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The Board of Directors of the Organising Committee for the 21st Asian Games – Doha 2030 held its first meeting Wednesday, chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of the Organising Committee’s Board.  The meeting comes as part of the ongoing preparations to host this major continental sporting event in Qatar. During the meeting, Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary General of the QOC and Member of the Board of Directors of the Organising Committee for the Doha 2030 Asian Games, reviewed the main master plan for the Games and its key pillars, and highlighted the latest updates related to the organisational and preparatory aspects, supporting the integrated preparation process for this major continental sporting event.  The Board also appointed Dr. Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain as Chief Executive Officer of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organising Committee. In his new role, he will play a central part in overseeing the executive operations of the Organising Committee and ensuring the effective implementation of approved plans and strategies, in line with the highest organisational standards and the objectives set for delivering this major continental sporting event.  The meeting also addressed ways to enhance coordination and integration among relevant stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, with the aim of unifying efforts and ensuring close cooperation to deliver a successful edition of the Games that reflects Qatar’s standing and organisational capabilities in hosting major continental and international sporting events.  Discussions further covered several themes related to the sustainable legacy of the Games, optimal utilisation of existing sports infrastructure, and leveraging accumulated national expertise in organising major championships.  Emphasis was also placed on the importance of adopting best practices in innovation, sustainability, and governance. The first meeting of the Organising Committee’s Board of Directors marks a key foundational step in the preparations for the Doha 2030 Asian Games, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, and reinforces the country’s leading role and growing influence in the development of sport across the Asian continent.

World champion Gukesh Dommaraju heads into the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha from Friday seeking a fresh start, as the 19-year-old Indian looks to rediscover momentum after a challenging phase.Competing against a star-studded field that includes five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh will be aiming to reassert himself in the faster formats as the next World Championship cycle looms.Hosted at the Sports and Events Complex of Qatar University, the tournament brings together the elite of world chess, including Americans Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So, Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, and India’s rising stars R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin.Gukesh, who stunned the chess world by defeating Ding Liren to win the World Championship in 2024 and become the youngest-ever male world champion, has endured a difficult period since. He began 2025 with a loss to Praggnanandhaa at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament and has struggled to find consistency across formats. Ahead of the Global Chess League season in Mumbai last week, Gukesh played a demanding 170 matches, winning 42, drawing 67 and losing 61.Over the next five days in Doha, it will be a crucial opportunity for the reigning champion to rebuild confidence against the very best. India’s chess icon Viswanathan Anand believes the teenager’s struggles are a natural part of a champion’s journey. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the five-time world champion described Gukesh’s situation as “part of the rough and tumble of life.”**media[397307]**“Every time you show something, your peers are all reacting. They’re all trying to change something and come back and confront you with new problems,” Anand explained. “Setbacks are just inevitable in that sense. And I think Gukesh’s crisis probably has more to do with the demands of social media than with his chess. His chess is fine. He would want better results in some of the formats, but this is not a crisis as such. It’s the nature of the game.”Anand, now FIDE’s Deputy President, also backed Arjun Erigaisi, India No.1 and world No.5, despite his failure to qualify for the Candidates for a second straight time. Erigaisi has shown he is among the leading challengers to the supremacy of Norway’s Carlsen and Caruana, and the 22-year-old Indian will be highly motivated after missing a Candidates berth at the recent FIDE World Cup in Goa.“He’s good enough to make the Candidates. Nobody will be surprised if he gets there. But it’s not like it’s an easy path,” Anand said. “(Erigaisi’s) rivals are also very, very strong. One of the problems is, there are far too many players who belong in the Candidates, but it can’t be a tournament of 16 or 32. So, the elimination process is by definition a little bit cruel.”India’s growing dominance is reflected in the numbers, with a record 29 Indian players competing in the Open rapid and blitz events and 13 in the women’s section, led by reigning women’s world rapid champion Humpy Koneru and women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh.Humpy is seeded eighth in Doha. In New York last year, she rebounded from a first-round loss to score 8.5 points from 11 games and claim the title for the second time in her career, five years after her maiden rapid crown in 2019.Her rapid triumph and strong blitz showing placed her second in the overall FIDE women’s series standings behind Ju Wenjun. In 2025, Humpy reached the final of the Women’s World Cup in Batumi after a dramatic semi-final victory over top seed Lei Tingjie, decided in rapid and blitz tiebreaks. She then lost a closely fought all-Indian final to Divya but secured qualification for the next Candidates Tournament.The demanding schedule in Doha will see the Rapid event played over 13 rounds in the Open category and 11 rounds in the women’s section, with a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move.The Blitz event will be divided into a Swiss tournament — 19 rounds in the Open and 15 in the women’s section — with the top four advancing to four-game knockout matches.With a top prize purse of €700,000 each for the Open Rapid and Blitz and €400,000 for the women’s events, the 400-player field has plenty at stake. A total of 233 players have registered for the Blitz Open and 230 for the Rapid.After missing the Rapid crown and sharing gold in the Blitz in last year’s New York edition, Carlsen, who became a father this year, returns to the World Rapid & Blitz Championships. He will aim to dethrone 2024 World Rapid champion Volodar Murzin, who has enjoyed a strong run of results throughout the year. 

