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Amid high expectations for an exceptional season filled with events and activities, the Qatar Racing Club’s (QRC) 2025-2026 sports season officially kicks off Thursday, with the first round of the Qatar Drift Championship (QDC).The highly-anticipated QRC activities take place under the patronage of its chairman HE Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani.The club's newly approved event calendar for the upcoming season features five major championships, covering various motorsport disciplines such as drift, drag race, sand drag race, and freestyle stunt shows, in addition to over 25 testing days spread across the next seven months. The calendar also includes roll race events and dedicated motocross racing days.QRC General Manager HE Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid al-Thani affirmed that the club has completed most of the preparations for the new season.“We were keen to approve the sports calendar for the 2025/2026 season early on to give racers enough time to prepare for the competitions. We are looking forward to an exceptional season by all standards—marked by a diverse range of championships, fierce competition, and strong audience engagement. This aligns with the vision of our club chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, who always strives to steer motorsports in Qatar in the right direction—technically, organisationally, and athletically,” he said.“Based on this principle, the new season's calendar has received special and exceptional attention, aiming to propel the club forward, advance motorsports, diversify our events, and attract the largest number of competitors. Our goal is to build an informed and educated community, and establish a strong youth base capable of steering Qatar toward more sporting achievements.”“Our ongoing preparations are focused on ensuring what we consider the most important factor: a safe environment, equipped with all necessary safety measures for both participants and spectators. The club consistently welcomes Gulf, Arab, and international teams.Speaking about the sports and community events the club is organising this season, Sheikh Jabor stated: "Qatar Racing Club is well known as the home of drag racing in the Middle East. As in previous years, we will be organising two separate drag racing championships.”“The first is an international-level event—the Arabian Drag Racing League—featuring top racers from around the world. This season, it will consist of six rounds, starting on January 8–9, 2026, and continuing until the final round in mid-February. The second is the Qatar Drag Racing Championship, made up of five rounds, and attracting the best drag racers from across the Middle East. The opening round is scheduled for the second half of November, with the final round taking place in early March 2026."He continued: "As for the Qatar Drift Championship, which kicks off tomorrow, it has consistently drawn participants from Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, and even some European competitors. This year’s edition will feature five rounds—three in 2025 and the final two in March and April 2026. We are also organizing the Sand Drag Racing Competition, held at the Sealine Sand Track.”Fans of freestyle drifting can look forward to a four-round championship, similar to last season.In addition to this, the club will also host Roll Racing events, Motocross test days, and various other motorsport activities."Leading these community events is the Qatar Custom Show, which we will host for the 13th time this season, scheduled for January 13–17, 2026.In addition, we’re keen to host gatherings of car owners, motorcycle clubs, and other community-centered events throughout the season," Sheikh Jabor said.

Al Rayyan will look to maintain their perfect start to the Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) when they face Omani side Al Nahda this evening at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat in a Group B clash.The Qatari giants come into the second round of the group stage brimming with confidence after a dominant 5-0 victory over Al Tadamun Hadramaut in their opening match. Now topping the group, Al Rayyan are aiming to consolidate their lead with another strong performance.Speaking ahead of the game, Al Rayyan head coach Artur Jorge underlined the importance of the fixture and his team’s ambitions. “We are heading into another match in the Gulf Championship against Al-Nahda, and we are aware of the importance of this match, which will not be easy,” said the Portuguese tactician during the pre-match press conference Tuesday.“Our goal is to continue winning in this tournament. We must do our best and perform at the level Al Rayyan is known for. We have great ambitions in this tournament, through which we hope to achieve the best results and reach the final. This requires all players to exert their utmost effort in every match.”Spanish forward Rodrigo Moreno, one of the standouts in the opening round, echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the team’s commitment to continuing their strong form. “Our preparations were good for this important match, through which we hope to continue our victories and achieve the desired result that will help us advance further in the tournament,” said Moreno.“We respect our opponents greatly, and we will play to continue our victories and achieve the three points we seek. This is an important tournament for us, and we seek to compete. We are ready for the challenge. We must maintain the same level we showed in the last match and play with the same enthusiasm in order to achieve victory.”

