The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) announced the organisation of three Asian snooker championships for men, women, and under-21 juniors, with the participation of 87 top-ranked players from 21 countries. The competitions will begin today and continue until February 21.The federation has completed all preparations to host the three championships simultaneously at its headquarters, ensuring that the events reflect Qatar’s esteemed reputation for organising sports championships.The competitions will commence with the Asian Snooker Championship (Men) 2025 (Qatar 2025) starting today and running until February 19.The Asian Snooker Championship (Women) and the Under-21 Snooker Championship will take place concurrently from February 17-21.The QBSF is conducting the hosting preparations in close collaboration with the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS), headed by the Qatari President Mohamed Salem al-Nuaimi, and local authorities, ensuring the success of the event by securing all necessary logistical and technical arrangements.The Qatari team will be represented in the competitions by five players in the men’s category: Ali al-Obaidly, Mohanna al-Obaidly, Bashar Hussein, Ahmed Saif, and Abdulmohsen Khamis, and one player in the under-21 junior category: Rashid al-Saadi.The Organising Committee provided two halls at the Federation’s headquarters to host the maximum number of matches simultaneously. The competitions will be held daily in four stages, starting at 10:00am, followed by the second stage at 1:00pm, the third at 4:00pm, and the fourth at 7:00pm.The Qatari team has the largest number of participating players in the championship since Qatar is the host country. QBSF officials confirmed that the selection included not only snooker players but also billiards players, giving all athletes the opportunity to participate and aim for good results and advanced stages.The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation has formed the Organizing Committee for the championship, chaired by QBSF President Mohammed Mubarak al-Ramzani, and QBSF Member of the board of directors and the Tournament Director Yacoub Fakhroo.The Tournament Director Yacoub Fakhroo expressed confidence in Doha’s successful hosting of the three championships, highlighting the Federation’s experience in organising multiple events simultaneously.In a press statement, Fakhroo said that the QBSF is fully prepared to organise this significant continental event, aspiring to continue excelling in hosting snooker and billiards championships at the global, continental, and Arab levels.He added that the Organising Committee had completed all preparations early, thanks to the collective efforts of all Federation staff, ensuring the successful organisation of the event, especially after gaining experience from hosting multiple world championships last month.Fakhroo emphasised the Organising Committee’s dedication to providing all necessary support to ensure the championship is conducted splendidly, leaving a lasting impression.He expressed his delight at the large number of officials, players, and coaches from across Asia in Doha for the championship, considering it a testament to the event’s success before it even begins.Doha will host the General Assembly of the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) on February 19, headed by President Mohamed Salem al-Nuaimi, on the sidelines of the three Asian championships. The meeting will address various topics related to the future of snooker and review numerous proposals submitted by member countries, making decisions accordingly.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), attended the Qatar Olympic Committee Half Marathon 2025 and the Team Qatar Village events organised today in Lusail, coinciding with the National Sport Day.The first-ever QOC Half Marathon 2025, held at Lusail Boulevard as part of the National Sport Day celebrations, saw an incredible turnout with over 6,000 participants. The event brought together citizens, residents, officials, athletes, amateurs, and people from all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, making it a truly exceptional occasion.Jassim bin Rashid al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the QOC, along with senior officials from the QOC and national sports federations, crowned over 80 winners across the four race categories. The ceremony took place in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd, beautifully embodying the Olympic principle of “solidarity” a key value of the International Olympic Movement.Men, women, youth and children took part in four exciting categories suited for various ages and fitness levels: 21km Half Marathon, 10km Race, 5km Race, and the 1km Fun Run.The QOC organised a variety of sports and entertainment events accompanying the Half Marathon race in Team Qatar Village in Al Sa’ad Plaza in Darb Lusail, with the attendance of a number of VIP guests and senior figures in the country, and Ali al-Ali, The CEO of Qatari Diar.This was done in co-operation with several national sports federations, namely: Qatar Athletics Federation, Qatar Basketball Federation, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Handball Federation, Qatar Volleyball Federation, Qatar Shooting Federation, Qatar Golf Federation and Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan said: “We are delighted to return to Lusail Boulevard, a venue that holds such cherished memories from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, to host the inaugural Qatar Olympic Committee Half Marathon in 2025. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to come together once again under the banner of sport. This year, we are championing the sport of running, inviting enthusiasts of all cultures, backgrounds, and ages to participate in the Half Marathon. Through this event, we send a clear message to the world: Qatar is a nation that embraces sport and peace. This event also marks an exciting new chapter of progress and excellence for our sporting and Olympic movement, made possible by the grace of God and the unwavering support of our wise leadership”.“Continuing a valued tradition, our national sports federations will be present in Team Qatar Village, alongside our athletes, to encourage community participation in this annual celebration. Together, we will underscore the vital role of sport in human development, a cornerstone of the Qatar National Vision 2030” added QOC President.For his part, QOC Secretary-General al-Buainain said: ”We are excited for the overwhelming response from all segments of Qatari society – citizens and expats of various ages, backgrounds, and cultures – to the first edition of the QOC Half Marathon 2025, held as part of the Sport Day activities. This occasion is dear to our hearts and reflects the nation’s commitment to raising awareness of the importance of sports in promoting physical health”.He added: “QOC has achieved remarkable success in conveying and disseminating its values among all participating age groups, both in the race itself and in the accompanying sports and recreational events of Team Qatar Village.”He confirmed: “This race will become one of our most important community sports events, through which we aim to raise the level of awareness among individuals and society of all ages and backgrounds about the importance of sports and physical activity in building successful generations that contribute to moving our country to new horizons of success and excellence”.For her part, Sheikha Asmaa bint Thani al-Thani, Director of Marketing and International Co-operation Sector at the QOC, said: “Our main goal in organising this historic race was to raise awareness about the importance of sports for individuals and communities and to spread this inspiring message worldwide. This helps strengthen Qatar’s position on the global sports stage while showcasing its organisational and technical capabilities in hosting events. Team Qatar Village at Al Sa’ad Plaza, Lusail Boulevard serves as a microcosm of a diverse world, sending a message of peace and unity through sports.”She added: “The atmosphere at Team Qatar Village reflects the core values of the Qatar Olympic Committee: inclusivity, solidarity, unity, diversity, and sustainability. These principles play a key role in building strong, respectful sporting communities that embrace diversity, promote sustainable sports, and preserve their legacy for future generations. I also want to thank the media outlets for their exceptional coverage of every stage of the race.”Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, Director of the Sports Sector at the QOC, said: “Our goal today was to create activities that bring people together, regardless of age or ability. Sports have the power to unite communities, offering a fun and rewarding experience that enhances both physical and mental well-being — not just for individuals, but for society as a whole”.On other hand, Eng Fahad Abdullatif al-Jahrami, Chief Development and Asset Management Officer, at Qatari Diar, stated: “We at Qatari Diar are proud to host the QOC Half Marathon 2025 at Lusail Boulevard, which serves as a comprehensive platform for hosting exceptional events, reaffirming its pivotal role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and enhancing quality of life in our community”.“Our participation in this event stems from our belief in the race’s objectives of encouraging sports as a sustainable lifestyle. We are also pleased to further strengthen our ongoing partnership with the QOC, which is a key component of Qatari Diar’s vision of fostering successful collaboration between the public and private sectors.