Qatari heroes inspire and unite nation as national sport day spreads Olympic spirit

DOHA, February 14, 2018- The unique power of sport to unite, inspire and connect has been shared with all Qatari residents as National Sport Day (NSD) brought the nation together through sporting celebrations across the country on 13th February. The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) joined forces with its national federations to organise multiple activities that spread the fun and excitement of participating in sport amongst people of all ages and abilities. Thousands of people visited the Team Qatar Village in the heart of the Aspire Park, where Qatar's sporting champions were on hand to provide tips, demonstrations and motivation.Established in 2012 as a public holiday to share and celebrate Qatar's passion for sport and promote the importance of sport being an integral part of everyday life, the seventh edition of NSD has once again increased in strength and popularity as all corners of Qatar came alive through sport. In addition to the Aspire Park, the public were able to try new sports, pick up old ones and discover new talents at key hubs in Katara, Al Shaqab, Lusail, the Qatar Women's Sport Committee and the Qatar Paralympic Committee, with a total of 72 events taking place around the country. Schools across Qatar also partnered with the Qatar School Sport Federation to stage fun and educational activities for their students of all ages. President of the QOC, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and Secretary General, H.E. Jassim Al Buenain participated in the Team Qatar Village activities with athletes and children as part of a tour of all the national federation activities around Qatar. Commenting on National Sport Day, H.E. Shk Joaan said:“We are proud that Qatar is one of the only countries in the world and the first in the Middle East to dedicate a public holiday to National Sport Day. This year, the Qatar Olympic Committee has organised 72 sporting activities around Qatar for all ages and abilities as part of our vision and commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport." He continued, “Once again, National Sport Day has provided a unique platform to inspire and unite our nation through sport and share the Olympic spirit in one place.This year we've been committed to putting excitement and enjoyment at the heart of all the sporting activities on offer. We are determined to see an increase in physical activity in our country, not simply on the basis of the number of people taking part, but because of the wider value it will have for our collective health, wellbeing and happiness, as individuals and as a society."He finished, “It has also been wonderful to see so many Team Qatar athletes participating in our activities with the public today. Their achievements are an inspiration to our nation and they are excellent role models for our young people."The QOC last year launched a refreshed sporting vision that aims to increase community participation in sport, spread the Olympic values and produce more sporting champions. With 14 different sports in one area, the Team Qatar Village was able to promote multiple sports by providing taster sessions, competitive activities and coaching support, whilst spotting new talent and identifying Qatar's potential future sporting champions. Sports on offer included gymnastics, athletics, fencing, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, judo, basketball, tennis, squash, sailing, kayaking, volleyball, hockey, rugby, cricket, table tennis, golf and school sports. In Katara, a range of further activities were on offer including handball, equestrian, rowing, cycling, triathlon, air sports, karate, chess and rugby, whilst a swimming open day took place at Hamad Aquatic Centre.Qatar's current sporting heroes joining in the fun included members of Qatar's 2018 Asian Championship winning handball team, Kamal Mallash, Abdulrazzaq Murad and Ahmed Maddady, gymnastics superstars Ahmed Nabil who competed in last year's World Championships and 2014 Youth Olympian, Nadine Wahden, 3x3 basketball legend and 2014 World Champion, Yassin Ismail, and two-time World Junior Champion and senior world silver medallist in weightlifting, Fares Ibrahim.Commenting on his participation, Fares Ibrahim said: “I joined Team Qatar today to teach people more about weightlifting, which is one of the oldest sports in history and to let them, especially the children, try this sport and discover their talent in it." Meanwhile, Yaseen Ismail said: “We are proud as athletes that we have a special day for sport and I thank Qatar for establishing National Sport Day, where we can enjoy so many fun activities. Sport is not only about physical activity, it is a lifestyle and I encourage people to keep practicing sport even after National Sport Day is over. I was so happy to see so many children playing basketball and I encourage everyone to take up this sport because it is fun and easy. I also would like to thank the QOC for organising the Team Qatar Village which offered so many fun activities for everyone in the Aspire park."The highlight of the Team Qatar Village was a gymnastics activation in the centre of the zone, which shined a spotlight on the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in October, the first time that the flagship event will come to the Middle East in its history. Team Qatar's gymnasts wowed the public with their amazing skills and provided an insight into what can be expected when incredible gymnasts from around the world descend on Doha's iconic Aspire Dome later this year.Speaking ahead of his participation in this year's world-class gymnastics events, Ahmed Nabil, who at just 17 was the youngest of all competitors at last year's World Championships in Montreal, said: “I came today to encourage everyone to try gymnastics because it improves the flexibility of the mind and body. We are preparing now to compete in the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in March and Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in October, both of which will be hosted in the Aspire Dome. I encourage everyone to come and support our team at these major championships." The organisers of the Doha 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships also used the opportunity to launch their social media channels for the event to enable the public to keep up to date with all news and updates, including ticketing information as it is released. You can follow them on @DohaGym2018 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, or visit the website at http://worldgymdoha18.com. The Team Qatar social media channels will also share the stories of Qatar's gymnasts in the build up to both events, as well as following the journeys of all Qatar's athletes in an exciting sporting year that features the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia, and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Lima, Peru. Further exclusive content, behind the scenes footage, training tips and discounts in over 70 outlets around Qatar can be found by signing up to the Team Qatar Club on Olympic.qa/teamqatarclub, which is free and easy to join.