At an automotive event at the Qatar Racing Club, GAC Qatar – Domasco redefined car launches in Qatar with the unveiling of the GS8 Traveller and the Empow R, a statement said.Attendees were not only introduced to the latest technology and design features of the GS8 Traveller and Empow R, but were given the opportunity to participate in interactive test drives and drifting sessions.The Empow R, known for its 265hp and rapid 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds, and the GS8 Traveller, with its spacious seven seats and 12.5km/L fuel efficiency, showcased their performance on and off the track.The event featured interactive showcases, test drives, and dynamic performances, allowing guests to experience the vehicles firsthand.Domasco’s emphasis was clear: to deliver an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical car launch.For those interested in checking out the bold GS8 Traveller and the sporty Empow R, the GAC Showroom at East Industrial Road is the place to visit, the statement added.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany did not waste time thinking about his new contract, saying his main request to club bosses was that Tuesday's announcement did not disrupt preparations for Wednesday's Champions League match against visiting Club Brugge.The German champions announced a contract extension with the Belgian coach by two years following Bayern's winning start to the season with 11 wins from 11 matches across all competitions. "I did not spend any time thinking about it," Kompany told a press conference. "The question came and my only request was that this was not going to become a big issue. It will be done with quickly and we can focus on the next game. It was no big issue and no talks. Quickly and clearly and then we can focus on the next game. There are not too many better places (to work at) than Bayern."Kompany won the Bundesliga with Bayern in his first season in charge and the German champions are now on seven league wins from seven matches to top the league table. In the Champions League they are seeking their third straight victory when they host the Belgian club on Wednesday in a match for which Kompany, a product of Belgian rivals Anderlecht, feels like a bit of a rivalry."I just thought about it. We play a Belgian team but my youth was spent at Anderlecht. There is a bit of a competition feeling," he said. "I have a lot of respect individually for people at Club Brugge but if it is only about me, there is a bit of that rivalry feeling."One experience he is not keen on revisiting was the racist abuse he and his then Anderlecht team had to endure at a game in Brugge in 2021 when he was coaching the Brussels club. "It's a really difficult answer. I was the captain of the national team, I played for the national team for 17 years and you go to a place and your staff gets called 'a brown monkey'," Kompany said. "It is not easy. I don't want to focus on anything else right now. After the game I was speechless, four years later I am still speechless."

The 5th Qatar Arabian Horse Show for Local Bred, organised by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), began at Al Shaqab on Sunday. The three-day will see action for various categories for junior mares and fillies, yearling colts and fillies, and senior stallions and mares with the championship classes being held on Tuesday.

Qatar Polo Club (QPC), under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, on Monday announced the launch of Polo AlMarsa Qatar, the country’s first ever polo showcase, presented by Qatar Calendar.Taking place from Dec 11-13 at Terminal Park, Old Doha Port, the event will debut exhibition polo in a purpose-built grass arena, featuring a sporting festival of high-calibre polo matches, cultural showcases, hospitality, and horsemanship.Players from Argentina and Chile will join the showcase as part of the Qatar-Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, an initiative that spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations.Over three days, spectators will experience the excitement of Polo, from a Juniors play-off and a Women’s exhibition match to the Years of Culture Championship Cup, celebrating how sport brings people together and builds trust between nations, celebrating Argentina and Chile.At the heart of the competition is the Polo AlMarsa Championship Cup, where Qatari and international players will play in mixed teams marking a landmark sporting debut for the country.Ashraf Abuissa, Chairman for QPC, said: “As the official home of polo in the country, our mission is to celebrate equestrian and athletic excellence and raise awareness of this sport. Polo has long been part of the culture and sporting landscape of our region for centuries, symbolising skill, unity, and tradition.”Fuad Al-Mudahka, Director General, Qatar Polo Club, added: “Polo AlMarsa reflects our commitment to rekindling this heritage sport, enabling us to create a new tradition that connects our community, honours our equestrian culture, and elevates local talent on an international stage.”Mohammed al-Kuwari, Years of Culture Adviser on Latin America and Qatar’s former ambassador to Mexico said: “The Years of Culture has always shown that sport and culture are two sides of the same coin as both bring people together across borders. This Polo AlMarsa event connects Qatar’s equestrian heritage with beloved traditions in Chile and Argentina, creating a new cultural and sporting bridge that will endure long after this year.”“Hosting Qatar’s first-ever polo event at Old Doha Port marks a new milestone in our journey to establish the Port as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination,” said engineer Mohammed Abdulla al-Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port. “Through hosting this event, we aim to bring together Qatar’s rich heritage and modern spirit, reflecting our vision to deliver experiences that celebrate national identity through a contemporary lens. Polo AlMarsa is more than just a sporting event; it represents a strategic step toward strengthening the Port’s role within Qatar’s cultural and sporting landscape.”Jassim al-Mahmoud, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Qatar, said: “Polo AlMarsa is a remarkable addition to our events calendar, showcasing Qatar’s equestrian tradition while introducing a global sport that resonates with culture and heritage. Through this partnership, we are enriching the diversity of experiences available to both residents and visitors. By hosting such distinctive events at Old Doha Port, Visit Qatar continues to enhance the country’s reputation as a vibrant destination for sport and culture events.”Beginning with the Polo AlMarsa Youth Camp on Day 1, December 11, and followed by two days of Polo matches and experiences at Old Doha Port, the three-day programme will combine international exhibition polo with hospitality, entertainment, cultural shows and family activities, international cuisine, fashion and art.Day two of the program, the official first day of Polo AlMarsa Qatar, on December 12 includes an exhilarating welcome parade with over 50 horses, the official opening ceremony hosted by the Years of Culture and Chile featuring a world class Chilean Cultural Horse Show.This will be followed by the Mini Mallet Cup, a Women’s Exhibition Match, and the Years of Culture Championship Cup celebrating the great bond between Argentina, Chile and Qatar.The International Day of Polo, hosted on Day 3, December 13, will be headlined by the Polo AlMarsa Championship Cup. Guests will also enjoy a Historical Horse Show, heritage demonstrations, the closing awards, and the finale of Fashions on the Field.Throughout the event, the Polo Village will be a lively hub with food trucks, retail, live entertainment, cultural and family activities.Those seeking elevated comfort can access ticketed lounges with prime pitch-side views and dining, while exclusive VIP and sponsor lounges will offer tailored spaces for dignitaries and partners.Tickets for Polo AlMarsa Qatar are available through the event website. For details and reservations, please visit www.poloalmarsa.com

