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4 Oct’ 2026
Sheikh Joaan: “Our Hearts and Homes Are Open to All of Asia… Welcome Everyone to Doha, a Home for All”
Aichi-Nagoya - H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, invited the youth of the continent to come together again in Doha in four years’ time, when Qatar hosts the 21st Asian Games in 2030, stressing that the transition of the Games from Japan to Qatar reflects the continued reach of their message and values across the continent.
Speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, H.E. Sheikh Joaan said: “Our hearts and homes are open to all of Asia, and we welcome everyone to Doha, a home for all.”
He added: “We invite the youth of Asia to carry this spirit with them, and to meet again in four years’ time at the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030. From East to West, from Japan to Qatar, we will carry our values forward and ensure that every part of our continent experiences this celebration of sport.”
H.E. Sheikh Joaan praised the outstanding levels of performance witnessed during this edition of the Games, which saw more than 350 records broken, including over 50 world records, noting that this represented a record for an Asian Games.
He added that Aichi-Nagoya 2026 featured remarkable comebacks and last-second victories, alongside the emergence of a new generation of young stars and continued achievements by seasoned champions. Athletes also set an outstanding example of sportsmanship and respect throughout the competitions.
H.E. Sheikh Joaan congratulated the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, the Japanese Olympic Committee, Aichi Prefecture, the City of Nagoya and the Government of Japan for organizing the Games and providing Asia’s athletes with the opportunity to perform at their best.
He also commended the efforts of Asia’s 45 National Olympic Committees in supporting their athletes, as well as the contributions of partners, sponsors and broadcasters in bringing the Games to audiences. He praised the support of the people of Aichi, Nagoya and the co-host cities, along with the efforts of thousands of volunteers throughout the Games.
H.E. Sheikh Joaan stressed that bringing the curtain down on Aichi-Nagoya 2026 did not mark the end of what the Games had achieved, but rather the beginning of a new chapter for Asian sport.
“Tonight, as we lower the flag on Aichi-Nagoya 2026, we close these Games, but we raise the bar for Asian sport. The flame may be extinguished, but the hopes it has ignited will continue to shine across our continent,” he said.
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Qatar’s Youth Team Gears Up for Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026
DOHA- Qatar will field four athletes at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Game Dakar 2026, in Senegal from October 31 to November 13. Team Qatar will compete in athletics, swimming and fencing.The Qatari athletes are Adam Morsi in swimming, Dana Salem and Abobaker Idris in athletics, and Adham Al-Deeb in fencing. The delegation will also include three administrative staff members and three media representatives.Morsi will begin competing on November 2, with his 100m and 50m breaststroke races scheduled for November 3 and 5, respectively. Idris will contest the 110m hurdles, Al-Deeb in the individual foil fencing event on November 9, and Salem the 200m race on November 10.The team brings a strong record of achievement. Salem won silver in the 100m and Idris claimed gold in the 110m hurdles at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. Al-Deeb won gold in the junior individual foil event at the World Cup for Junior and Cadet Fencers in Tunisia.Morsi has won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the GCC Swimming championship and the 100m breaststroke at the Arab Aquatics championship. He also broke Qatar’s national record in the 100m breaststroke for the 13–14 age group at the ISF U15 Gymnasiade 2025 Under 15 in Serbia.At the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Qatar secured two athletics gold medals through Abdulaziz Mohammed in the 200m and Awab Barrow in the 110m hurdles.The 15-day Games will take place in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, featuring around 2,700 athletes across 25 sports and 153 medal events. Another 10 engagement sports will be held without medals being awarded.Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 are an elite multi-sport competition primarily for athletes aged 15 to 17. Dakar 2026 marks the first time an African country has hosted the Summer Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, representing a historic milestone for the continent’s Olympic movement.Mr. Naji Al-Amari, Head of Qatar’s delegation, confirmed that the four athletes are ready to compete and expressed confidence that they will represent Qatar with distinction, reflecting their ambitions and the support extended to Qatari sport.Rooted in Senegal’s rich sporting heritage and strong community engagement, particularly among young people, Dakar 2026 aims to promote solidarity, cultural exchange, joy, pride and humility. The Games also seek to highlight sport as a unifying force that transcends competition and brings people together around the values of peace, friendship and social cohesion.
