Sports

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), met Wednesday with Battushig Batbold, President of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MNOC) and Member of the International Olympic Committee, who is currently visiting Doha. The meeting reviewed aspects of sports cooperation between the two sides and discussed several topics of mutual interest, including preparations for the upcoming Asian Games – Nagoya 2026. The meeting was attended by the QOC Secretary General HE Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain.On the sidelines of the meeting, the QOC and the MNOC signed a Memorandum of Understanding aiming at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two NOCs in the fields of sport and Olympic development.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani said: "We are pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with the Mongolian National Olympic Committee, which establishes a clear framework to develop and expand cooperation between our two Olympic committees.""We are committed to activating this MoU through collaborative programs that promote sporting excellence and support athletes in both countries. Our sporting journey in Qatar is built on accumulated knowledge and experience, and we look forward to advancing shared Olympic goals with our partners." He added. Battushig Batbold expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to formalize this partnership, noting that the agreement marks a valuable step in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Mongolia and Qatar in the field of sport. He also highlighted Mongolia’s interest in benefiting from Qatar’s expertise in sports organization and development. The signing of the MoU represents a significant step forward in building a strategic partnership between the QOC and the Mongolian NOC, and in promoting shared values in sport, Olympic education, and sustainable development.

Under the theme ‘20 Years of Integrity and Excellence’, the Qatar Anti-Doping Commission (QADC) held a national celebration Wednesday, to mark its 20th anniversary and inaugurate its new headquarters in Doha.The event was attended by Witold Bańka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), along with a number of dignitaries, sports officials, and media representatives from Qatar and abroad.The occasion highlighted the commission’s institutional evolution since its founding in 2005, culminating in its official recognition this year as an “Independent National Anti-Doping Organization.”QADC continues to promote a clean sporting environment through testing programs, education, awareness campaigns, and adherence to international standards.The event featured presentations on QADC’s strategic plan for 2023–2027 and showcased key milestones from the past two decades, including its contributions to major sporting events such as the 2006 Asian Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, among others.Reflecting Qatar’s strong commitment to clean sport on the global stage, WADA announced during the event that it had received an additional financial contribution of USD 1.5mn from the Government of Qatar to support scientific research—on top of Qatar’s regular annual contribution. This funding will be directed toward enhancing scientific research at the WADA-accredited laboratory in Doha, supporting global research projects, and expanding the annual laboratory symposium, which brings together leading international experts. This initiative underscores the close partnership between Qatar and WADA and their shared commitment to advancing integrity in sport through innovation and global collaboration.During the event, QADC also unveiled several new initiatives, including:The launch of the new national awareness slogan “Just Play”The introduction of a bilingual national educational toolkit (in Arabic and English)The debut of the first interactive content designed for the visually impaired, developed in collaboration with the Qatar Cultural Center for the BlindSimultaneously, QADC presented its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the achievement of operational targets with 2,269 doping tests conducted and over 4,000 educational events organized. The Commission also achieved five international ISO certifications across multiple domains.The event concluded with a visual presentation titled “Behind This Success – The QADC Team,” celebrating staff contributions, followed by a private meeting between the QADC Board of Directors and the WADA delegation, and a group photo session to commemorate the occasion.

The Local Organising Committee of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 announced Tuesday that the Final draw for both tournaments will be held in Doha on May 25.Taking place at the Raffles Hotel, the event marks a major milestone for both tournaments, and will bring together Qatari, regional and global football legends for a star-studded ceremony.Sixteen teams will participate in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, taking place from 1-18 December. Nine teams have already qualified automatically based on FIFA rankings, including defending champions Algeria and hosts Qatar. The remaining seven will be determined via play-offs that will take place in November.The FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will be the first 48-team FIFA World Cup tournament, with a total of 104 matches played over 25 days. The 2025 edition is the first of five consecutive editions to be hosted in Qatar through to 2029. For all information related to the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and other mega events hosted by Qatar, follow @RoadtoQatar on all social media platforms.

