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Qatar’s golf stars, Daniel Sokolov and Saleh Al Kaabi, delivered remarkable performances at the Bahrain Open Golf Championship, which concluded on Saturday. The young talents continued their impressive form, with Daniel clinching second place and Al Kaabi securing third, marking yet another milestone achievement for Qatari golf.Despite being only 14 years old, Daniel displayed maturity beyond his years, showcasing confidence, precision, and composure throughout the tournament. He opened with an exceptional 65, followed by rounds of 70 and 76, finishing with a total of 211 strokes, five under par — an extraordinary result that earned him a well-deserved runner-up position.Meanwhile, Saleh Al Kaabi maintained a strong and consistent performance across his three rounds, carding 68, 72, and 72 for a total of 212 strokes, four under par, to claim third place overall. The championship title went to Malaysia’s Zubair Firdaus, who finished his rounds with a total of 209 strokes, edging Daniel by just two strokes after a tightly contested final day.This achievement reflects the Qatar Golf Association’s continuous efforts to develop and nurture local talent through advanced technical and training programs designed to prepare the next generation of golfers capable of competing at the highest regional and international levels. It also highlights the significant progress golf in Qatar has witnessed in recent years.Commenting on the team’s success, Fahad Nasser Al Naimi, Secretary General of the Qatar Golf Association and Head of the Qatari delegation, emphasized that the Bahrain Open is one of the region’s premier events, recognized by both the World and Arab Golf Rankings. He noted that these outstanding results are because of the QGA’s strategic plan to elevate players’ technical and mental capabilities through systematic development programs.Al Naimi added that Qatari golfers continue to lead the Arab rankings, thanks to structured planning, consistent effort, and unwavering institutional support. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to providing a comprehensive training environment that empowers young talents to represent Qatar in the best possible way on both regional and global stages.

Qatar Motorsport Academy rider Jake Franklin was crowned the champion of the 2025 FIM MiniGP Qatar Championship, after concluding the five-round series with an impressive 213 points.Franklin’s consistent performance throughout the season, including five race wins, secured him the top spot ahead of Mohammed Adel al-Mutawa, who accumulated a total of 185 points. The final championship podium was completed by Anas Boukabache in third place, with Andrea Giaccherio and Tyler Netterberg rounding out the top five positions respectively.The championship title was decided in a thrilling finale during Round 5 at the Lusail track. In the second race of the day, Franklin clinched a decisive victory, finishing the 15-lap race with a time of 15:07.502 and also setting the fastest lap at 59.873 seconds. Al-Mutawa finished just 1.377 seconds behind him in second place, while Boukabache finished third. Earlier in Race 1, the roles were reversed as Al Mutawa took the win ahead of Franklin, with Tyler Netterberg securing third place, setting the stage for the dramatic final race showdown that ultimately saw Franklin emerge as the overall champion.