As the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, sponsored by Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), draws the world’s racing eyes to Paris, Thursday’s spotlight shines on the Purebred Arabian Horse Sale, organised annually by Arqana at Saint-Cloud Racecourse.The auction opens the associated events of the weekend, underscoring the significant interest in purebred Arabian horses.The growing focus on Arabians reflects one of the most notable successes of Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Qatar’s support for Arabian horse racing on French tracks stretches across the entire winter season, beginning with the Qatar Prix Massoud for three-year-olds making their first appearance—a race that officially launches the European Arabian racing calendar.This momentum continues with a distinguished lineup of major Arabian races, including the Qatar Prix Denouste for three-year-old colts, the Qatar Prix Djebella II for three-year-old fillies, the Gr.2 PA Qatar Prix de l’Élevage for four-year-old and up fillies and mares, the Gr1 PA Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes for four-year-olds, Gr.2 PA Qatar Coupe de France des Chevaux Arabes for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Al Rayyan Cup (Prix Kesberoy) for three-year-olds, the Gr1 PA Doha Cup (Prix Manganate) for four-year-olds and up, the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (three-year-old fillies), the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (three-year-old colts), the Gr 1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments (four-year-old fillies) and culminating in the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, staged on the final day of the weekend as the highlight immediately preceding the weekend’s centrepiece, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.Given this remarkable calendar showcasing a wide diversity of races, it is entirely fitting that Arqana’s Pure Arabian Horse Sale has earned such prominence both in France and on the global stage. This year’s auction catalogue features 97 lots, including 36 two-year-olds, two yearlings, 31 horses currently in training and 28 of breeding stock. Among the horses on offer, 13 are from Al Shaqab Racing, including seven horses in training and six horses of o breeding stock.Last year’s sale drew a significant international turnout of breeders, owners and trainers, achieving outstanding results. Of the 106 lots presented, 76 were sold, representing 71.7%, with total sales reaching €3,580,000.

Al Rayyan made a perfect start to their Gulf Club Champions League campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over Yemen’s Tadamon Hadramaut in their opening match at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium Wednesday.Brazilian forward Roger Guedes set the tone with a brace in the first half, scoring in the 17th and 28th minutes. The third goal came early in the second half when Yemeni defender Ayoub Tlili turned a cross into his own net (49th minute). Rodrigo Moreno (68th minute) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (90+6th minute) added further strikes to complete the rout.The home side dominated from the outset, pressing high and creating chances with sustained attacking pressure. Guedes broke the deadlock after a corner slipped past the defence, before doubling his tally with a thunderous strike from outside the box.After the restart, Tlili’s own goal widened the gap, and Moreno converted from a Mitrovic cross to make it four. Mitrovic then capped the night in stoppage time with a powerful header off a Wesley delivery.The emphatic win secured Al Rayyan’s first three points and a direct passage to the semi-finals of the competition. Al Rayyan midfielder Jassim Jaber hailed the team’s performance, calling the victory an “important motivation” for the squad moving forward.“We performed well and pressed from the start with the goal of winning, and that’s what we achieved,” Jaber said. “I thank the players for their great effort. The team has proven it has strong starters and substitutes who can maintain a high level.”