England’s Tom Jarvis and Croatia’s Lea Rakovac are making significant waves at the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha, with both players delivering standout performances Tuesday. Jarvis, fresh off his upset victory over 10th seed Dang Qiu on Monday, yesterday continued his remarkable form by securing a commanding 4-0 (11-9, 14-12, 12-10, 11-7) win against Romania’s Iulian Chirita. The Englishman has yet to drop a game in his second match, firmly establishing himself as one of the tournament’s breakthrough talents. His consistent, unblemished record in the early stages positions him as a strong contender moving into the Round of 16. Meanwhile, the extraordinary journey of Croatia’s Rakovac captivated audiences once again as she claimed another major upset, defeating Korea Republic’s 17th seed Suh Hyo Won 4-2. This victory held profound significance for Rakovac, who had suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Suh in her World Championships debut 12 years ago, in 2013. Yesterday’s triumph marks a complete redemption story for the Croatian, eliminating Suh in what is widely believed to be the Korean defensive specialist’s final World Championships appearance. Rakovac’s inspiring performance underscores her resilience and growth on the international stage. In what will surely rank as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, France’s Simon Gauzy stunned China’s Lin Gaoyuan 4-2 (2-11, 11-8, 13-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-3) to advance to the men’s singles Round of 16. The Frenchman recovered brilliantly after a slow start, showcasing tremendous mental fortitude and tactical brilliance to overcome one of China’s elite players. In another seismic upset, Italy’s young star Gaia Monfardini eliminated Hong Kong, China’s Doo Hoi Kem in a nail-biting seven-game thriller 4-3 (11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 4-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7). The Italian teenager showed incredible composure in the deciding game to claim the biggest win of her career and become the first Italian woman to reach the Round of 32 at the World Championships in over a decade. “I’m not sure what to say anymore. It’s crazy. I knew I was playing well against her, but I didn’t expect this, even when I was leading. I never dared to think that I could win this,” Monfardini said. “This win confirms that I can trust myself, as there have been many times I doubted. Sometimes it’s difficult to stay strong. This is table tennis — it’s a technical game, but in the end, it becomes a mind game. You’re playing against yourself,” she added. When asked about her next match against Shin Yubin, Monfardini said yesterday: “I’m not going to think too much. It doesn’t matter if I’m behind or in front — I’m just going point by point.” Meanwhile Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna lived up to his reputation as Africa’s finest, defeating Germany’s 14th seed Benedikt Duda 4-2 (11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 2-11, 12-10, 11-9) in their highly anticipated clash. Aruna, who made history in 2021 as the first African player to reach the men’s singles quarter-finals at the World Championships, showed why he remains one of the most dangerous players in the draw, combining explosive power with tactical awareness to overcome his European rival. The women’s singles event saw several top seeds progress comfortably, with China’s Chen Xingtong (3) defeating Serbia’s Izabela Lupulesku 4-1 (11-1, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 14-12), while her compatriot Shi Xunyao (16) made light work of Korea Republic’s Park Gahyeon 4-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7). Romania’s Bernadette Szocs (11) ended the impressive run of Chinese Taipei’s Li Yu-Jhun with a controlled 4-1 (11-9, 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7) victory, while Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi (13) overcame Turkiye’s Sibel Altinkaya 4-1 (11-6, 11-7, 11-3, 6-11, 11-6). World number one Lin Shidong began his men’s singles campaign in emphatic fashion, dispatching Hong Kong, China’s Lam Siu Hang 4-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6). Similarly dominant was world number two Wang Chuqin, who eliminated Wong Chun Ting 4-0 (12-10, 11-6, 11-5, 11-7) in a high-quality all-Chinese match. Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, the third seed, made light work of Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, winning 4-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-5, 11-4), while China’s fifth seed Liang Jingkun ended the run of Portugal’s Marcos Freitas with a comfortable 4-0 (11-8, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4) victory. In the women’s singles, Japan’s Miwa Harimoto (5) looked in imperious form in her 4-0 (11-3, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9) win over Germany’s Yuan Wan, while her compatriot Mima Ito (8) was equally impressive in defeating Argentina’s Rosalba Aguiar by the same scoreline. Also Tuesday, Sweden’s Anton Kallberg beat Qatar’s Mohammed Abdulwahhab in straight sets. Kallberg won 11-6, 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 to reach the Round of 16.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the 53rd edition of the Amir Cup, as Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa secured their spots in the final after decisive victories over Al Ahli and Umm Salal, respectively. The two Qatari giants will meet in the title clash on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium, each aiming to lift one of the country's most prestigious football trophies.Al Rayyan booked their place in the final for the 19th time in club history with a commanding 3-0 win over Al Ahli. Paraguayan striker Adam Bareiro led the charge with a brace, while Brazilian forward Roger Guedes - top scorer of the Qatar Stars League - added the third, bringing his tournament tally to four goals and securing the top spot in the current scoring chart.Notably, Al Ahli were the first-ever champions of the Amir Cup, having defeated Al Rayyan 6-1 in the inaugural final - a record for the highest-scoring final that still stands.Meanwhile, Al Gharafa secured their 13th final appearance, beating Umm Salal 4-2. Despite trailing 0-2 just 23 minutes in, Pedro Martins' side responded emphatically, with goals from Spaniard Joselu, Mohammed Muntari, and Yacine Brahimi flipping the match on its head before halftime.Muntari added his second after the break to seal the win and confirm Al Gharafa's shot at an eighth Amir Cup title. The club's first title came in 1995, and they remain the only team to have won the tournament four times in a row (1995-1998), ahead of Al Arabi's three consecutive titles between 1978 and 1980.Across 18 matches played in this year's competition, the 20 participating teams combined for 60 goals - an average of 3.3 per match. Four games were decided via penalty shootouts, with all nine penalties awarded during regulation time successfully converted. Referees handed out 85 yellow cards and four red cards throughout the tournament.Saturday's match will mark the seventh Amir Cup final meeting between Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa. Their first showdown came in 1996, when Al Gharafa (then Al Ittihad) triumphed 5-2 at Khalifa International Stadium. They met again in 1997, with Al Gharafa winning on penalties following a 1-1 draw.Al Rayyan responded in 1999 with a 2-1 victory at the same venue, and repeated the feat in 2006 via a shootout after another 1-1 draw. Al Gharafa reclaimed the title in 2009 with a 2-1 win, while Al Rayyan had the final word in their most recent final encounter, taking the 39th edition 2-1.