Qatar International Arabian Horse Show to conclude on Monday

DOHA, February 12, 2018-Two Al Shaqab yearling fillies were adjudged winners in two classes on the opening day of the 27th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show on Saturday.Green Al Shaqab topped Class 1A for Yearling Fillies having impressed the judges enough for her haul of 91.8 points. Al Nasser Stud's Raja Al Nasser and Al Sraiya Stud's Doha Al Sraiya were tied on 90.6 points, with the former picking up the runner-up spot due to her half a point advantage in Type.Rajhah Al Shaqab accumulated 91.7 points for her win in Class 1B for Yearling Fillies, while Al Nasser Stud had another runner-up in Arwa Al Nasser, who was awarded 91.2 points. Almasareer Stud's Queen Desert was third with 91 points.Al Nasser Stud finally picked up a win when Hattan Al Nasser's half a point advantage in Type tilted the result in her favour after she was locked in at 91.6 points with Al Khashab Stud's Rshediah Alkhashab in Class 2 for two-year-old Fillies.Royal Cavalry of Oman's Nabila RC completed the top three with 90.8 points.Assayel Al Uwaynah Sutd's Magna MS topped Class 3 for three-year-old Fillies narrowly. At 92.1 points, she edged out Al Shaqab's Madeeha Al Shaqab (92.0) for the win, while Royal Cavalry of Oman's Pristina LD was third with 91.5 points.The three-day competition will conclude on Monday.

Stars get set for big Qatar Total Open 2018 action at Khalifa Complex

DOHA, November 12, 2018 - When two-time finalist in Doha, Caroline Wozniacki lost in the 2017 Qatar Total Open final to Karolina Pliskova in straight sets last February she was clearly annoyed with herself."Well, it's a tournament I've never won. Clearly, I'm a little bit disappointed right now," she had said then.Fast forward to 2018: Back to one of her favourite hunting grounds, the Dane now carries the glow of Daphne (Australian Open 2018 trophy) besides the World No. 1 crown on her head. Adding the Golden Falcon trophy to that list will once again be on her mind as she will begin her Qatar Total Open 2018 campaign at the Khalifa International tennis & Squash Complex.On Sunday though, the always-smiling and soft speaking Wozniacki insisted that despite last month's breakthrough Grand Slam triumph her life has not changed in the slightest. Speaking ahead of the Doha tournament, which begins on Monday, she said,"Life hasn't changed at all. Life is the same. Still the same when I go back on the practice courts, I still have things that I need to work on and I still get stuff from my dad saying move your feet, do this."So, nothing has changed in that regard." With a spring in her step, Wozniacki, however, would want to better her final appearances in Doha and lift the trophy. She is among nine of the 10 best women players in the world and top-seeded which means she could meet number two seed Simona Halep of Romania in next Sunday's final, once again after the Australian Open.Before that, Wozniacki, who has a first round bye and is awaiting the winner of the all-German clash Tatjana Maria and Carina Witthoeft in the second on Wednesday, has former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova in her path. The five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova has been granted a wildcard and will start first up against Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu in the first round on Monday. Wozniacki shrugged off a potentially hard week ahead, claiming not to have looked at the draw beyond the first round."I'm excited for the challenge, and at the end of the day I think I'm just going to go out there, have fun and see what happens," she said. Former Australian Open champion and ex-top ranked player in the world Germany's Angelique Kerber could meet Wozniacki in the quarter-finals. Kerber, after a disappointing 2017 which saw her fail to get past the fourth round in any major, said she is back to the form of 2016, which saw her claim two Grand Slams."I'm able to play my game again, that I can fight," she said addressing the media here on Sunday. "And yeah, having my tennis back, my motivation and everything what I had like two years ago." Only world number eight Venus Williams, playing in the Fed Cp with sister Serena, is missing in Doha from the top 10.But there are also players just outside those rankings who will make the field extra competitive, including Britain's Johanna Konta, world No. 11, Kristina Mladenovic of France and No. 20 Elise Mertens of Belgium. The courts are expected to play much faster than last year's rain-affected tournament.That will provide a contrast for Ukrainian Elina Svitolina who said she had spent time between the Australian Open and Qatar Total Open 2018 in London and Paris. Meanwhile, Catherine Bellis of US, Naomi Osaka of Japan, Czdech Marketa Vondrousova, Duan Ying-Ying of China, Pera Bernarda of US, Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine, Anna Blinkova of Russia and Romanian Monica Niculescu completed the main draw from the qualifying rounds.