The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is once again set to bring the region’s karting scene into the spotlight as it will host the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup 2025 at Lusail Karting Circuit from October 21–25, 2025. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2023 and its return in 2024, this year’s championship promises to deliver an even bigger showcase of regional motorsport talent.The championship will feature more than 150 drivers from 18 nations across the Middle East and North Africa, with competitors representing countries including Qatar, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Iran, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Drivers will compete across six Rotax Max Challenge categories — Micro Max (ages 8–11), Mini Max (ages 10–13), Junior Max (ages 12–15), Senior Max (ages 14+), DD2 (ages 15+), and DD2 Masters (ages 31+) — alongside the R390 Sprint and R390 Endurance categories open to drivers aged 15 and above.The action-packed schedule will see administration and driver briefings open on 21 October, with practice sessions held across October 22 and 23, alongside a formal Welcome Ceremony and Gala Dinner. Racing will then take center stage from October 24–25, featuring qualifying sessions, heats, the R390 Endurance race, Pre-Finals, and Finals, culminating with the Championship Awards and MENA Nations Cup Presentation on the evening of October 25.Spectators are invited to enjoy all the high-octane action with free admission throughout the event. A dedicated shuttle service will operate between General Admission Parking and the karting track, while visitors can also experience a vibrant entertainment zone with racing simulators, a radio-controlled car circuit, PlayStation 5 gaming stations, and a 360-degree photo booth. For fans unable to attend in person, all races will be streamed live on QMMF’s official YouTube channel.Last year’s edition saw Lebanon claim the MENA Nations Cup title, with Morocco finishing second and the UAE securing third place, highlighting the depth of talent across the region. With the bar set high in 2024, this year’s championship is poised to deliver another thrilling weekend of racing and national pride.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram says his side can expect to have a target on their back when they begin a new cycle of the World Test Championship as defending champions.South Africa play a two-Test series in Pakistan, starting on Sunday, and two games in India in November as they bid to retain the trophy they won in June by beat Australia by five wickets at Lord’s.The World Test Championship is decided at the end of a two-year cycle, with the top two teams competing in a one-off five-day match.“I suppose you create a bit of a target on your back if you’ve won (the WTC), and if that’s the case, it’s fair. We want to chase a place in the final again and lift that trophy once again but realise each team will be coming for us,” said Markram, who stands in as skipper for Temba Bavuma who has been ruled out of the tour with a calf strain.“We, as a team, have to keep getting better and improving and playing well in all different types of conditions. It starts for us in Pakistan, and it’s a challenge the boys will be up for,” he told a press conference on Monday.South Africa have been practising on specially prepared spinning wickets at Pretoria’s High Performance Centre.“There were a couple of nets prepared where the spin is really exaggerated, and you’d rather err on that side, and maybe then it’s a bit easier when we get to Pakistan,” Markram said.“We’re expecting to face a lot of spin over there, and it’s also, naturally, a lot lower there from a seam point of view,” Markram said.“There’s a lot of skiddy, so it’s hard to try and emulate that here in South Africa, but we’ve been looking to put a lot of emphasis on finding a way to train for that.”The first Test against Pakistan is in Lahore and the second begins on October 20 in Rawalpindi.

Qatar is set to take on Saudi Arabia Monday in the third round of the West Asia Women's Volleyball Championship, hosted in Amman, Jordan. After opening the tournament with defeats to Jordan and Iraq, Qatar is determined to secure their first win and regain momentum in the competition. Following the Saudi Arabia match, Qatar will face Lebanon on Tuesday before closing out their campaign against Syria on Thursday. The championship provides a key testing ground for the Qatari squad as they aim to gauge their progress, sharpen their skills, and build stronger performances in regional contests.

The Qatar Off Road Championship delivered an action-packed spectacle in the Sealine area, drawing riders into a fierce contest across challenging desert terrain.In Class 1, the UAE’s Mohammad al-Balooshi came out on top, completing 18 laps in 1:11:37 to secure first place ahead of Great Britain’s Alex McInnes and compatriot Abdulla Lanjawi.Class 2 saw another Emirati triumph as Mansoor al-Suwaidi clinched victory with 18 laps in 1:16:43, followed by Abdulaziz Ahli and Ali Hasan al-Marzooqi. The championship continues with the fifth survival round scheduled for November 13-14.

The University Rapid Chess Championship, organised by the Qatar University Sports Federation in collaboration with the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), concluded at the Community College gymnasium.Mahjoub Mohammed of Doha University of Science and Technology claimed first place in the men’s individual competition with nine points, ahead of teammate Muhannad Hussein Mohammed in second, while Qatar University’s Yousef al-Janahi finished third.In the women’s individual category, Qatar University’s Sana Nour Kartel emerged champion. Victoria Honordez of Doha University of Science and Technology secured second place, with her colleague Ghalia al-Naimi completing the podium.Doha University of Science and Technology also dominated the team events, taking first place in both the men’s and women’s team championships. Qatar University placed second in both categories, while Community College finished third in the men’s event and Hamad Bin Khalifa University claimed third in the women’s.Mohammed al-Mudhahka, President of the QCA, praised the high level of participation, noting that the rapid chess format showcased students’ mental and cognitive abilities. He stressed the Federation’s commitment to promoting chess culture in universities and strengthening cooperation with sports federations across the country.

