Aspire Zone celebrates a decade of excellence

DOHA, January 17, 2018-Qatar's status as a world-leading sports hub grows more assured each day. In a short space of time, the country has emerged as a sporting capital of the Middle East and Asia, with the sterling Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) sitting at the heart of this development.On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, AZF's CEO Mohammad Khalifa al Suwaidi said,"This month we mark ten years of the decision by our country's visionary leadership to establish AZF and direct investment and resources towards sporting development and focus on the steady expansion of sports-related industries in Qatar."In the past few years, the sports scene in Qatar has developed steadily with Aspire Zone Foundation sitting at the heart of this remarkable progress. Now, AZF represents one of the world's leading destinations and is an enormous source of national pride for the country's citizens and residents.""If you draw a simple comparison between Qatar and the region before and after the establishment of AZF as a fully-integrated sports city, you can clearly identify the impact that the organisation has had, including delivering high-profile international sporting events. We have made enormous progress in developing the country's sports infrastructure and facilities and cultivating our talented sports men and women including star athletes and Olympic champions," stressed Suwaidi.The country's emergence as a destination of choice for international sporting events began in earnest in 2006 when Qatar hosted the Asian Games, the second-largest multi-sport event in the world. Since then, the country has hosted a large number of major international events averaging nearly 80 events per year.In January 2008, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) was established by Emiri decree in order to develop a world-class sporting environment, enhance sports performance and contribute to producing elite local athletes.By providing a comprehensive academic, athletic and mental education AZF equips such athletes to compete in various local and global competitions. In addition, AZF's goals include the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles among local community members, and encouraging the growth and development of the sports economy in Qatar.Since then, AZF has emerged as the umbrella organisation for a world-leading sports academy, logistics business and renowned orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital. Bringing together this global expertise means AZF is uniquely placed to catalyse the country's sports industry in pursuit of its ambitious vision to be 'the Reference' in sports excellence worldwide by 2020. It does so whilst operating as one integrated institution that adheres to a unique working model the 'Aspire way.'During the past decade, AZF has continued to make significant progress towards its vision, further cementing its reputation as a leading sports hub that attracts decision-makers, community members and sporting icons from around the world. It has become an essential component in athletes' journeys to excellence.Every year, AZF delivers world-class events. Hugely varied and wide ranging, these include everything from community sports activities to major sports medicine, science and education conferences as well as cultural and entertainment shows and events.Crucially AZF is playing a central role in arguably the greatest sporting spectacle of them all the FIFA World Cup. AZF's involvement in supporting the tournament will create an incredible sporting and social legacy for the country which includes building FIFA World Cup Qatar host venues stadiums like Khalifa International Stadium and Al Khor Stadium. It is a legacy from which all members of the community stand to benefit, with access to world-class sporting facilities designed to support active and healthy lifestyles.

Qatar shooting team shine in Kuwait International Championship

Kuwait, January 17, 2018- The Qatari shooting team will participate in Men's 10m Air Rifle and Women's Skeet events at the 7th Kuwait International Shooting Championship on Wednesday. To conclude on January 18, 2018, the tournament features the participation of 37 countries. The Qatari shooters participated in Men's Skeet events and Women's Pistol Event held on Tuesday. The squad: Nasser al Humaidi, Sarah Mohammed, Hajar Mohammed, Reem al Sharshani, Khald al Khalaf, Amna al Abdullah, Aisha al Mutawa, Al Danah Al Mubarak and Nasra Mohammed.On the other hand, Kuwait hosted the meetings of the Arab and Asian Shooting Federations held on the sidelines of the tournament. Mr. Mohammad Ali Al Kuwari, President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation and Mr. Abdullah Ali Al Mutawa Al Hamadi, Board Member of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation attended the two meetings.

