The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) celebrated Olympic Day 2026 on Tuesday by organizing a boxing championship for junior, youth, and senior categories (Knockout) at Oasis of Mall of Qatar. The event formed part of the QOC’s ongoing commitment to promoting Olympic values and principles, encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and raising awareness of sport as a powerful tool for human development and community building.
Held in cooperation with the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, the championship featured competitions across three age categories. Junior boxers competed in the 46kg, 50kg, 57kg, and over-80kg divisions, while youth athletes contested the 55kg, 56kg, 70kg, 80kg, and over-90kg categories. Senior boxers competed in the 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, and 70kg weight classes.
The event also included an interactive segment featuring sports and entertainment quizzes for children and young people, adding excitement and engagement to the celebration. The championship was attended by QOC staff members, representatives of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and visitors and shoppers at Mall of Qatar, who enjoyed the vibrant sporting atmosphere.
Olympic Day was first introduced in 1948 by the International Olympic Committee to commemorate the founding of the modern Olympic Movement by Baron Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894.
Celebrated annually on 23 June, Olympic Day aims to promote sport and physical activity for all while highlighting the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect. It also seeks to strengthen solidarity and mutual understanding among peoples through sport and to emphasize the educational and social role of the Olympic Movement.
On this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, said that the boxing event reflects the federation’s strong belief in creating a lasting sporting legacy through meaningful initiatives that leave a positive impact on society and support the continued development of sport in Qatar.
He added that the event serves as a platform to inspire young people and strengthen their connection with the noble art of boxing, highlighting its important role in improving physical fitness, developing life skills, and instilling values such as strength, discipline, and mental balance among future generations.
Sheikh Fahad concluded by emphasizing that the championship provides an important preparation opportunity for club and national team athletes by enhancing self-confidence, improving focus, and developing physical fitness and combat skills ahead of major upcoming events, including the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Doha 2030 Asian Games.
For his part, Abdulla Faraj Al Sultan, Event Director, stressed that the QOC uses Olympic Day celebrations to strengthen a sustainable sporting foundation that helps identify and nurture promising talent, particularly in boxing. He noted that such events play a key role in developing the skills of young athletes and preparing them to compete at the highest levels, thereby enhancing Qatar’s representation in continental and international competitions.
At the conclusion of the event, Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al Thani and Mr. Abdulaziz Ghanem, Head of Sport Activities section at the QOC crowned the winners and honored sponsors, partners, and volunteers for their valuable contributions.