Following the success of the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Competition, Shell is proud to announce that it will once again host the event in Qatar in 2026, followed by the first-ever Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship in 2027.The 2025 edition, held at the Lusail International Circuit, marked the first time in the programme’s 40-year history that the event was hosted in the Middle East. The competition brought together over 60 student teams from 12 countries, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in energy-efficient vehicle design and reinforcing Qatar’s role as a regional hub for sustainability and STEM excellence.“Hosting the Shell Eco-marathon is more than a competition. It’s a platform for innovation, education, and global collaboration,” said Rob Maxwell – Managing Director and Chairperson of Shell Companies Qatar. “We are honoured to continue this journey in Qatar, where the spirit of ingenuity and sustainability thrives.”Both the 2026 and 2027 events will continue be held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and in collaboration with the Qatar Auto Museum. This continued partnership reflects Qatar’s deep commitment to empowering youth, advancing sustainable mobility, and supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. “At Qatar Museums, we are committed to nurturing creativity and innovation, especially among the next generation,” said Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums. “The Qatar Auto Museum Vehicle Design Award, first launched at the 2025 Shell Eco-marathon, embodies this mission by celebrating sustainable design and providing young people in Qatar with a platform to become future innovators and leaders. Through our collaboration with Shell, we are inspiring youth to think boldly about mobility, sustainability, and design excellence. This initiative also forms part of Evolution Nation, our 18-months long campaign of Qatar’s cultural journey, where creativity and innovation serve as powerful drivers of progress and a vision for the future.”The 2027 Shell Eco-marathon Global Championship will bring together top-performing teams from across the world, competing in multidisciplinary challenges that test not only engineering prowess but also creativity, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. Shell Eco-marathon continues to inspire the next generation of energy leaders by challenging students to design, build, and drive the most energy-efficient vehicles possible. With Qatar as host, the programme enters a new era of global impact and regional pride.

Ducati's Marc Marquez clinched his seventh MotoGP championship at the Japanese Grand Prix Sunday and his first since 2019 after he took an unassailable lead in the world championship with five rounds to spare.Marquez needed to outscore his brother and title contender Alex of Gresini Racing by three or more points by the end of the weekend, and finished second behind his teammate Francesco Bagnaia in Sunday's race to clinch the title.Honda's Joan Mir was third, while Alex finished sixth, giving Marc a 201-point lead over his brother. Alex was the first to approach Marc and congratulate him, giving him a warm embrace when they came to a stop.Marc had his head in his hands after he crossed the line and when the magnitude of the accomplishment hit him, the Spaniard let out a scream.Marquez then came to a stop in front of a big screen and, with tears in his eyes, watched a montage of his struggles over the past six years, which included more than 100 crashes and four operations, as he reclaimed the title after 2,184 days.The coronation was complete when he added his name etched on a silver plaque to the cylindrical MotoGP trophy known as the 'Tower of Champions'."It's impossible even to speak... I just want to enjoy the moment, but it's true that it was difficult, it was super difficult, but now I'm at peace with myself," Marquez said as he fought back tears."I did a big mistake in my career, to come back too early (from surgery) and then I fight, fight, fight - and I won again! So I'm at peace."Ducati's pole sitter and Saturday's sprint winnerBagnaia had a strong start and two laps later he was more than a second clear of KTM's Pedro Acosta while Marquez slotted in behind his Spanish compatriot in third place.By lap seven, Bagnaia was comfortably in control in the lead but Marquez seemed to be struggling to match Acosta's pace, giving Mir the opportunity to close in and challenge him for third place.Marquez eventually found a way past Acosta when he tucked into his slipstream and overtook him on lap 11, but he was staring at a gap of four seconds to his teammate Bagnaia, who was streaking away to his second victory of the season.With 11 laps left, Acosta was clearly struggling for grip and Mir pounced to move up to third as the 2020 champion chased a rare podium finish having retired from 10 races this season.The Ducati paddock had a few heart-stopping moments in the second half of the race when Bagnaia's bike began emitting smoke as Marquez began to close in rapidly, but the Italian was eventually able to nurse his bike to the chequered flag."I don't want to take the spotlight from Marc, he deserves the spotlight today," said Bagnaia, who has been MotoGP champion twice."But in any case, I'm happy. It's just a little shame that it arrived now (so late in the season)... I hope that from now on I will continue in this way, because like this I can fight."

