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Monday, February 09, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "championship" (67 articles)

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar wins bid to host the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship

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.

Following her victory, Aya 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.”
Sport

Aya Mohamed becomes first Qatari woman to win singles title at Arab Teams Table Tennis

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Old Doha Port to host Aquabike World Championship

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar clinch silver as Gulf Padel Championship concludes

The second edition of the Gulf Padel Championship, organized by the Qatar Padel Federation, concluded today at the Padel In courts in Aspire Zone with great success.The tournament featured teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. It was held in a round-robin format, with each team playing three matches in the men's, women's, and junior categories.The Qatari men's team finished second and won the silver medal after defeating Bahrain 2-1 in the final match.The UAE team finished first and won the gold medal, while the Kuwaiti team finished third and won the bronze medal.In the women's category, the Kuwaiti team won first place and won the gold medal, followed by the UAE team in second place and silver medal, and the Saudi team in third place and bronze medal.In the junior category, the Kuwaiti team finished first and won the gold medal, followed by the UAE team in second place and silver medal, and the Saudi team in third place and bronze medal.The coronation ceremony took place amidst a special atmosphere at the main court.Sultan Khalfan, the tournament director, praised the success achieved. Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he stated that they were pleased with the tournament's success on all levels.He mentioned that the national team secured second place and earned silver medals following a strong performance throughout the tournament. The competition was incredibly intense, serving as a motivation to continue pushing for further growth and advancement in Padel in the future.He continued by saying that this tournament precedes Qatar's hosting of the Asian Padel Championship next month, looking forward to continuing their efforts to further emphasize Qatar's distinguished organizational capabilities and its constant endeavor to organize tournaments in the best possible manner.For his part, Mohammed Sadoun Al Kuwari, a Qatari padel player, emphasized that Qatar succeeded in organizing the Gulf Championship in an honorable manner.

Gulf Times
Sport

Shafallah Center holds Individual Sports Skills Championship

As part of its commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility role and continuing to engage with all sections of the society and school students, Qatar Stars League supported Individual Sports Skills Championship held at Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, an organisation under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation for Social Work. In the event that took place on Wednesday, representatives from QSL and Shafallah Center were present along with a number of club stars.The event included a variety of recreational activities and attendees took commemorative photos. Gifts were distributed to children enrolled at the center and participants from a number of schools.

A view of one of the matches on the second day of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship being held in Doha.
Sport

Qatar men's team beat Saudi Arabia in Arabian Gulf Padel Championship

Qatari men's team defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the second round of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, which Qatar is currently hosting on the Padel Inn courts until September 19.The tournament, which kicked off Tuesday and is organised by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, will see the participation of various Gulf teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. The tournament will be held in a league format, with each team playing three matches against the opposing team.The Qatari men's national team succeeded in achieving victory in two of the three matches it played against its Saudi counterpart, as the duo consisting of Rashid Nawaf and Hassan Wali won the first match in two sets to none, with a score of 6-2 and 6-2.In the second match, the duo consisting of Mohammed Saadoun and Meshari Nawaf won in two sets to none, with a score of 6-0 and 6-0. Meanwhile, the duo consisting of Ali al-Saadi and Khaled Saadoun lost the third match in two sets to one, with a score of 5-7, 6-2 and 0-6.This is the second consecutive victory for the Qatari team, having defeated Oman 3-0 in the first round.The Qatari national team is scheduled to meet its Kuwaiti counterpart Wednesday, in the third round of the tournament.For his part, Rashid Nawaf, a player on the Qatari padel team, expressed his happiness with the team's victory over Saudi Arabia.Nawaf said in a statement following the match: "We performed well against the Saudi team, and our performance reflected the team's readiness to achieve the best possible results during the tournament."He added, "Our goal is to continue our strong performance in the upcoming matches, and our ambition is to represent Qatar in the best possible way in this Gulf Cup."Nawaf called on Qatari fans to attend the Padel Inn courts to support the team, saying, "Fan support makes a difference, and we hope to see fans in large numbers at upcoming matches to push us toward continued victories and our quest to compete for the title."

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar men start on a winning note in Arab Gulf Padel Championship 

Qatar men’s team started its campaign on a winning note in the second edition of the Arab Gulf Padel Championship Monday.At the Padel In - Aspire Zone, the hosts defeated Oman 3-0 on the opening day of the championship, organised by Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation (QTSPBF). In the first match Qatari pair of Rashid Nawaf and Hassan Wali won 2-0 6-1, 6-0).In the second match, Mohammed Saadoun and Mishari Nawaf also won 2-0 (6-0, 6-0). In the third match, Mohammed al-Khanji and Khaled Saadoun also won in two sets (6-1, 6-1). The tournament is being held in a league format and will conclude on September 19.

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar men to start Arab Gulf Padel Championship campaign against Oman

Qatar men’s team will start their Arab Gulf Padel Championship campaign against Oman at the Padel In - Aspire Zone Monday. The draw ceremony of the championship, which is being organized by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation (QTSPBF), was held Sunday in the presence of the participating teams representatives. Saudi Arabia will take on the UAE while Bahrain will meet Kuwait. The five-day tournament will be held in three categories – men’s, women’s and juniors and conclude on September 19.In the women’s section, Bahraini will start against Oman Monday. The Saudi Arabia women will meet Kuwait, while in the third match of the opening day, Qatar women will play against the UAE.In a statement issued Sunday, QTSPBF Secretary General Tariq Zainal said the tournament will be a platform for strong competition and will reflect the significant development witnessed by padel in the region.Qatar teamsMen’s: Mohammed Saadoun al-Kuwari, Khaled Saadoun al-Kuwari, Mohammed al-Khenji, Hassan Wali, Rashid Nawaf, Meshari Nawaf, Rayan al-Jafari and Ali al-Saadi.Women’s: Hanan al-Abdulrahman, Maha Farmarzi, Salma Wali, Rawda al-Abdullah, Maryam al-Sulaiti, Hessa al-Mutawa, Atlal al-Abdulrahman, and Dana al-Mudhahka.

