Doha: Doha is preparing to welcome the world’s leading squash players once again as the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 returns to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex from September 12 to 18.Preparations are in full swing at the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation for the prestigious tournament, which attracts many of the world’s highest-ranked men and women each year.One of the leading events on the international squash calendar, the QTerminals Qatar Classic has built a strong global reputation for its high organizational and technical standards, providing players with an ideal environment in which to compete at their best.The tournament also provides participating players with comprehensive services from the moment they arrive at Hamad International Airport, including five-star accommodation and access to world-class training and competition facilities.Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed that the leading ranked players in both the men’s and women’s draws will compete for the title in Doha.“As always, the Qatar Federation will deliver a tournament of the highest organizational standard and provide an outstanding experience for spectators,” Zainal said, welcoming all the players taking part in this year’s competition.He expressed his delight at the continued commitment of the world’s leading squash players to competing in Doha and at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, which also annually hosts the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, a WTA 1000 event, and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, an ATP 500 tournament. The venue will also stage the World Padel Championship for the third time in around two months.Zainal, on behalf of the Organizing Committee chaired by Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, wished all participating players the best and invited fans to attend the tournament and enjoy world-class squash at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.Launched in 2001, the QTerminals Qatar Classic has established itself as one of the leading tournaments in world squash, regularly attracting many of the sport’s biggest names to Doha.This year’s men’s field features Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi alongside a host of the world’s leading players, including Egypt’s Mostafa Asal, the top seed and last year’s runner-up; Peru’s Diego Elias, a two-time Qatar Classic champion in 2021 and 2024; and New Zealand’s Paul Coll, the defending champion.Al Tamimi has competed in the Qatar Classic on nine previous occasions, with his best result coming in 2022 when he reached the quarterfinals. Qatar’s leading squash player achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 16 on October 30, 2023, his highest position since turning professional in 2011.Among Al Tamimi’s other notable achievements are a bronze medal at the Asian Games in China, the title at the fourth Qatar Squash Federation Bronze tournament and victory at the Qatar Challenger 2023.Al Tamimi faces a challenging opening-round encounter this year against Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, while his Qatar teammate Salem Al Malki will take on Melvil Scianimanico.World No. 1 Mostafa Asal will begin his campaign against Switzerland’s Nicolas Müller as he looks to go one step further after finishing runner-up to Coll last year. Defending champion Coll will open against England’s Mohamed ElShorbagy, while Elias will face American Timmy Brownell.In the women’s draw, Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy returns to Doha to defend the title she won in 2025, having also lifted the trophy in 2023. She will be joined by compatriot Nour El Sherbini, the 2024 champion, as well as Nouran Gohar, who will be seeking her first Qatar Classic title, and American Olivia Weaver.El Hammamy will face fellow Egyptian Hana Moataz in the opening round, while El Sherbini takes on Nada Abbas. Weaver will meet Egypt’s Sana Ibrahim, with Gohar facing compatriot Kenzy Ayman.The world’s leading players will compete for a total prize purse of USD 484,000 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.El Hammamy claimed her second Qatar Classic title last year with a straight-games victory over El Sherbini in the final, winning 11–6, 15–13, 11–8.In the men’s final, Coll captured his first Qatar Classic title after defeating then world No. 1 Asal 3–1 (11–9, 6–11, 11–8, 11–5).