PUBLIC INVITED TO TRAIN WITH A CHAMPION ON 2018 NATIONAL SPORT DAY

DOHA, February 12, 2018- With just two days to go until 2018 National Sport Day (NSD), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) are providing the opportunity for everyone and anyone to train with Qatar's sporting heroes at the Team Qatar Village in Doha's Aspire Park on 13th February. Over 14 different sporting activities will be on offer from 8:30am-4pm with Team Qatar athletes on hand to provide tips, advice and demonstrations.NSD was first established in 2012 with the aim of uniting the nation in a shared celebration of sport and inspiring people to lead active and healthy lifestyles, and since then has grown in strength and numbers year upon year. This year's NSD is set to be the biggest and best so far with a total of 72 events taking place across multiple locations in Qatar from early morning until late afternoon, with thousands of people expected to turn out to participate and enjoy sport. Speaking ahead of NSD, Secretary General of the QOC, H.E. Jassim Al Buenain, said:“National Sport Day is all about seizing the opportunity to try new sports, kick-start a healthy and active lifestyle and generally share and spread the fun and enjoyment of participating in sport with friends and family. There are no better people to inspire and encourage budding athletes of any age and ability than our sporting heroes and we invite everyone to come down to the Team Qatar Village, meet our athletes and join in our activities. Whether you have ambitions to be a future Olympic champion, or simply want to find a new sport to enjoy, there will be something on offer for everyone. We can't wait to set Qatar alight through the spirit of sport once again this year!"The strength of NSD and growth in sport in Qatar in general over the years can be seen by the significant increase in the number of athletes representing Qatar on an international stage, as well as the number participating at a grass-roots level. Team Qatar athletes will be available on NSD to meet the public, participate in the activities and answer questions, helping to spot new talent and inspire future sporting heroes! Key athletes in attendance will include members of Qatar's 2018 Asian Championship winning handball team, Kamal Mallash, Abdulrazzaq Murad and Ahmed Maddady, gymnastics superstars Ahmed Nabil who competed in last year's World Championships and 2014 Youth Olympian, Nadine Wahden, 3x3 basketball legend and 2014 World Champion, Yassin Ismail, and two-time World Junior Champion and senior world silver medallist in weightlifting, Fares Ibrahim, plus many more. Commenting on why people should try handball, Kamal Mallash said:“Always try out new sports! Handball is one of the fastest sports in the world and I encourage everyone to give it a shot!"Meanwhile, Fares Ibrahim said:“I invite everyone to try out weightlifting on National Sport Day this year! It is a fantastic sport that made me who I am today – an Olympic finalist, a world silver medallist and a two-time World Junior Champion!"In an exciting year for gymnastics in Qatar, Ahmed Nabeel said:“Gymnastics is a unique sport because it requires a lot of mental strength, persistence and courage! I was so proud to represent Qatar in the 2017 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Montréal last year and can't wait to compete in front of home crowd in October's FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Doha!"The QOC has partnered with its National Federations to organise many different sporting activities in order to showcase the very best of each sport and encourage people to get involved on a regular basis. The Team Qatar Village will feature coaching, demonstrations and competitions in gymnastics, athletics, fencing, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, judo, basketball, tennis, squash, sailing, kayaking, volleyball, hockey, rugby, cricket, table tennis, golf and school sports. Elsewhere in Qatar, the public are able to try out shooting at an open day at Lusail Shooting Range, visit Katara for a range of activities including handball, equestrian, rowing, cycling, triathlon, air sports, karate, chess and rugby, participate in a swimming open day at Hamad Aquatic Centre, find out more about para-sport at the Qatar Paralympic Committee headquarters, visit the Qatar Women's Sport Committee for a range of activities at its premises in Al Waab, and try equestrian at Al Shaqab. A full schedule of events can be found at the end of this article. The NSD activities will also provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the sports that have major upcoming events in Qatar, including the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships taking place at the Aspire Dome in October and the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, which will take place one year later in Khalifa International Stadium. Both events will be coming to the Middle East for the first time in their history and will see the world's sporting superstars competing in Qatar's capital. Qatar residents will get an early opportunity to welcome some of the world's best gymnasts in March as the Aspire Dome will host the Gymnastics World Cup event for the 11th consecutive year, which will also act as a test event for gymnastics' flagship event later in the year. You can keep up to date with all news and information on the Team Qatar social media channels, as well as by signing up to the Team Qatar Club, where you will also have access to exclusive content, offers and competitions. It is free and easy to sign up – just head to www.olympic.qa/en/teamqatarclub. AREA LAYOUT.pdf Village Layout MAP 2.pdfNSD Program ENGL.pdf