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has announced Qatar has won the bid to host the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. The decision was made during the FIVB Board of Administration meeting held Friday in Philippine’s capital, Manila.Qatar officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 edition of the Men’s World Championship, which received high praise after thorough review and evaluation by the FIVB. The FIVB officially confirmed Qatar’s selection to host the event, marking a historic milestone as the tournament will be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 70-year history.The decision reflects Qatar’s modern infrastructure, world-class sports facilities, advanced transport networks, and its unwavering commitment to the development of sport in general and volleyball in particular. It also highlights Qatar’s accumulated expertise, human capital, and cultural and organisational legacy in hosting major international sporting events across multiple disciplines.The World Championship is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions on the FIVB calendar, bringing together 32 national teams from around the world. The tournament enjoys global acclaim due to the high level of competition and the participation of the world’s top volleyball stars, cementing its position as one of the sport’s marquee events.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said: “Qatar’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship reaffirms our country’s prominent position on the global sporting map as a key and active partner in the Olympic Movement, and a preferred destination for international federations that trust in our organisational capabilities. Over the years, Qatar has proven its ability to successfully host major international championships, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, ideal environment that provides all the conditions for success, and the highly qualified national workforce with extensive experience in organising top-tier sporting events.”He added: “This milestone represents another step toward fulfilling Qatar’s sporting vision. We continuously strive to expand our partnerships with various international stakeholders, further reinforcing Qatar’s position as a strong contender to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. This reflects our unwavering commitment to Olympic values, youth empowerment, and investment in sport as a means to foster unity among nations and drive sustainable development.”Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, expressed pride in Qatar’s successful bid, describing it as a testament to FIVB’s confidence in the country’s organisational capabilities.“We are confident that this edition of the Championship will be the best in the tournament’s history,” he said. “Qatar’s victory in securing the hosting rights once again affirms its global leadership in organising major sports events to the highest international standards. We are committed to delivering a unique sporting experience for all participants and fans that reflects Qatar’s prominent position in the global sports landscape.” He added.He also stressed that the Championship would contribute to advancing sustainable development efforts in alignment with the QOC’s Strategic Plan 2023–2030.He also confirmed that preparations for this major global event would begin immediately in coordination with all concerned entities, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to deliver an exceptional edition befitting Qatar’s stature in the world of sports.He concluded by thanking the FIVB for its trust, promising to create the best possible conditions for the participating teams, guests, and fans, and to deliver a world-class event that meets the highest international standards.Fabio Azevedo, President of the International Volleyball Federation said: “The 2029 Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Qatar will mark another major milestone in the upwards trajectory of volleyball. Through this host decision, which marks another first-time host for our flagship competition, we are partnering with a nation that understands volleyball’s ability to bring communities together, inspire young people and celebrate the positive power of our sport. We look forward to working ‘Together as One’ to help build a powerful legacy through our sport for Qatar and the wider region.”Ugo Valensi, CEO of the Volleyball World said: “The Middle East is one of the most dynamic growth markets for volleyball, and we are proud to bring the World Championships to the region for the first time in 2029. Qatar has proven itself as a world-class host of major sporting events and has a passionate volleyball fan base. This tournament is a unique opportunity to deepen that connection, attract new fans, and set new benchmarks for our sport in innovation, presentation and fan experience”Qatar has an impressive track record of hosting major international sporting events, having organised 18 World Championships over the past 20 years. These include the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which was successfully hosted as the first edition in the Middle East and was widely hailed as the best in the tournament’s history, the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, the 2014 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), the 2015 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship, the 2016 UCI Road World Championships, the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships, the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games in 2019, the 2023 World Judo Championships, the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, and the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships.Doha is also preparing to host other upcoming global events, such as the 2026 World Shooting Championships, the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the 2030 Asian Games. Qatar’s successful bid to host the championship further strengthens its ambitious track record in organising major international sporting events. It also aligns with the country’s active participation in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee regarding its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. Through this endeavour, Qatar reaffirms its deep commitment to promoting Olympic values, empowering youth, and leveraging sport as a bridge between cultures—drawing on its strong sporting legacy, world-class infrastructure, and extensive organisational expertise.