In continuation of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) efforts to reinforce its global presence through sponsoring some of the most prestigious horse races on the international stage, the Group 2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes was staged at the Curragh in Ireland Saturday. The QREC-sponsored 1600m race for two-year-old thoroughbreds was landed by Hawk Mountain, which is trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Ronan Whelan and owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor. Ahmed AmanAlla al-Sheebani, Director of QREC Support Services Department, presented the trophies to the winners. With this victory under his belt Hawk Mountain confirmed his class and promising start. After breaking his maiden on his second start over this course and distance, he took the step up in class with authority and is now a Group 2 winner following just his third start. Facing four rivals in the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes, he dictated the pace from the start, showed a sharp turn of foot when it mattered and stamped his authority with a decisive victory, underlining his growing reputation on the juvenile scene. Breaking smartly from the gate, Hawk Mountain immediately assumed control at the head of affairs, with Shaihaan in second, Port of Spain in third, Geryon in fourth and Al Haarith last of the five. The pace was even to slow in the back straight, with positions unchanged. Rounding the final bend, Hawk Mountain began to increase the tempo, still going easily, while Shaihaan came under pressure and Port of Spain found himself trapped in a pocket. On the outside, Al Haarith began to quicken, but Hawk Mountain had already slipped away from his rivals. Inside the final 300m, he extended his advantage impressively, winning decisively by three and a quarter lengths. Geryon, owned by Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd, trained by G M Lyons and ridden by Colin Keane, stayed on strongly to snatch second place, just a head ahead of Al Haarith, who was ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle for trainer Joseph Patrick O’Brien and owned by Al Wasmiyah Racing, Ballylinch and Umm Al Shukhout Farm. It is worth noting that the QREC’s sponsorship of the race comes as part of its long-term strategy to maintain a strong presence and promote the participation of Qatari owners’ horses in the biggest races at the top European and international racecourses. Over the past years, this strategy has brought numerous benefits, including victories in major international races, opportunities for Qatari owners to compete at the highest level and direct exposure for Qatari trainers and jockeys to the world’s finest equestrian talent, training methods, and racing standards.

Several people were injured in a shooting at a country club, in the US State of New Hampshire, police announced. Authorities said the incident took place at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. Two suspects fled the scene; one has been arrested, while the other remains at large.No immediate information was available on the condition of the injured.

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Telugu Literature Club, in association with the Telugu community, celebrated Telugu Language Day.The event highlighted the rich literary heritage and cultural significance of the Telugu language, one of India’s classical languages known for its poetic depth and elegance.All four leading organisations— Telugu Kala Samiti, Telangana Praja Samiti, Telangana Jagruthi, and Andhra Kala Vedika—actively participated, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Telugu community in Qatar.The event commenced with a welcome by ICC's head of HR, Admin & Consular, Rakesh Wagh. The presidential address was delivered by ICC general secretary Abraham K Joseph.Ravindra Prasad (head of Affiliation) and Venkappa Bhagavatula (head of In-house Activities), delivered felicitation speeches emphasising the importance and enduring legacy of Telugu Language Day.The cultural programme featured performances, including Telugu songs, proverb-based stories, an EK Patrabhinayam (solo drama), a Telugu language quiz, and tongue twister competitions, all reflecting the language’s artistic and intellectual legacy.Prominent Telugu community leaders Harish Reddy, Sathyanarayana, and Ashok as well as ICC managing committee members were present. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Vikram.

The ICC ONE Toastmasters Club, with a legacy of over 20 years, hosted its open house meeting with over 50 participants, including 24 first-time guests. Christopher Aleida, founder president M I Farid, Abhishek Mohanty, Deepikha Chandrasekhar Fernandes, Hany ZamZam, Mansoor Moideen, and club president Balakrishnan Karyot spoke.The meeting was also attended by senior leaders of Toastmasters Qatar.