co., said that Rayyan Water is proud to support this sporting event, reaffirming its strong commitment to promoting health and well-being and encouraging an active lifestyle in the State of Qatar. As the Official Hydration Partner of the event, Rayyan Water will provide the necessary water for participants before, during, and after the race, in support of national sporting events and the promotion of physical activity.Team Qatar Volunteer Platform Mr. Ahmed Al-Jaber also announced the launch of the Team Qatar Volunteers Platform, a comprehensive and permanent system that manages volunteer registration, data, and task assignments across all major sports events hosted by Qatar. These include the QOC Half Marathon 2026, the 4th Gulf Games 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2029, and the Doha 2030 Asian Games.The platform aims to build an integrated volunteer ecosystem, covering field operations, route guidance, registration support, bib and kit distribution, water and equipment delivery, start and finish assistance, as well as logistical, medical, and safety support. It also facilitates direct engagement with participants, ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-organized event experience.The competition program features a diverse range of categories aimed at maximizing community participation. These include a 1 km race for children aged 6 to 14, a 5 km race for boys and girls aged 15 to 17, and open categories for men and women aged 19 to 39 across 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km distances. Additional categories are allocated for participants aged 40 and above over the same distances. The event also includes dedicated Team Qatar categories for men and women in both age groups, ensuring a fully inclusive and comprehensive sporting experience. 

Curtain comes down on WTT Feeder Doha 2026

Doha: Last-gasp comebacks decided the fate of the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles titles at WTT Feeder Doha 2026, with Huang Youzheng and Yang Yiyun leaving it late to steal their opponents’ thunder on Saturday night.Chasing his first senior title, 20-year-old Huang saw his resolve tested throughout a challenging week under the lights at Lusail Sports Arena, particularly in the quarterfinals where he overcame a two-game deficit to deny Yuan Licen 3-2 (10-12, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-3).Fighting from behind to navigate his next hurdle in the semifinals, Huang was through to his first Men’s Singles final since his straight games loss to Maharu Yoshimura in the WTT Feeder Bangkok 2023 title match.Facing off against Japanese opposition once again, another denial at the final hurdle was threatened as Ryoichi Yoshiyama responded to an opening game setback with back-to-back successes in the second and third games. However, there was a late sting in the tail as Huang flipped the script, holding his nerve in the face of pressure to finally get his hands on that elusive title (12-10, 6-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5).Meanwhile, over in the Women’s Singles draw, Yang Yiyun fought back twice in an exhilarating title showdown to deny Park Gahyeon in another five-game epic (8-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-1, 11-7).The late drama sees Yang return to the winner’s circle for the second time in her young career, adding to her WTT Feeder Cappadocia 2025 title success. 

Doha hosts Chef de Mission Meeting for the 4th GCC Games

Doha: The Qatari capital, Doha, today hosted the Chef de Mission Meeting for the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, scheduled to take place from 11 to 22 May with the participation of top athletes from all six GCC countries.The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Mohammed Al-Subaie, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, and several heads of key organizing committees.Discussions focused on the latest updates regarding organizational and technical preparations, including the operational plans of relevant committees, readiness of sports venues, competition schedules, and athlete/official accreditation processes.The meeting also reviewed registration procedures, venue allocations, and contingency measures aimed at delivering a seamless experience for all participants. It provided a platform for open dialogue to address any anticipated challenges and strengthen coordination among all stakeholders.On Monday, the participating Chefs de Mission will tour key competition venues to assess their readiness and familiarize themselves with the facilities that will host athletes and delegations during the Games.More than 2,000 athletes will compete across 20 sports: handball, athletics, table tennis, squash, padel, fencing, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards & snooker, basketball (5x5 and 3x3), shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian, and bowling.The competitions will be held at 10 venues across Doha, including Aspire Dome, Qatar Sports Club, Women’s Sports Hall, Lusail Shooting Range, Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex, Qatar Billiards & Snooker Hall, Al Gharafa SC, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, Al Arabi SC, and Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club.On this occasion, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee, said:“Today’s meeting marks an important milestone in our journey of preparing for this edition of the GCC Games. We take pride in hosting this platform that brings together the people of the GCC in a spirit of unity, brotherhood, and fair competition.”He added:“The Organizing Committee reaffirms its full commitment to delivering the highest technical and organizational standards, in close coordination with all participating delegations. We are keen to listen to your feedback and suggestions, as we firmly believe that the success of these Games depends on our shared collaboration and collective commitment.”“We highly value the tremendous efforts you are all making in preparation for this event, and we hope this meeting contributes to addressing all operational aspects to ensure the successful delivery of the Games.”For his part, Mr. Mohammed Al-Subaie, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, said:“This meeting is a key step in the preparatory process and an important opportunity to exchange ideas and coordinate efforts to ensure the best possible conditions for a successful edition of the Games.”He added:“The GCC Games represent a cornerstone in promoting regional sports cooperation, strengthening the values of brotherhood and fair play, and empowering Gulf youth—aligned with the aspirations of our wise leadership. I wish this meeting every success and look forward to a distinguished and successful edition that reflects the ambitions and capabilities of our nations.”