An 11-year-old prodigy will be among India’s 41-player contingent competing at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha this week, with Charvi Anilkumar set to make her debut at the season-ending event.Charvi, who is from India's southern city Bengaluru, is the youngest Indian in the field and the joint youngest participant in both the women’s Rapid and Blitz events, sharing that distinction with Kazakhstan’s Alanna Berikkyzy.For Charvi, the tournament marks a rare appearance in the women’s section. Over the past year, she has largely competed in open events against older boys and men, choosing a tougher competitive path instead of age-group women’s tournaments. The approach has delivered results, with Charvi currently ranked 44th among the world’s top juniors, despite being at least three years younger than every player above her on the list. In 2025 alone, Charvi has gained nearly 200 rating points following a demanding international schedule. 

President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), Mohammed Hassan Jalood, has lauded Qatar for its exceptional contribution to the growth and promotion of weightlifting at the international, continental and Arab levels. Jalood praised the Qatar Weightlifting Federation and its president, Mohammed Yousef al-Mana, for their continuous efforts to advance the sport locally, regionally and globally.He highlighted the outstanding organisation of the 10th Qatar International Cup, held alongside the Arab Championships for youth, junior and senior categories, as well as the ongoing West Asian Championships in Doha. "The successful staging of three major tournaments simultaneously reflects Qatar’s extensive experience and its ability to meet the highest international standards," Jalood said Tuesday. "I commend the positive atmosphere surrounding the competitions, the quality of venues, accommodation, and the high level of security and comfort provided to athletes and delegations," he added. According to the IWF president, the events’ success is the result of Qatar’s strong technical and organisational expertise, coupled with its readiness to provide all necessary resources.The championships have attracted more than 320 athletes from 28 countries, including 18 Arab nations, and have already produced intense competition and new records across several weight categories. Echoing these sentiments, Mohamed Abdelmaksoud, president of the Egyptian Weightlifting Federation and a member of the IWF Executive Committee, described Qatar’s organisation as exceptional. Meanwhile Egyptian referee Gouda Abdel-Sadek, supervisor of the weightlifting competitions in the combined Qatar Cup, Arab Championship, and West Asian Championships, said that the atmosphere in the competitions was of high intensity for senior and junior lifters. Abdel-Sadek added that the athletes demonstrated high technical levels, evident in their outstanding performance and strong adherence to the rules, which contributed to fair and exciting competitions throughout the championship. He emphasized that such championships represent a golden opportunity for exchanging experiences between the participating teams and raising the level of weightlifting in the region.Asma happy with performance in DohaAsma Al-Ghamdi, assistant coach of the Saudi weightlifting team, Tuesday said she was thrilled with her debut participation in Doha. She said: I am so proud and honoured at the opportunity to be here. I am competing with the new generation of weightlifters." She explained that the injury she sustained as a player was a significant turning point in her athletic career, prompting her to transition to proper coaching and share her experience with young athletes. Al-Ghamdi stated that despite the difficulties she faced when stepping away from competition, she found a new passion and a great sense of responsibility in coaching. She praised the outstanding levels and results achieved by the Saudi national weightlifting team, which 'reflect the team's great effort and commitment of the authorities back home'. She commended the organization of the championship held in Qatar, noting that the environment was ideal for the athletes and coaching staff, contributing to strong and impressive competitions that underscored the importance of the tournament. 