Qatar to take on Oman in GCC U-17 Basketball Championship

Muscat, February 10, 2018 - Qatar's Youth team will take on their Omani counterparts in the prestigious GCC U-17 Basketball Championship 2018 in Muscat, Oman on Saturday.The Qatari side suffered a 67-71 defeat against Saudi Arabia on Friday. The prestigious championship brings together five GCC teams including hosts, Oman, Qatar, KSA, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain who are competing in the event from 5-10 February, 2018.

Mubarka al Nuaimi to meet Bellis in Qatar Total Open 2018 qualifying

DOHA, February 10, 2018-Qatar's young and promising Mubarka al Nuaimi faces a tough challenge in a meeting of teenagers when she faces top-seeded and World No. 48 Catherine Bellis of the US in the 2018 Qatar Total Open Qualifying on Court 1 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Saturday.The 16-year-old Nuaimi, who made her WTA main draw debut at the 2017 Qatar Total Open in the doubles draw partnering Fatma al Nabhani, is a bright prospect looking to make her mark in the singles.The qualifying rounds begin at 11am and Nuaimi is likely to be in action by noon.In contrast, the 18-year-old Bellis, who likes to be called 'Cici', was the ITFJunior World Champion in 2014 and turned professional after the 2016 US Open where she drew attention towards her prodigious talent.The match between her and Nuami should provide an insight into the two budding players for their respective countries.Also around the same time, WTA's Breakthrough of the Month for January Hsieh Su-Wei of Chinese Taipei will take on Russia's Vera Zvonareva on Court 3.The 32-year-old Hsieh, seeded four in the qualifying, was a sensation at the recently concluded Australian Open where she made the pre-quarter-finals en route shocking Spaniard Garbine Muguruza and Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska.In the fourth round, she gave former champion and eventual semi-finalist Angelique Kerber of Germany all she could handle for a set and a half, before falling in a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 match.Hsieh also reached the semi-finals in doubles at the Australian Open, with partner Peng Shuai, and also reached the semis at the ASB Classic in singles before falling to eventual champion Julia Goerges.Among others fancied players looking to make it to the main round of the $2.6mn Qatar Total Open 2018 will be Japan's Naomi Osaka, American Christina Mchale, Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko, Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova, Italian Francesca Schiavone and Czech Marketa Vondrousova.The qualifying rounds will last two days with the participation of 32 players of whom 28 take part based on their international rankings and four through wildcards.Eight players from the qualifying round will progress into the main round of the tournament which will have 64 players in the main singles draw.The draw for tournament proper will be held in the evening at 6pm.QTSBF secretary-general Tariq Zeinal, who is also the tournament's general co-ordinator, said that all preparations for the event, which sees the participation of the top 10 world seeds, are in place.Zeinal said that tennis fans in Qatar will get to watch several top players, notably world's No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who recently won the Australian Open, along with Romanian Simona Halep, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, Spaniard Garbine Muguruza, Czech Karolina Pliskova, Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, German Angelique Kerber and France's Kristina Mladenovic.The tournament will also feature 32 players in the doubles category of the competition.Meanwhile, QTSBF executive director and tournament director Saad al-Mohannadi said that Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex is all set to welcome the game's best players as well as tennis fans.He added that this year's edition is expected to be extremely competitive thanks to the inclusion of the world's top seeds, which will be a unique opportunity for fans.