The upcoming Jordan Rally will be the fourth round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) and Jordan Motorsport on Monday announced that 22 cars grace the official entry list for the event taking place from May 29 to 31.Crews will tackle a dozen special stages and 196km competitive kilometres in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas. The event will also count towards the new Junior and Master Championships for Drivers.Qatar’s Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah and Candido Carrera head the field after winning the opening three rounds of the season in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. They will be aiming to defend a 31-point lead over Rakan al-Rashed and Hugo Magalhaes in their respective MERC Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ Championships. The record 16-time winner of the event lays trust in his Autotek Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.A total of eight Rally2 machines grace the entry list: defending regional champion Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, the 2023 MERC champion Abdullah al-Rawahi, Qatari Nasser Khalifa al-Atya, Bassal Abu Hamdan and the Jordanian duo of Sheikh Bader al-Fayez and Ihab al-Shorafa complete the list. Both local drivers have entered Skoda Fabias.Oman’s Zakariya al-Aamri and Abdullah al-Zubair are currently locked in their own battle for supremacy in the FIA MERC2 category in a pair of Subarus and they head a list of seven crews aiming for showroom class honours.Local knowledge may favour the defending regional champion Shaker Jweihan, while Kuwait’s Jassim al-Muqahwi and Salem al-Dhafeeri, Lebanon’s Shadi al-Fakih and Palestine’s Hamada Uda round off the MERC2 field. All five challengers to the front-running Omani duo wheel out Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xs.Qatari Rashid al-Mohannadi has a commanding lead in the two-wheel drive FIA MERC4 category after three rounds. He faces competition from young Qatar Academy drivers, Mohammed al-Marri and Saad al-Harqan, and Indian driver Payyakkal Panikkaveettil (Ford Fiesta). All three Qataris drive French-built Peugeot 208s.The local duo of Shadi Shaban and Mohammed Al-Shorafa and Lebanon’s Joanna Hasoun round off the entry in a trio of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IXs. All but two of the 22 entrants are registered for the MERC.

Al Rayyan entered the final of the Amir Cup basketball defeating Al Ahli 106-73 in the third and final game of the semi-final at the Gharafa Indoor Hall on Monday. Demarquis D’Angelo Bost scored a match-high 31 points (4 rebounds and 6 assists) for the winners. Abdulla Yassin Mousa also chipped in with 22 points. For Al Ahli, Raekwon Deshawn Rogers and Danny Akintunde Agbelese netted 27 and 12 points respectively. Al Rayyan will take on defending champions Al Arabi in the final on May 27.

Al Gharafa booked their place in the Amir Cup final with a pulsating 4–2 win over Umm Salal in the semi-finals last night at Thani bin Jassim Stadium. Gharafa will face Al Rayyan in what promises to be a thrilling final on May 24 at the Khalifa International Stadium.In a dramatic first half, Umm Salal raced to a 2–0 lead through Othman al-Yahri and an own goal by Aron Gunnarsson. But Al Gharafa roared back before the break — former Real Madrid forward Joselu halved the deficit five minutes before halftime, before substitute Mohammed Muntari struck the equaliser. Moments later, Yacine Brahimi calmly converted a penalty to give Al Gharafa a 3–2 lead heading into the interval.Muntari added his second of the night in the second half to seal a memorable win for Al Gharafa, who will now face Al Rayyan in the final of the 53rd edition of Qatar’s most prestigious tournament.The final promises fireworks as both teams look to add to their trophy haul. It will be the fourth Amir Cup meeting between the two sides, with Al Gharafa having won the most recent clash 4–2 in last year’s quarter-finals.Al Gharafa winger Ahmed Al Ganehi admitted his side made things difficult for themselves early on, but praised the team’s fighting spirit. “It was a tough match. We gave Umm Salal the lead due to our mistakes, but we bounced back beautifully,” he said.“Winning this prestigious trophy is a dream for all of us. There's one more obstacle ahead. The final will be tough, but we promise our fans that we’ll give everything to win the Amir Cup. I hope even more fans will come out to support us in the final.”Al Gharafa will face Al Rayyan in what promises to be a thrilling final. The two sides have a storied rivalry in the Amir Cup, with this being their fourth meeting in the competition. Their most notable clash came in the 2008 final, where Al Rayyan emerged victorious.In the 2016 edition, Al Gharafa edged past Al Rayyan on penalties in the third round. Most recently, Al Gharafa defeated Al Rayyan 4–2 in last year’s quarter-finals.Meanwhile, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has released tickets for the Amir Cup final. In a move to ensure accessibility for all, ticket prices have been structured to accommodate different budgets.First Class tickets are priced at QR50, Second Class at QR30 and Third Class at just QR10. Each individual can purchase up to ten tickets, and a variety of electronic payment methods are available to facilitate smooth and secure transactions. Fans can book their tickets directly through the official QFA ticketing portal at http://tickets.qfa.qa, making the process convenient and user-friendly.Adding to the festive spirit, ticket holders will also have access to a range of pre-match activities designed to enhance the overall fan experience. These include interactive zones, entertainment for families and children, and entry into prize draws with valuable giveaways, courtesy of the tournament’s sponsors and partners.

Qatar’s top beach volleyball pair Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan won the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Xiamen Challenge in China Sunday. The two-time Olympians and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists Qatari pair defeated Switzerland’s Marco Krattiger and Leo Dillier 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) in the final -- their very first appearance on the 2025 Tour.