A series of sponsorship agreements for the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 were signed during a press conference on Saturday at Rosewood Hotel.Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mudahka, President of Qatar Chess Association (QCA) and chairman of the organizing committee of the tournament, signed the sponsorship deals before the Dec 26-30 championships.Representatives of Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), Ooredoo, Mowasalat (Karwa), Total, Al Abdulghani Motors, AlkaLive and Qatar University were present to sign the sponsorship contracts.Ahmed Al Banai, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorship - Ooredoo, Yousef Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of Shared Services at Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), Nasser Mamdouh Al Shammari, Director of Light Transport - Mowasalat Co. (Karwa), Mansur Zhakupov, General Manager - Total Energy, Osama Mariam, CEO AlkaLive, Sami Al Mubarak, Head of Corporate Partnerships - Al Abdulghani Motors and Hamoud Al Hajri, Director of Sports Facilities at Qatar University represented their esteemed organizations at the press conference.Mr. Abdulghani Nasser Al Abdulghani, Chief Executive Officer of Al Abdulghani Motors, said: “We are proud to support the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship Qatar 2025, an event that reflects excellence, discipline, and strategic thinking at the highest level. Our sponsorship underscores our commitment to supporting national initiatives that promote intellectual sports, empower talent, and reinforce Qatar’s position as a global destination for world-class events. Through our long-standing partnership with the Qatar Chess Association, we remain dedicated to contributing to a vibrant, thoughtful, and future-ready community.”With over €1M in prizes on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the year's final showdown. After nearly a decade, the championship returns to Qatar, and hence fans should not miss the speed, strategy, and intensity.Key Details at a GlanceDates: December 25–30, 2025Venue: Sports and Events Complex, Qatar UniversityPrize Fund: €1,000,000+Formats: Rapid & Blitz (Open and Women’s)

Qatar is ready to host the World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 from Dec 26 to 30, this was announced by Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mudahka, President of Qatar Chess Association (QCA) and chairman of the organizing committee of the tournament on Saturday.Mr Al-Mudahka was joined by Hamad Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Executive Director of QCA and the Tournament Director at a press conference at the Rosewood Hotel in Lusail."The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 are taking place in Doha, Qatar from 25 to 30 December, bringing together the world’s elite chess talent for a thrilling end-of-year showdown," Al-Mudahka said on Saturday."The tournament will be held at the Sports and Events Complex, Qatar University," he added. "This edition features both Open and Women’s events in Rapid and Blitz formats, with a total prize fund of over €1,000,000. We are feeling proud that Doha returns as host after nine years, underscoring Qatar’s growing stature in the chess world," Al-Mudahka said.“Doha is now the only city to host the World Rapid & Blitz Championship twice, a milestone for chess and for sports in Qatar. It reflects our deep passion for the game and our commitment to delivering excellence. We are proud to welcome the world’s greatest players back to Doha, where ambition, tradition, and the future of our sport meet,” Al-Mudahka said.World Champion Gukesh D and Magnus Carlsen will join over 360 players who have confirmed their participation in the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, it was announced earlier by FIDE.The event, which will take place from December 25 to 30, brings together a field featuring multiple world champions, most of the sport’s highest-rated competitors, and rising stars.A total of 233 players registered for the Blitz Open and 230 for the Rapid. After missing out on the crown in the Rapid and sharing gold in the Blitz in the previous edition in New York, Magnus Carlsen returns to the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz. He will try to unseat the 2024 World Rapid champion, Volodar Murzin, who has had strong tournament performances throughout the year.World Champion Gukesh D would also feature at the event. His participation is expected to draw a lot of interest from chess fans. In particular, his superb result in Zagreb earlier this year indicates he will be one of the favorites in Rapid.Many seasoned elite players such as 2024 World Blitz co-champion Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Wesley So, and  Levon Aronian have also confirmed their participation.Challenging them will be a new generation of contenders seeking to disrupt established hierarchies: Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Praggnanandhaa R, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, and Ediz Gürel to name just a few.FIDE Women’s Rapid and Blitz will also see the best in the world taking part. Headlined by Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, the competition will see 130 players, including heavyweights Zhu Jiner, Lei Tingjie, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Humpy Koneru and more. Anna Muzychuk, who won both the Women’s Rapid and Blitz in Doha in 2016, will also be there, together with her sister, Mariya.