Qatar Olympic Academy and Aspetar Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Doha: As part of its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with leading national institutions in the fields of sport, education, and professional development, Mr. Khaleel Ebrahim Al Jabir, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, accompanied by a number of Academy staff members, paid a visit to Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital to explore opportunities for cooperation and develop specialized initiatives and programs that support the sports sector in the State of Qatar.The Academy delegation was received by Mr. Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, Dr. Paul Dijkstra, Director of Medical Education, and Mr. Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of Communication and Marketing. During the visit, an extensive meeting was held to discuss a range of topics of mutual interest and review potential areas of future cooperation aimed at supporting and developing national talent working across both the sports and healthcare sectors.During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities to collaborate in the design and delivery of a number of educational programs and specialized training courses that combine sports, medical, and administrative disciplines. Such initiatives are expected to enhance the exchange of expertise and knowledge between the two institutions and contribute to the delivery of professional and academic programs aligned with international standards and best practices.Both sides emphasized the importance of integration between sports and medical institutions in building a comprehensive system that supports athletic performance and promotes awareness of modern sports and medical sciences, particularly in light of the rapid developments taking place within the sports industry at both regional and international levels. A number of ideas and initiatives were also reviewed as a foundation for future partnerships serving professionals and practitioners in the fields of sports medicine, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and sports management.The discussions resulted in an agreement to jointly develop and deliver a series of specialized training courses and educational programs in priority areas for the sports sector. These include sports psychology, sports injuries, injury prevention, and sports rehabilitation, and sports nutrition, with the aim of preparing qualified professionals equipped with the latest scientific knowledge and practical skills required in today’s sports environment.The two organizations also agreed to collaborate in organizing a series of Olympic and sports education workshops and awareness programs designed to promote Olympic culture and increase awareness of Olympic values and principles among various target groups. The proposed areas of cooperation further include the delivery of specialized programs in a number of shared fields, particularly sports psychology, sports injuries, and sports nutrition, helping to prepare professionals capable of engaging effectively within sports organizations and operating according to international standards and best practices.The meeting also highlighted the importance of investing in continuous education and specialized training as a cornerstone for developing professional competencies capable of keeping pace with modern developments. Opportunities for organizing joint workshops, lectures, and training programs targeting professionals working in sports and medical institutions were discussed, with a focus on facilitating the transfer of specialized knowledge and expertise.For his part, Mr. Khaleel Ebrahim Al Jabir praised Aspetar’s pioneering role at both the regional and international levels in the fields of sports medicine, scientific research, and medical rehabilitation. He emphasized that cooperation with specialized institutions represents a key pillar of the Qatar Olympic Academy’s strategy to deliver high-quality educational and training programs that enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations operating within the sports sector.Aspetar representatives also expressed their appreciation for the role played by the Qatar Olympic Academy in promoting sports knowledge and developing national talent through its specialized academic and professional programs. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two institutions in ways that support their shared objectives and contribute to the continued advancement of sport in the State of Qatar.At the conclusion of the visit, both parties agreed to continue coordination and communication to develop practical mechanisms for implementing a number of joint programs and initiatives during the coming period. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the advancement of sports education and training, further reinforce Qatar’s position as a regional leader in sport, sports medicine, and human development, and support national efforts aimed at building a more knowledgeable, sustainable, and high-performing sports community.