A brace from Adam Bareiro and a penalty strike from Roger Guedes saw an attacking Al Rayyan blank Al Ahli 3-0 to storm into the final of Amir Cup football at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium Sunday.Bareiro struck the opening goal in the 30th minute following a free kick and the Ahli defenders' attempts to clear the ball. But after a header and a deflection, the ball fell into a vacant space and Bareiro snatched the chance to strike with his left foot into the left corner of the net past a diving goalkeeper.Bareiro doubled the lead for Al Rayyan seven minutes later while he chested the ball after a long throw-in lob and turned about to beat a marking defender and then the goalkeeper.Al Rayyan attacked more in the second half keeping the Ahli defence on their toes.In the 86th minute, Al Rayyan's Hashim Shehata was fouled by Driss Fettouhi while leaping for a cross in front of the goal and the referee ruled a penalty.Guedes, who took the spot kick, struck firmly into the right side of the goal much to the agony of Al Ahli.On Monday, Umm Salal will meet Al Gharafa in the second semi-final at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at 7pm.Al Gharafa, after beating defending champions Al Sadd in penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, are keen to keep momentum going.“The Amir Cup is now our primary objective, and we’re determined to reach the final,” said Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins.“Umm Salal have shown great resilience and tactical discipline to reach this stage. We need to stay focused, minimize errors, and make the most of our strengths.”Umm Salal’s run to the semi-finals has been particularly impressive, especially after narrowly avoiding relegation with a playoff win. Their quarter-final hero was goalkeeper Landing Badji, who saved three penalties to secure a dramatic shootout win over Al Shamal.

The Qatar Chess Association (QCA) concluded Doha Open blitz and rapid chess tournament held at the Hyatt Plaza Mall, drawing the participation of approximately 120 players from across the region. The event, which aimed to promote chess culture within the community, witnessed intense competition and the emergence of both established and rising talents.In the highly anticipated nine-round Swiss-style blitz competition, International Grandmaster Victor Bologan of Moldova demonstrated his prowess, securing first place. He was closely followed by Qatari national team stalwart and former world champion contender Jo Chen, who claimed the second position.Rounding out the top three was Johan Jobsy.The Best Qatari Player award in the blitz category was presented to Irfan Mohammed, while Layan Al-Qassabi was recognized as the Best Qatari Female Player. The Best Qatari Under-20 Player award went to Gerbi.The Under-16 category, featuring 100 players, showcased a seven-round rapid chess format. Here, Qatari player Irfan Mohammed once again distinguished himself, clinching the first-place title. Indian players dominated the subsequent positions, with Paranav Pardeep securing second place, followed by his compatriots Ayyappan Ashwath Narayanan in third and Apil Sajan in fourth. Mohammed Jarbi earned the Best Qatari Player award in this category, while Rawda Al-Qassabi was named the Best Qatari Female Player. Further accolades were given to young Qatari talents: Turki Bawazir (Best Qatari Player under 14), Lujain Al-Fahdawi (Best Qatari Female Player under 12), Khaled Al-Ziyara (Best Qatari Player under 10), and Abdulaziz Al-Mahasneh (Best Qatari Player under 8).Adding to the diverse accolades, India's Apil Sajan was recognized as the Best Player overall in the Under-16 rapid section, while Sunil Kurup received the award for Best Player from the QCF Training Centers.Hamad al-Tamimi, Executive Director of the Qatar Chess Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's success and the high level of engagement from the participants. He highlighted Irfan Mohammed's impressive victory in the Rapid Chess Championship as a significant achievement for Qatari chess. Al-Tamimi emphasized the strategic partnership with Hyatt Plaza Mall, stating that hosting such events in popular venues is crucial for expanding the reach of chess.He further revealed the Federation's ongoing efforts to collaborate with various shopping malls to promote the game, particularly as Qatar prepares to host the prestigious World Cup later this year. Al-Tamimi also commended the strong performance of the Qatari national team players, underscoring the Federation's commitment to providing them with valuable experience and competitive opportunities in preparation for future international events.

Hussain Saeed Haidan clinched the Al Shaqab Champions (130cm) CSI1* class while Faraa Team stood out as best in the second round of the Al Shaqab National Showjumping League which concluded at the Longines Indoor Arena of Al Shaqab on Saturday. Haidan, riding D Saucedo, topped the One round against the clock event returning the best flawless routine in 65.44secs. Saad Ahmed al-Saad on Fashion des Douits was second (66.58secs) while Thorsten Wittenberg on Casallino 12 finished third (69.85secs). Mohammad Jaber al-Khayarin, Manager of the Equine Education Department at Al Shaqab, awarded the podium winners. In the team competition, Faraa team comprising Khaled al-Hadi, Tamim bin Joaan HK al-Thani, Hayfa Hamad al-Thani, Suhaim Hamad al-Yafei and Mohammed Saeed al-Muhannadi claimed the top podium place followed by the Harity and Afreen Team. Hamza al-Kuwari, Corporate Services Director at Al Shaqab honoured the riders with their prizes. The Junior Champions - Special Two Phases (115cm) class title was bagged by Amer Hamad al-Mansoori, who astride Honolulu Brl clocked clear 27.70 and 34.59secs. Mohammed Faisal al-Marri on Haines was second (29.71 & 38.74secs), and Ahmad Jassim al-Suwaidi, riding Mona Lansia M, third (30.1 & 44.42secs). Hamza al-Kuwari, Corporate Services Director at Al Shaqab awarded the riders of the Junior Champions Class. Mohammed Faisal Al Marri continued to excel in the Amateur - Special Two Phases (90cm) class taking the top spot. Abdulla Saleh Al Obaidly was second and Alia Raed Alfaddah was third. Mohammed Saeed al-Muhannadi, Abdulaziz Hamad al-Kaabi and Al Qaqaa bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani completed the top six podium places. Khalid al -Jehani, Breeding and Show Manager at Al Shaqab, honoured the winners with their prizes. The Introductory Class - Optimum Time (60cm) saw Abdulaziz Nayef al-Hajri, Tamim Fahad al-Marri, Ibrahim Ahmad al-Hammadi, Saoud Abdulla al-Muhannadi, Alya Ahmad al -Khater and Abdulaziz Ahmad al-Jehani take the top six spots. Lahdan al-Boainain, Equestrian Institute Specialist at Al Shaqab awarded the riders. The next two Al Shaqab League rounds are scheduled for May 23–24, and May 30–31. Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, Al Shaqab continues its pioneering role in advancing sports and promoting a culture of excellence and innovation in equestrianism through its national showjumping league.