The 47th CISM World Military Parachuting Championships Qatar 2025 got off to a spectacular start on Saturday. His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs inaugurated the championship. The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Mannai, The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, along with several senior officials and guests. Organized by the Air Sports Committee at Umm Shakhout Airport, the championships will run from November 15 to 23, with the participation of 320 male and female athletes from 30 countries, representing the elite of military parachuting champions. **media[382266]** The Qatar Air Sports Committee (QASC) presented stunning displays by the world record-holding paramotor team and the 2025 record-holding aerobatics team. In his speech at the opening ceremony, His Excellency Brigadier General Mohammed bin Zayed al-Otaibi, Commander of the Joint Special Forces and Chairman of the QASC, said the gathering of the world's nations under the umbrella of this prestigious championship represents a profound sporting and humanitarian message, confirming that military sports has been and remains a bridge for acquaintance, a platform for cultural exchange, and a means to promote the values of friendship and peace among the armies of different continents. His Excellency Brigadier al-Otaibi added: “Organizing this major global sporting event would not have been possible with such distinction were it not for Qatar’s extensive experience, high capabilities, and advanced potential in hosting major championships." **media[382265]** "Doha has proven time and again that it is a world-class destination capable of innovative organization and providing a comprehensive, safe, and seamless experience for all participants. We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar for his unwavering support of sports activities across all disciplines and for his wise vision that has made sports a cornerstone of human connection among the peoples of the world. We also express our deep thanks to His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, for his generous support and commitment to providing all necessary facilities for the armed forces and guests of the tournament, which greatly contributed to the success of this edition. We would also like to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and to all the organizing bodies that dedicated their resources to ensuring the success of this global event."