Suhail to light up the court as Official Mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027
DOHA - With less than a year to go until the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, Suhail has been revealed as the official mascot of the flagship men's competition in Doha, Qatar.Inspired by the main star that has guided brave people of the Gulf region to journey beyond the horizon, Suhail, which is also known as Canopus in Western culture, has watched over sailors, nomads, and pearl divers for centuries.Beneath its light, the people of Qatar and the Gulf region have crossed deserts, navigated seas, and built the foundations of nations.Unveiled in the host city of Doha, the Suhail star is a well-known natural calendar marker across the Gulf region. Traditionally associated with the transition from peak summer heat to cooler temperatures and more comfortable evenings, the star is expected to be visible in the night sky during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.Now as the official mascot, Suhail will provide inspiration for players and fans ready to experience the many magical moments that lie in wait at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.Suhail has been created from meteorite origins. A body made of crystalline facets, fragments of a star fused with meteorite metal, and each surface catching the light and glowing with energy drawn from the sun. Suhail is a being of both sky and earth, strength from stone, brilliance from the cosmos.With official mascot Suhail ready to add an unforgettable touch and light up the biggest event in the FIBA calendar, fans are now counting the days before they can attend the flagship event.On this occasion, Mr. Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Executive Director of Communications & Guest Relations at the Local Organizing Committee “The unveiling of Suhail marks an important milestone in our preparations to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, with the official mascot reflecting our commitment to showcasing Qatar’s cultural identity and celebrating its rich heritage. Inspired by the Suhail star, which holds a special place in Qatari and Gulf cultural traditions, the mascot symbolizes our connection to the past and our aspirations for the future.”He added: “We hope Suhail will help strengthen engagement with fans of all ages, and play an active role in promoting the tournament in the coming months. We are also committed to ensuring that the FIBA Basketball World Cup experience extends beyond the basketball court to encourage younger generations to take up basketball, and contribute to the sport’s growth in Qatar and across the region.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 trophy tour to kick off at DFC on Oct 29
Doha: Football enthusiasts and families across Qatar will have the opportunity to see the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 trophy, as the prestigious tournament trophy will make its way to key vibrant destinations nationwide ahead of the global showpiece.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026trophy tour will take place at the following locations: Doha Festival City on Thursday, 29 October 2026 (6pm – 10pm); West Walk on Thursday, 5 November 2026 (6pm – 10pm); Msheireb Downtown Doha on Thursday, 12 November 2026 (6pm – 10pm).Each stop will feature engaging fan activities and photo opportunities with the official trophy, as Qatar once again prepares to host 48 international teams competing across 104 matches from 19 November to 13 December.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029. The tournament will take place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone with as many as eight matches a day.Tickets now on saleGeneral public tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 are now on sale at www.roadtoqatar.qa, as Qatar gets ready to welcome TMRW’s GOAT for yet another spectacular edition of the prestigious youth competition.Taking place from 19 November to 13 December, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will be held at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, with 48 teams competing across 104 matches.Fans can be part of the electrifying football festival-like atmosphere by purchasing a Day Pass, which will enable them to attend up to eight matches a day at Aspire Zone, as well as cultural and entertainment activities at the Fan Zone.Day Passes are priced at QR20 per matchday for the group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals. A maximum of six Day Pass tickets per person can be purchased per matchday. All tickets are digital.A Prime Pass is also available, which will enable fans to reserve seats for high demand matches. Tickets are priced at QR35 for the group stage, Round of 32 and Round of 16, the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals, and QR20 for the Third-place Play-off. A maximum of four Prime Passes per person can be purchased for each main pitch per matchday.Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside Egypt, Greece and Panama, and will play their opening match against Panama on 19 November, 6.30pm.The Final will take place on 13 December, 7pm, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Tickets are available in Category 1 at QR30 and Category 2 at QR15. A maximum of six tickets per person can be purchased for the Final. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will offer a barrier-free experience, with accessible seating options available for disabled fans.Accessibility tickets are priced at QR20 for group stage through to Third-place Play-off, and QR15 for the final, and include one complimentary companion ticket. Disabled fans can purchase accessible seats as well as request for accessible parking spaces by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] is the second of five consecutive editions that Qatar will host through 2029, continuing the 48-team format introduced in Doha last year. The 2025 edition drew more than 197,000 fans, who were able to watch several matches a day while enjoying a full day of festivities at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex.Adding to the tournament’s excitement, BOMA the Desert Owl returns as the official mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, following the character’s debut at the 2025 edition.For tournament updates, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.