Qatari teams wrapped up their campaign at the Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026 in style, finishing with an impressive haul of two gold medals in 3x3 basketball and beach volleyball, along with a silver in beach handball, further cementing their status as a dominant force on the continental stage. Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan delivered a standout performance, clinching beach volleyball gold with a commanding straight-sets victory over Iran in the final 2-0 (21–15, 21–12). The duo showcased remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, topping Group B unbeaten before powering past the Maldives, Uzbekistan, and China in the knockout rounds, and defeating Thailand in the semi-finals on their way to the title. Thailand went on to secure bronze after a 2–0 win against Oman. This triumph adds another chapter to Qatar’s strong legacy in regional beach volleyball, building on their success at the Asian Beach Games 2014 and the Asian Beach Games 2016, where they claimed gold and silver respectively. Qatar Volleyball Federation President Ali Ghanem al-Kuwari dedicated the achievement to the nation’s leadership, stating: “We dedicate this gold medal to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, in recognition of their unwavering support and patronage of sport. We also dedicate this success to the Qatari people, who consistently stand behind their national teams. This accomplishment is the result of a long-term vision built on sustained effort and careful planning.” He added: “The leadership of Sheikh Joaan has played a pivotal role in elevating Qatar’s sporting presence across Asia, positively influencing volleyball and other disciplines. It has strengthened the country’s reputation as a key contributor to the development of sport on the continent, while instilling greater confidence in our national teams as they compete on the international stage.” Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team were also crowned champions after a commanding 21-10 victory over Thailand in the final, capping an outstanding run at the tournament. Qatar opened the knockout stage with a hard-fought 18-16 win against China in a fast-paced, high-intensity semi-final, before carrying that momentum into a one-sided final where they controlled proceedings from start to finish. Thailand had booked their place in the final with a narrow 20–18 victory over the Philippines, while China secured the bronze medal after defeating the Philippines 21-13 in the third-place play-off. Despite the physical and mental demands of playing multiple matches in a single day, the Qatari side displayed remarkable composure. Their trademark fast tempo, sharp execution, and ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities proved decisive as they sealed a well-deserved gold medal. Qatar’s path to the title was built on a flawless group-stage performance, where they topped Group C with victories over Bahrain, Kazakhstan, and India. They then maintained their strong form with a convincing win over Iran in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for their golden finish.In the women’s competition, Qatar exited in the second round after a loss to Singapore, having advanced from the group stage with a third-place finish. Following the victory, Mohammed Saad al-Meghaiseeb, President of the Federation, dedicated the achievement to Qatar’s leadership, noting that the team fully deserved the title based on their performances throughout the tournament. He highlighted that this marks Qatar’s third consecutive gold medal in 3x3 basketball at the Asian Beach Games, following earlier triumphs in 2014 and 2016. He said the victory reflects the players’ high level of preparation and professionalism, particularly in handling the demanding format of multiple decisive matches in a single day. Their discipline, focus, and consistency, he said, were key factors behind the team’s success. Meanwhile, Qatar’s handball team won the silver medal after losing 2-1 to Iran in the final Wednesday. The achievement capped a strong tournament campaign. Qatar opened their run with victories over Pakistan, Oman, Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Jordan, before topping their group with a win over Thailand. They then defeated Bahrain in the semi-finals to reach the final. Thailand secured bronze after defeating Bahrain 2-0 in the third-place match. The Qatari beach handball team remains one of the strongest sides on the continental and international stage, with a decorated record that includes Asian Beach Games titles in 2012 (China), 2014 (Thailand), and 2016 (Vietnam). They also won silver at the 2022 World Games and bronze medals at the World Championship in 2014 and 2016, underlining their sustained competitiveness across major tournaments.

Hyderabad Kingsmen thumped Rawalpindiz by 108 runs to displace Lahore Qalandars from the fourth spot on the points table based on better net run rate as they defended their mammoth 244-6 total here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi Sunday afternoon. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, Usman Khan and Kusal Perera’s blazing half-centuries took Kingsmen to a total well beyond the 200-run mark as they were required to win by at least 86 runs and overtake Qalandars. In turn, pacer Hunain Shah proved to be the difference as he bagged T20 career best 4-22 after Rawalpindiz were cruising at 56-1 in 5.2 overs. With 245 needed to win their second game of the tournament, the Rawalpindiz could have still ended Kingsmen’s journey in the tournament if they scored 159 or more but fell for 136 all out in 17.1 overs losing seven for 42 in 7.2 overs. Usman Khawaja, who remained 66 not out off 43 balls hitting nine fours, couldn’t find any stable partners after walking in to bat in the second over with the fall of Shahzaib Khan to Akif Javed. Khawaja and Rizwan collected 43 runs off 22 balls to scare the Kingsmen but not to be. Player of the match Hunain created impact straightaway in his first over as he removed Mohammad Rizwan (26, 15b, 4x4s) and castled Kamran Ghulam for a duck in a space of three balls. At this juncture, Sam Billings (23, 12b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Khawaja again threatened Kingsmen’s hopes with a fluent 38-run stand, which included two sixes and as many fours.Akif induced a false shot off Billings after getting hit for a six and began the rot in Rawalpindiz batting at 94-4 in 10 overs. Akif then got rid of the dangerous Dian Forrester in the 12th over after which wickets fell at regular intervals with Rawalpindiz losing five for 34. Akif picked up three for 38, while Mohammad Ali and Glenn Maxwell picked up one wicket each. Earlier, Kingsmen came out all guns blazing after they were asked to bat first and were faced with the challenge of posting a mammoth total on the board. Following skipper Marnus Labuschagne’s (5, 5b, 1x4) early departure, Maaz Sadaqat (28, 11b, 5x4s, 1x6) and Usman Khan brisk 54-runs stand to take 64 runs off the first five overs. Saim Ayub (12, 5b, 1x4, 1x6) then launched a six and a four in last over of powerplay as Kingsmen found themselves 78-2 in six overs. Usman, who contributed a fiery 54 off 26 balls, hit four fours and as many sixes in his outing. Saad Masood struck twice at the start of ninth over to remove Usman and Muhammad Irfan Khan to leave Kingsmen 119-5. With the innings on crossroads, top-scorer Maxwell (70, 37b, 8x4s, 3x6s) and Perera (50 not out, 30b, 5x4s, 1x6) came together to put on a game-changing partnership of 108 off 59 balls. Before falling on the first ball of last over, Maxwell unleashed fury on Rawalpindiz bowling attack as he hit Sears for a six and four in 11th over and two fours in 18th over, Amir for three fours in 17th over and Amad Butt for two consecutive maximums in 19th over. It was his 59th T20 half-century. Perera brought up his third HBL PSL fifty and played a supportive knock. Hassan Khan closed the innings in emphatic manner hitting Forrester for a four and two sixes on the last three balls as he finished with 16 off four. In the day’s inconsequential match Sunday, Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by four wickets as the PSL phase wrapped up before the playoffs. BRIEF SCORESHyderabad Kingsmen 244 for 6 (Maxwell 70, Usman Khan 54*, Masood 2-34) beat Rawalpindiz 136 all out (Khawaja 66*, Hunain 4-22, Javed 3-38) by 108 runsBRIEF SCORESIslamabad United 193 for 6 (Chapman 69*, Shadab 36, Akram 2-41) beat Multan Sultans 192 for 7 (Masood 44, Arafat 21, Imad 1-23) by four wickets