In a landmark moment for Qatari table tennis, Mohamed Abdulwahab has made history by advancing to the round of 64 at the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Doha 2025, which got underway at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University Sports Complex Saturday.Facing New Zealand’s World 104th Alfred Della Pena in the round of 128, Abdulwahab delivered a commanding performance, winning 4-0 (11-5, 11-2, 15-13, 11-1) to become the first-ever Qatari player to reach the main draw of the men’s singles event at a World Championship.Speaking after the match, Abdulwahab expressed his pride at achieving what he called a “historic and unprecedented” result. “I am proud of this result, especially knowing that even some of the world’s best players were knocked out in the first round,” he said.“Qualifying for the next stage is a huge honour for me — my happiness is indescribable.”Abdulwahab, who was also chosen to take the players’ oath during the opening ceremony, said the honour marked the beginning of a truly unforgettable tournament experience. “Being selected to take the oath on behalf of all participating players was already a moment of great pride for me,” he said. “This result builds on that, and I hope to continue performing at my best in the upcoming rounds.”Meanwhile, It’s was a frantic start to the World Championships in the morning session, with tenth seed Dang Qiu requiring late inspiration to fend off a dangerous challenge from Filip Zeljko (11-6, 7-11, 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-8).Qiu, who reached the last 16 two years back at 2023 Worlds, was looking for four wins in a row against his Croatian counterpart, but Zeljko was out to make a statement, pushing his former youth rival all the way. Three times Zeljko trailed, and he responded to each setback with a positive mentality, going for his shots in the pressure moments to keep Qiu on his toes.Six games weren’t enough to find a winner as Zeljko refused to go down without a fight, holding a 6-7 lead in the decider. With time running out, Qiu needed to find something late on, and he’d eventually weather the storm, digging deep in the closing stages of the match to squeeze into the second round.Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Qiu now turns his attention to the round of 64 where Tom Jarvis awaits.Jarvis banked his spot beyond the opening hurdle thanks to a 4-1 win over Benedek Olah, keeping his composure after a third game setback to ignite his in Doha (11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5)."He’s a very tricky player, he’s got a lot of quality and if you’re not careful you can make it really difficult for yourself. I lost a close match to him at the end of last year, so I went back and reviewed that and had lots of conversations with the coach, made a gameplan and did a lot of good preparation. Luckily, I was able to execute today." Jarvis said.Meanwhile, Giulia Takahashi has made an impactful start on her singles debut at Worlds, sending a message of intent to the rest of the playing field with a ruthless 4-0 victory over Hope Udoaka (11-3, 11-1, 11-6, 11-8).Competing at the ITTF World Youth Championships on multiple occasions, this was the first time Giulia had stepped up on the senior stage, and she couldn’t have asked for a more perfect debut. Controlling the pace from start to finish, Takahashi enjoyed her time at the table, playing with an air of freedom as she embraced the spotlight on one of the sport’s most historic stages.Despite her best efforts, Udoaka couldn’t live with Takahashi’s aggression, and after four games the W firmly belonged to the Brazilian ace. "It was my first match so I was a little bit nervous, and my first tactic was to be calm. My coach was always there shouting to me, “be calm, come on Giulia.” He was next to me, supporting me and I think this was the most important for me," said Giulia Takahashi.Over on Table 1, Sun Yingsha kickstarted her title defence with a complete performance, brushing aside Veronika Matiunina in dominant fashion (11-5, 11-6, 11-5, 11-7).The 2023 champ was facing a somewhat unknown quantity in Matiunina, taking on the rising star for the first time. But there was no huge shock to write home about as ShaSha delivered a professional display, sticking the landing in four games to move on through to the last 64.“It’s my first match in the Championships and my performance was within my normal range. I wasn’t quite familiar with my opponent – I got to know who I was up against two or three days after my arrival. The most important thing that I need to do is to focus, upon which I have done a great job. I hope to be in my best form as the tournament progresses,” said Sun Yingsha.Japan’s seventh seed Satsuki Odo began her championship with a confident 4-0 victory (11-5, 11-10, 11-8, 11-5) against Paulina Vega.South Korea’s Shin Yubin delivered a similarly decisive 4-0 (11-5, 11-7, 11-3, 11-3) result against Lisa Gear, while Li Yu-Jhun defeated Daniela Fonseca 4-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5). In a more competitive encounter, Andreea Dragoman overcame Jinnipa Sawettabut 4-1 (11-5, 6-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7), to kickstart her campaign.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, officially inaugurated the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships - Doha 2025, hosted at Lusail Sports Arena and Qatar University Sports Complex. The competition will continue until May 25, featuring 640 players from 127 countries representing all five continents.The opening ceremony was attended by Petra Sorling, President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), along with several dignitaries and leaders from Asian and international sports and Olympic movements.In a poignant national moment, the Qatari national anthem was played amidst gentle lighting and a backdrop showcasing the national flag, followed by a welcoming address from Sheikh Joaan, who is also the Chairman of the Championship’s Supreme Organizing Committee, affirming Qatar’s commitment to organising international sporting events that foster cultural exchange and elevate the game.During his speech at the opening ceremony, Khalil bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, President of the Qatar Table Tennis Federation, President of both the Arab and Asian Table Tennis Unions, First Vice President of ITTF, and Director General of the Championship, stated: "On behalf of myself and the organising committee, I warmly welcome Qatar’s guests from all over the world to this major sporting event. We are immensely proud to host the World Table Tennis Championships for the second time in Qatar’s history, marking Qatar as the first Middle Eastern country to host this global event since the 2004 edition."Al-Mohannadi added, "This extraordinary moment reaffirms Qatar’s established position as the region’s sporting capital and its ongoing dedication to becoming a global meeting point and host for major sporting events, uniting the world through fair competition and mutual respect. We hope the tournament will exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship and organisation, reflecting the immense effort and preparation made over the past months."Concluding his speech, Al-Mohannadi expressed gratitude to Sheikh Joaan for his significant support, saying, "We hope this championship will be a memorable sporting milestone, creating beautiful memories for all participants and strengthening bridges of communication and understanding among peoples through sport. Welcome to Qatar, and always welcome."The opening ceremony featured diverse and entertaining segments, combining sportsmanship, cultural heritage, and spectacular visual elements, effectively showcasing the championship’s global significance.The ceremony began with a dynamic visual display on illuminated screens highlighting the championship’s history and notable moments, accompanied by enthusiastic welcomes for participating delegations and spectators, conveyed by the lead presenter expressing Qatar's pride in hosting the event.The ceremony emphasised cultural and geographic diversity among participating countries and the importance of international sports cooperation in an energetic and appreciative introduction.Petra Sorling, President of the ITTF, delivered a speech appreciating the excellent organization and praising the level of international participation and preparation for the championship.Representatives of the athletes and referees took the official oath, reaffirming their commitment to integrity and fair competition, accompanied by an elegant audiovisual presentation enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.One highlight included the presentation of a promotional video for the official championship mascots, ‘Saree’ and ‘Sareea’ who later appeared interactively on stage, delightfully greeting the audience with engaging visuals and audio.Qatari heritage was prominently showcased with the traditional Al Ardha performance, a folkloric dance expressing pride and cultural identity, linking Qatar’s cultural roots with the international sporting event.An exciting highlight was a captivating light and laser show synchronized with electronic music, visual effects, and smoke, embodying the spirit of table tennis and merging innovation with creativity, eliciting enthusiastic audience interaction.