Duhail leads Qatar Handball Association Cup standings

DOHA, January 16, 2018 - Duhail club cemented its grip and lead on Qatar Handball Association Cup standings with 16 points , following a convincing 44-32 victory over Qatar SC at the Duhail Arena on Monday.Meanwhile, Al Ahli ensured a comfortable 23-17 win over Al Shamal in the opening match of the 8th round of the championship.In other fixtures, Al Rayyan defeated Al Wakrah 26-20 and Al Arabi outclassed Al Gharafa 26-21/

Qatar aim high in Asian Handball Championship

South Korea, January 16, 2018-The Qatari national handball team have completed their preparations for the 2018 Asian Handball Championship to begin on January 18. Qatar, who will open their campaign against debutants New Zealand in Group D which also comprising China and Saudi Arabia. The top four teams will qualify for the world championship to be held in January 2019.The Spanish Coach of Qatar Handball team Valero Rivera selected 18 players to participate in the event including; Danijel Saric, Firas Chaieb, Rasheed Yusuff, Rafael Capote, Mahmoud Hassaballa, Abdulrazzaq Murad, Ahmad Madadi, Kamalaldin Mallash, Bertrand Roine, Hassan Mabrouk, Houssem Romane, Aljosa Cudic, Youssef Ali, Jovo Damjanovic, Moustafa Heiba, Anis Zouaoui, Allaedine Berrached and Frankis Marzo.

Ali strikes twice as Qatar storm into quarter-finals

CHANGZHOU, January 16, 2018- Feared striker Almoez Ali on Monday produced a sterling performance to guide Qatar to the quarter-finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Ali, one of Qatar's rising football stars, scored a brace as Al Anabi beat hosts China 2-1 in their final game of Group A.Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar finished the group stage of the 16-team tournament with a maximum of 9 points from three matches. China finished with 3 points having lost to Uzbekistan last Friday. Uzbekistan are the other side to qualify for the quarter finals leaving hosts China out of the tournament.Ali scored once in each half as Qatar secured their last-eight berth in what were chilly playing conditions. Yao Junsheng's effort had given China an early lead but a resolute Qatar side hit back with two goals.The host nation also saw their captain He Chao sent off yesterday. In a frenetic start to proceedings, China were ahead after only four minutes. Deng Hangwen did well to outmuscle defender Sultan Al Brake deep inside the Qatar penalty area, before finding Yao who deflected the ball home from close range.Qatar's response was swift as Al Anabi scored twice to seal their hard-fought win. With Qatar slowly beginning to gain a degree of control, disaster was to strike China on 41 minutes when captain He was handed a second yellow card by referee Alireza Faghani following a foul on midfielder Akram Afif.From the resulting free-kick, Bassam Al Rawi rattled the crossbar with a stinging effort, before parity was restored in the dying embers of a fascinating first period courtesy of Almoez's deft header from a sublime cross by Afif. In the second half, China's hopes of a comeback were quashed when Ali found the net for the second time in the match from close range.Tameem Al Muhaza provided the cross for Ali to score Qatar's winning goal. Qatar started the tournament by beating Uzbekistan 1-0 followed by a similar scoreline against Oman. Also on Monday, Uzbekistan beat Oman 1-0 to progress to the quarter-finals at the Jiangyin Sports Centre Stadium. An own goal from Thani Al Rushaidi in the first half was enough to give Uzbekistan a second place finish in Group A, while Oman exited the tournament with no wins to their name. In the opening minutes, Oman - who made six changes to their starting line-up from their previous match - looked confident playing around the tight spaces, with Al Mandhar Al Rawi and Marwan Awlad Wadi doing a great job in keeping the Uzbek backline nervous with their quick passes.Eleven minutes in, Al Rawi surged down the middle but his shot was well blocked by defender Obbosjon Otakhonov. Uzbekistan retaliated with a close attempt seven minutes later, when Azizjon Ganiev's corner-kick found Zabikhillo Urinboev in the penalty area, but with a difficult angle his header missed to the right.In the 36th minute, a series of passes around the box led to Rustamjon Ashurmatov letting fly a left footed shot which was saved by keeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini but moments later, an own goal was conceded by Al Rushaidi when Oman failed to clear the ball from the box.After the restart, Uzbekistan returned more confidently but after several early attempts, opted to play at a slower pace as they held on for the three points. As Group A runners-up, Uzbekistan will face the Group B winners in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Qatar to participate in Kuwait International Shooting Championship

DOHA, January 14, 2018- The Qatari shooting team arrived in Kuwait on Saturday to participate in the 7th Kuwait International Shooting Championship. Ali Al Mannai, Head of Qatar's delegation said that the goal of participating in the tournament is to prepare shooters and archers for Qatar Open, which will be held next month and see the participation of more than three hundred competitors.The squad: Nasser al Humaidi, Sarah Mohammed, Hajar Mohammed, Reem al Sharshani, Khald al Khalaf, Amna al Abdullah, Aisha al Mutawa, Al Danah Al Mubarak and Nasra Mohammed.