Gulf Times
Sport

Al-Madheed shines in QTCC 2K Championship

Qatar driver Ghanim al-Madheed made a dominant start to the 2025 QTCC 2K Championship at the Lusail International Circuit, winning both races in Round 1 in his Lotus Elise. In Race 1, he claimed victory over 10 laps with a total time of 27:37.912, setting the fastest lap of 2:23.794 on lap six, while Abdulla Ali al-Khelaifi finished second and Palestine’s Omran Karama claimed third. Al-Madheed was even quicker in Race 2, stopping the clock at 26:24.163 and posting a best lap of 2:22.897 on lap eight to complete a clean sweep, with al-Khelaifi again in second place and Ali Emadadhi securing third. The second round of the championship will take place on September 26-27.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar set to face defending champions Poland in Volleyball World Championship clash

Qatar will face a formidable challenge on Monday as they go up against world No. 1 and reigning champions Poland in their second group stage match at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, currently underway in the Philippines.Qatar will be aiming for a strong response after a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening Group B fixture. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience by taking a competitive set (28-26) against the Dutch, with the other sets ending 25-18, 25-23, and 25-23 in favor of the Netherlands.Grouped with top-tier teams including Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania, Qatar face one of the toughest pools in the 32-team tournament.The national team will wrap up their group stage campaign on Wednesday with a decisive match against Romania.This year marks Qatar's second appearance at the Volleyball World Championship, following their debut at the 2022 edition hosted by Poland and Slovenia.The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds. The Round of 16 is scheduled for September 20–23, followed by the quarterfinals on September 24-25, semifinals on September 27, and the medal matches on September 28.


Action from Qatar-Netherlands Pool B match at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Quezon City, Philippines, Saturday.
Sport

Spirited Qatar go down against Netherlands

Qatar opened their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship campaign with a determined performance but ultimately fell short against a strong the Netherlands side, losing 3-1 (25-18, 25-23, 26-28, 25-23) in their Pool B opener in Quezon City, Philippines Saturday.Despite the loss, Qatar pushed the European team to the limit, showing grit and composure especially in the third set, where they fought back to win 28-26 and extend the match.The Qatari squad matched the Netherlands in kill blocks (9 each) and committed fewer unforced errors (26 compared to 29), highlighting their discipline and defensive effort.Opposite Youssef Oughlaf led the scoring for Qatar with 17 points, while seasoned outside hitters Ribeiro Renan and Nikola Vasic chipped in with 11 points apiece.The Netherlands, however, made the difference from the service line, firing nine aces to Qatar’s two.They also edged Qatar in attack with 57 spike kills to 52.Dutch opposite Michiel Ahyi topped all scorers with 20 points, while Tom Koops sealed the victory with the match-winning point in the fourth set.Qatar now turn their focus to their next match against world powerhouse Poland tomorrow, followed by their final Pool B game against Romania on September 17.

Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation Tariq Zainal and Qatar Rail’s Director of Communications and Public Relations Abdullah al-Mawlawi pose after the signing the sponsorship agreement.
Sport

Qatar to host Arabian Gulf Padel Championship from September 15 to 19

Qatar will host the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship Qatar 2025 from September 15 to 19, organised by the Qatar Padel Federation at the Padel courts in Aspire.Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday that the tournament will feature competitions in three categories: men's, women's and juniors. The draw is scheduled to be held on September 14.During the conference, the Qatar Padel Federation announced the signing of a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) for the championship. The agreement was signed by Zainal and Qatar Rail’s Director of Communications and Public Relations Abdullah al-Mawlawi.Zainal expressed the Qatari Federation's pride in Qatar Rail's joining as a platinum partner of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, given its significant support for sports, athletes, and community work in Qatar.Zainal emphasised that this partnership reflects the integrated efforts of national institutions and the sports sector, which will give the federation greater momentum to continue developing padel and strengthening its presence in the Gulf, regionally, and internationally.Zainal also welcomed all participating delegations and players, stressing his full readiness to host this Gulf event and organize it according to the highest standards, thus consolidating Qatar's position as a leading sports destination in the region and the world.For his part, al-Mawlawi said: “We are delighted to co-sponsor this important event. Our participation as a platinum sponsor of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, hosted by the Qatar Padel Federation, is in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy and our constant commitment to supporting sporting events that contribute to spreading the culture of exercising and promoting a healthy lifestyle among community members.”He added that Qatar Rail believes in the pivotal role sports play in developing communities by improving the quality of life and ensuring the health and safety of its members. Through this sponsorship, "we reaffirm our commitment, particularly to padel, as well as supporting the development of Gulf sporting talents and efforts aimed at consolidating Qatar's position as a leading regional destination for hosting major sporting events."Al-Mawlawi continued, "We, in turn, look forward to contributing to providing the best possible conditions for organizing a successful tournament and enjoying the unique Gulf talent and competitions that the tournament will witness. We wish all the best to the participating teams and players."