Defending champions Al Arabi entered the final of the Amir Cup basketball after securing a 104-75 victory over Al Wakrah in game two of best of three semi-finals at Al Gharafa Sports Club Indoor Hall Saturday. Al Arabi’ss Elmedin Kikanovic netted match-high 21 points, while Aaron Randolph Mitchell was the top scorer for Al Wakrah with 20 points. In the second semi-final, Al Ahli defeated Al Rayyan 85-82 to level the series 1-1. Terry Crump scored 24 points for the winners. The third and final match is scheduled for May 19 at 7pm.

With heavyweights Al Sadd and Al Duhail out of contention for the Amir Cup title, the race is now wide open among four teams vying for Qatar’s most prestigious football trophy. In the first semi-final on Sunday, Al Rayyan face Al Ahli at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, while Monday’s clash pits Umm Salal against Al Gharafa at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.Al Gharafa stunned favourites Al Sadd in a dramatic quarter-final decided by penalties, while Al Rayyan also needed a shootout to edge past defending champions Al Duhail. With both teams dispatching top-tier opposition, they will now fancy their chances of lifting the title — though Al Ahli and Umm Salal will be eager to play spoilers and create their own slice of history.On the eve of the semi-final, Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge said all four teams would carry the belief that they can reach the final. “We’ve reached the penultimate stage of the tournament, and that demands our absolute best. Securing a place in the final is now a legitimate ambition for every team remaining,” Jorge said Saturday.Reflecting on his team's recent form, he noted: “In our last match, the players responded well, although I wasn’t fully satisfied with our first-half performance. Now, everyone is focused and committed. We know the task ahead is tough, especially after that intense quarter-final against Al Duhail.”He added: “We hope to avoid complications against a well-organized team that has performed at a high level this season. They have quality players, so our concentration must be total. Cup matches are different — they demand a different mentality than the league.”Midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem said the team is determined to bring Rayyan back to the podium. “There’s no doubt this is a crucial and difficult confrontation that demands great effort. Reaching the final is our main goal, and we want to do it for our loyal fans, who have always stood by us,” said Hatem.“We’re just one step away, but facing Al Ahli won’t be easy — especially after the level of intensity we saw in the match against Al Duhail,” he continued. “We’re looking to show the fighting spirit that can take us through. Everyone is united behind the goal of restoring Al Rayyan’s status after a long absence from the top.”Al Ahli coach Igor Biscan urged his team to give it their all. “Cup matches are fiercely competitive, and every team is fighting for more than just a place in the final. We must give our best,” Biscan said. “We’re up against an experienced Al Rayyan side that has shown strong form this season, so we have to remain sharp and take advantage of our attacking transitions.”Biscan confirmed that key midfielder Julian Draxler will miss the game due to injury. “Draxler has had a great season and is an important player for us, but we won’t dwell on his absence. Our full focus is on the players available.”Al Ahli midfielder Jassim Mohammed said reaching the final would be an “honour.” “We’re determined to deliver the kind of performance this match demands. It’s going to be a tough contest between two strong sides,” said Jassim. “This season, we’ve surprised many with our level, and we want to carry that momentum into what might be our toughest match yet.”He added: “Reaching the Amir Cup final would be a tremendous honour. Al Ahli hasn’t made it to the final since 2003, and that alone gives us extra motivation to write a new chapter in the club’s history.”Amir Cup Semi-finals:Sunday: Al Rayyan vs Al Ahli – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, 7pmMonday: Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa – Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, 7pm