Aya Mohamed etched her name in history by becoming the first Qatari woman to win the women’s singles title at the Arab Teams Table Tennis Championship in Casablanca, Morocco, Sunday. The 31-year-old defeated Jordan’s Tima Abu Yemen 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Mohammed V Indoor Complex, clinching Qatar’s 20th medal and fourth gold of the tournament.Mohamed also secured silver in doubles with Maryam Ali and another silver in the team event alongside Ali and Serena Sheikh.A pioneer for Qatari table tennis, Mohamed competed at the London 2012 Olympics and earlier this year, alongside Mohamed Abdulwahab, broke into the ITTF world’s top 100 in mixed doubles for the first time in Qatar’s history.Following her victory, Mohamed expressed pride in her achievement: “I am honored to be the first Qatari to win this title. This moment will stay in my memory forever. The final was tough, but with focus and determination, I was able to deliver this gold medal for Qatar.”Head of the Qatari delegation, Khalid Ali Al Kuwari, hailed Mohamed as a “champion of gold,” calling the triumph a reward for years of dedication and sacrifice, and credited Federation President Khalil bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi for his unwavering support.

Old Doha Port, in collaboration with Doha Marine Sports Club will host the Aquabike World Championship – Grand Prix of Qatar from October 30 to November 1, 2025, along the Mina Corniche.The event marks the long-awaited return of the world’s premier Aquabike series to Qatar after a decade, positioning Old Doha Port as the new stage for the season finale, the port said Sunday in a statement.The championship finale will bring together elite riders to take part in three days of thrilling events, with widespread international participation from over 21 countries. Riders will compete across several main categories, including:UIM-ABP World Championship (final round), Continental Asia Championship (final round), World Slalom Parallel Championship (round two), and the Continental Asia Runabout GP2 Championship. Set against the backdrop of Doha’s iconic Mina Corniche, the Grand Prix promises three days of exhilarating competition, night freestyle shows, and a spectacular sporting atmosphere that will captivate audiences and elevate Qatar’s global profile as a hub for maritime excellence.“Hosting international sporting events such as the Aquabike World Championship, in collaboration with Doha Marine Sports Club reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning Old Doha Port and Qatar as a leading destination in global maritime tourism,” said Engineer Mohammed Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port. “And embodies our dedication to promoting sport as a way of life, while highlighting the port’s legacy as a hub that brings together sport, culture, and entertainment.”Khalifa Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, President of the Doha Marine Sports Club, said, "This championship is a key milestone for the Club, and strengthens its position as a leader for marine sports in the region. It is also an opportunity to celebrate Qatar’s maritime heritage and to reinforce its position as a global destination for sports and cultural tourism. We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience to all participants and spectators, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to Old Doha Port for providing their invaluable support in making this global event possible.” The Aquabike World Championship marks a significant achievement in Old Doha Port’s journey to become the region’s leading stage for maritime sports, honoring Qatar’s seafaring heritage as well as its rise as one of the world’s prime tourism hubs.