Colombo – Team Qatar secured promotion to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV after edging Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in a thrilling promotion semifinal on Saturday in Colombo, Sri Lanka.The Qatari team showcased remarkable resilience to book their place in the higher regional group, capping an impressive campaign with a composed and determined performance in the decisive tie.Qatar took the early advantage through Mubarak Shanan, who produced a spirited comeback after dropping the opening set to defeat Kirill Kistanov 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the first singles encounter.Kyrgyzstan restored parity when Mirgiiaz Mirdzhaliev overcame Mousa Shanan 6-3, 6-2 in the second singles match, sending the contest into a winner-takes-all doubles rubber.With promotion hanging in the balance, brothers Mubarak and Mousa Shanan delivered under pressure, recovering from a first-set setback to defeat Kirill Kistanov and Mirgiiaz Mirdzhaliev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and seal Qatar's return to Group IV.Following the historic achievement, Khalid Al Khulaifi, Board Member of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, praised the players for their outstanding commitment and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.He said the national team had produced exceptional performances from the opening round to the decisive promotion match, proving themselves worthy ambassadors of Qatari sport and earning promotion through determination, discipline and teamwork.Al Khulaifi attributed the achievement to the players' unwavering dedication, coupled with the tireless efforts of the coaching and administrative staff, stressing that the success reinforces the federation's commitment to investing in national teams, nurturing emerging talent and creating the conditions for sustained international success.Qatar advanced to the promotion semifinals after finishing runners-up in their preliminary group with one victory and one defeat. The team opened the competition with a narrow 2-1 loss to hosts Sri Lanka before responding with a crucial 2-1 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands to secure a place in the knockout stage.The national team arrived in Colombo following a two-week training camp in Thailand as part of its preparations for the tournament. Qatar's squad featured brothers Mubarak and Mousa Shanan, alongside Jabor Al Mutawa. 

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Qatar's national tennis team booked its place in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV semifinals, currently taking place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, after a determined performance in the group stage.The Qatari team advanced after finishing second in Group B with a 1–1 record. Following a narrow 2–1 defeat to host nation Sri Lanka in its opening tie, Qatar responded impressively with a 2–1 victory over the Northern Mariana Islands to secure qualification for the knockout stage.Qatar will now face Kyrgyzstan in Saturday's semifinal, with victory guaranteeing promotion to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group III.The national team is represented by brothers Mousa Shanan and Mubarak Shanan, alongside Jabor Al-Mutawa, who completed a two-week intensive training camp in Thailand as part of the team's preparations for the tournament.Following the victory, Al-Mutawa emphasized the significance of the upcoming semifinal, affirming that the entire team is fully focused on delivering another strong performance and securing promotion to Group III.Under the tournament format, the opening stage was contested in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the crossover semifinals. The winners of each semifinal will earn promotion to the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group III. 

DOHA  - The Qatar Padel Federation announced that the International Padel Federation (FIP) has awarded Doha the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP Padel World Cup, reinforcing Qatar's position as a global destination for major international sporting events.Both editions will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, a venue that has hosted some of the world's most important international Padel events in recent years – including the Qatar Major Premier Padel four times, and the last World Team Championships – and has established itself as one of the sport's leading destinations.The decision to award the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cups to Doha was based on a series of key criteria, including the high quality of sporting infrastructure, the conditions offered to athletes and national delegations, proven experience in staging major international events, high safety standards, financial guarantees, and the strong sporting legacy developed by Qatar in recent years.A further element reflecting the growth and ambition of the FIP World Cup is the prize money, which will reach unprecedented levels in the history of Padel and will be distributed equally between the men's and women's competitions.The 2026 edition will offer a record prize fund of €1.2 million, rising further to €1.35 million in 2028. This represents the highest prize money ever awarded in an official Padel competition and underlines the commitment of FIP and the Qatar Padel Federation to further enhance the prestige of the event and showcase the highest level of competition among national teams.Tareq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Padel Federation, said: "We are honoured by the International Padel Federation's decision to award Doha the hosting rights for both the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cup. Having previously hosted the championship on two occasions, we are proud that Qatar continues to be entrusted with one of the sport's most watched events.""This confidence reflects the dedication of the Qatar Padel Federation and all our partners to delivering world-class tournaments that meet the highest international standards.Hosting two consecutive editions presents a unique opportunity to build on our experience, further enhance the event, and create an exceptional experience for players, teams and fans from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the global Padel community back to Doha and contributing to the continued growth and success of our sport.""The awarding of the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP World Cup to Doha is a decision that looks to the future of our sport," said FIP President Luigi Carraro. He continued: "Qatar has consistently demonstrated that it possesses all the necessary qualities to host world-class events, and awarding two consecutive editions of the World Cup to the country will provide continuity for the tournament's growth, ensuring an outstanding experience for players, federations and fans."Doha is one of the global homes of Padel. On more than one occasion it has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional standards of organization and hospitality, and it holds a special place in the history of international Padel.We are confident it will once again help write new and historic chapters in the story of our sport, with the invaluable contribution of the Qatar Padel Federation, whom I thank for its commitment and passion in supporting the growth of Padel worldwide.