Team Qatar’s junior artistic gymnastics squad has secured a historic achievement at the West Asian Gymnastics Championship, currently taking place in Jordan from 14 to 18 May, by clinching the bronze medal in the team competition. In a fiercely contested event, the young Qatari gymnasts delivered impressive performances and consistent results that earned them a place on the podium in one of the region’s most competitive tournaments. The Qatari junior team consists of Ahmed Sameer, Omar al-Hefnawi, Yousef Ahmed, and Fares Shadi. Rising star Sameer also added to the team’s tally with a bronze medal in the all-around event, before going on to claim a gold medal on the floor exercise with a standout routine. His teammate Yousef Ahmed also shone on the same apparatus, winning silver, further underlining the strength of Qatar’s next generation of gymnasts.

Two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was outshone by fellow Jamaican Tia Clayton at the Doha Diamond League meeting on Friday.Fraser-Pryce, 38, was competing on the Diamond League circuit for the first time for three years but finished fourth in the 100m as 20-year-old Clayton blasted to victory in a world-leading 10.92sec. Clayton’s twin sister Tina was second in 11.02sec, Britain’s Amy Hunt finished third in 11.03sec and Fraser-Pryce, in what is likely to be her final season, clocked 11.05sec for fourth.Fraser-Pryce, who is also a five-time individual world sprint champion, suffered a disappointing Paris Olympics last year, withdrawing from the 100m semi-finals. Tia Clayton showed she has the potential to become Jamaica’s next sprint queen by reaching the final of that event and finished seventh in the French capital.“I made the world leading mark, but honestly I didn’t do the best possible because I couldn’t do the start I always get,” Tia said. “But other than that it was a great race for me. It is very special for me and my twin sister to finish first and second in this event tonight.”The two sisters are training partners and Tina said family ties are set aside when they race. “When we line up for a race, we are no longer sisters, we are rival competitors,” she said. “But after the race is over, it feels really good to make the top two places.”The reigning men’s Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo produced a lacklustre performance in the Qatari capital to win his signature event as he was almost caught on the line by American Courtney Lindsey. Tebogo ran a smooth bend but the 21-year-old from Botswana lacked fluency in the home straight and glanced to his right at Lindsey as he crossed the line in a modest 20.10sec, just one hundredth of a second ahead of the American.In a high-quality men’s 800m, Tshepiso Masalela chased down Wycliffe Kinyamal to clock 1min 43.11sec, the fastest time in the world this year. Masalela, another athlete from Botswana, showed he has what it takes to challenge for medals at the world championships in Tokyo in September.In the women’s 400m, Salwa Eid Naser, the 2024 Olympic silver medallist, eased to victory in 49.83sec as she made a triumphant return to the city where she won the world title in 2019. The Bahraini athlete’s career was interrupted by a two-year doping ban from 2021-2023 but she is approaching her best again.In an exciting finish to the final event on the track, the women’s 3000m steeplechase, Faith Cherotich of Kenya found the kick to pass Paris gold medallist Winfred Yavi of Bahrain just metres from the line. Despite the hot and humid conditions, Cherotich clocked a world-leading 9min 05.08sec, with Winfred just 0.18sec behind.Olympic high jump champion Hamish Kerr finished third as he was beaten by the silver medallist from Paris, Shelby McEwen, who cleared 2.26m to the New Zealander’s 2.23m, the same height as second-placed Ryoichi Akamatsu of Japan. Qatar’s high jump icon had to skip his home event due to injury.Molly Caudery claimed her first win of the season in the pole vault when the Briton became the only woman to clear 4.75 metres.Reynold Cheruiyot had the Kenyan fans in raptures when the 20-year-old stormed to victory in just his second career race in the men’s 5,000 metres. Cheruiyot switched gears in the final lap and took the lead in the last 200 metres to win with a time of 13 minutes and 16.40 seconds while South Sudan’s Dominic Lobalu and Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew had a photo finish for second and third.

The ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 will commence today in Qatar, running until May 25 across Lusail Arena and Qatar University Arena.The tournament will feature 640 players from 127 countries, divided into 256 participants in singles matches, 256 in men’s and women’s doubles, and 128 in mixed doubles, totalling 443 matches.The competition will be held across five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.Lusail Arena, the primary venue, will host the opening ceremony tomorrow along with main matches. It is one of the most advanced sports facilities in Qatar, while Qatar University Arena will hold preliminary round matches for the first four days, accommodating around 5,000 spectators.This championship presents a prime opportunity to witness the world’s elite table tennis players competing in Doha.Among the standout names, 20-year-old Chinese star Lin Shidong leads the list of strong title contenders in the men’s singles category, known for his exceptional tactics and ability to surprise opponents.Lin is the reigning ITTF World Mixed Doubles Champion (Durban 2023), a two-time World Cup winner (Chengdu 2024 in mixed doubles and Macau 2025 in singles), and a two-time Asian Champion.In the women’s singles category, China’s top players dominate the rankings, including four leading contenders: Sun Yingsha (world No 1), a strong favourite with a championship history including Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup titles.For Qatar’s national table tennis team, the tournament presents a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and gain international experience.Qatar’s representatives across categories include men’s singles: Sultan Khalid al-Kuwari, Mohamed Abdelwahab, women’s singles: Aya Magdy, Mariam Ali, men’s doubles: Mohamed Abdelwahab, Abdullah Abdelwahab, Sultan Al Kuwari, Rawad al-Nasser, women’s doubles: Aya Magdy, Mariam Ali, mixed doubles: Mohamed Abdelwahab, Aya Magdy, Ahmed Eid Qarni, Mariam Ali.President of Qatar, Arab and Asian Table Tennis Federations, and First Vice-President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Khalil al-Mohannadi emphasised that Qatar is fully prepared to host the World Championships, aiming for top-tier technical and organisational success.Al-Mohannadi said the Organising Committee is committed to achieving maximum success at all levels, stressing that the 2025 edition will be unique and distinctive, and will be etched in the annals of the World Championship. Head of Media and Communications for the tournament Thani al-Zarra highlighted Qatar’s status as the first Arab and Gulf country to host the ITTF World Championships twice (previously in 2004).Al-Zarra also revealed that Qatar is planning a surprise for spectators during the opening ceremony, stating that World Championships don’t usually feature an opening show, but Qatar aims to set a global benchmark, presenting a half-hour spectacle. Qatar is the first country in the Middle East, Arab region, and the Gulf to host the Table Tennis World Championships twice.The country previously organised the event in 2004, achieving great success, and now looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in the 2025 edition. The tournament has garnered significant global media attention, and the organising committee has ensured top-tier facilities for media coverage.Matches will be broadcast live worldwide, offering fans the chance to follow the action in real time.Ticket sales have seen high demand, with the final five days and knockout rounds now sold out on Q.Ticket.The organising committee has worked to facilitate spectator attendance, offering discounted hotel packages for international visitors, dedicated transport services from hotels to tournament venues, and public transportation options such as buses and metro.Additionally, diverse dining options and fan activity zones have been set up at both Lusail and Qatar University arenas.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced a series of format enhancements and a €1mn fund for the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Championships.Set to take place in Doha, Qatar, the World Rapid and Blitz Championships have become one of the most prestigious events on the international chess calendar since their official launch in 2012, a report on www.fide.com said.Traditionally held in the last week of the year (from 26 to 31 December), the event attracts the best players in the world, including current world champions Gukesh Dommaraju and Ju Wenjun, as well as the world’s top-rated player, Magnus Carlsen, and a host of other heavyweights in both the Open and the Women’s competition.“We are very much looking forward to hosting the chess world in Doha and are happy to see FIDE has introduced important enhancements to the regulations,” said Mohammed al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA). “We are committed to supporting chess, as we have shown with the Qatar Masters which has become one of the most prestigious chess tournaments globally. Doha also successfully hosted the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in 2016, and we are proud to welcome this flagship event back to our capital, further strengthening our place on the global chess map,” he added.For the 2025 edition, the prize fund has been set at €1mn (approx. $1.12mn), maintaining the high financial standard of recent editions and reaffirming FIDE’s commitment to top level competition.The total will be split between the Open and Women’s events, with €700,000 allocated to the Open section — evenly divided between the Rapid and Blitz tournaments — and €300,000 for the Women’s section, also split equally, the report added.A new knockout format for the BlitzThe two-day Blitz World Championship is the most watched and the most dramatic chess event of the year. In 2024, FIDE introduced a new knockout format in the Blitz that brought even more excitement to the event.In a significant structural shift, for 2025 FIDE is introducing a more streamlined knockout stage in the Blitz events in the Open and the Women’s sections. Only the top four players from the Swiss stage of the tournament will advance directly to the knockout semi-finals (previously, eight players in both competitions qualified for the knockout). “The new format is an exciting mix of the Swiss system and knockout. The increased number of rounds in the qualifying part ensures that the strongest players will progress to the knockout. Also, the final match-up is ideally scheduled to suit audiences across all major chess hubs,” FIDE CEO and Grandmaster Emil Sutovsky said.“We are very excited about the event, and have already started preparations to produce the best quality broadcast for millions of spectators,” Sutovsky added.The Blitz schedule includes 19 Swiss rounds for the Open and 15 Swiss rounds for the Women, both played over two days, followed by semi-finals and finals on December 30.The format for the Rapid World Championships remains unchanged, with 13 rounds in the Open and 11 in the Women’s competition, culminating in a playoff in case of a tie for first place.“With rapid and blitz formats gaining global popularity, the field is deeper and more competitive than ever,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “These format enhancements aim to make the event more dynamic while preserving the sport’s integrity and excitement for both players and fans.”