Qatar is set to welcome the world's elite military parachutists from November 13 to 23 for the 47th CISM World Military Parachuting Championships.This was announced at a press conference on Wednesday at Umm Al-Shokhot Airfield.The 10-day event will be a gathering of skill and spirit, featuring 320 parachutists hailing from some 30 countries. The event, to be organized by the Qatar Air Sports Committee (QASC), promises spectacular displays of aerial precision.This championship marks a proud return for Qatar, which previously hosted the 44th edition in 2021—an event that earned widespread praise from the International Military Sports Council (CISM) for its impeccable organization and high caliber of competition.Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Saeed Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of QASC, on Wednesday said Qatar is ready to stage what will be a global event."This championship represents a vital opportunity for exchanging expertise and actively strengthening human and cultural ties between nations," Al Mansouri said.He noted that preparations for the massive undertaking had been extensive, with the QASC putting "considerable efforts" into ensuring Umm Shakhout Airport was perfectly ready. Every technical and organizational detail has been finalized to the highest standards.The focus then turned to the home team. Lieutenant Colonel Al Mansouri confirmed that the country would be represented by the Qatari Target Team, expressing his deep confidence in their ability to deliver a performance "befitting the reputation of Qatari sports.""We promise you an exceptional championship," he said.He attributed the foundation for this success to the nation's leadership, the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and the dedicated efforts of everyone involved, from the Chief of Staff to the organizing committees and supporting entities."Everyone's cooperation is the guarantee for the tournament's success and its presentation in a manner befitting Qatar's global reputation," he said.The countdown has officially begun for a spectacular showcase of military precision and global camaraderie in the skies over Qatar.Captain Hazza Al-Attiyah, Secretary General of the QASC, said that a Local Organizing Committee chaired by the Commander of the Joint Special Forces was overseeing all stages to meet the highest international standards.The 320 parachutists will test their mettle across three thrilling disciplines: the aerial ballet of Formation Skydive (FS-4Way), the rapid, focused maneuvers of the Style Competition, and the ultimate test of canopy control in the Accuracy Competition.These events, open to men, women, and juniors, will strictly follow CISM and international rules, with full adherence to WADA regulations, ensuring absolute integrity in the skies.Captain Al-Attiyah emphasized that hosting this global gathering represents a significant addition to Qatar's military and sporting journey, embodying the national vision to become a premier destination for international championships.The event wasn't solely about the competition, however; it also celebrated legacy. A cultural cornerstone of the opening ceremony will be the inauguration of the Air Sports Museum, a first for the State of Qatar. This museum is intended to document the rich history and achievements of national air sports, preserving the legacy for generations to come.Salem Al-Fahida, Head of Media Affairs and Chairman of the Tournament's Media Committee, described the CISM World Military Games as a "global sporting epic that combines skill, courage, and a spirit of challenge." Al-Fahida stressed that the professional Qatari media would be an active partner in conveying the honorable image of the global event.Meanwhile, Lieutenant Abdulaziz Al-Hajjaji, captain of Qatari Target Team, confirmed the squad's "complete readiness" to take part in the the world's most prominent military sporting event.

Qatar’s young athletes continued their strong showing at the West Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Beirut, raising the country’s gold medal tally to eight after three days of action. Ibrahim Zakaria and Younis Al Balushi won gold medals in the pole vault events, while Abdulrahman Mohammed claimed first place in the hammer throw, also securing qualification for the 2026 World Youth Championships in Los Angeles. In the men’s 400 metres, Mohammed Kala took silver and his teammate Youssef Abdulaziz earned bronze to complete another successful day for the Qatari contingent.

Qatar’s swimmer Ali Tamer claimed the silver medal in the 100m freestyle at the 11th Asian Aquatics Championships, currently underway in Ahmedabad, India. Tamer clocked 49.46 seconds to finish second behind China’s Wang, who won gold in 49.19 seconds, while India’s Srihari Natraj secured bronze with a time of 49.96 seconds. Tamer had earlier captured the gold medal in the 50m freestyle. Meanwhile, teammate Mohamed Mahmoud also contributed to Qatar’s medal tally with a bronze in the 50m breaststroke on Monday. Qatar’s team at the championship features four swimmers: Tamer, Mohamed Mahmoud, Hamza Shaalan and Abdullah al-Ghamri.

The wait is over. The UCI Road World Championships officially kicked off Sunday in Kigali, marking a historic milestone as the prestigious race unfolds on African soil for the very first time in its 103-year history.Organised by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), and a wide coalition of public and private partners, this landmark edition brings together more than 1,000 elite cyclists from across the globe.Among the participating nations, Qatar is represented by its national team, comprising both the men’s and women’s teams, led by Marwan al-Jelham and coached by Tariq Ibrahim. Their participation highlights the Qatar Cycling Federation’s commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing athletes for world-class competition.Qatari cyclist Lulwa, who has been training in Rwanda ahead of the championship, shared her enthusiasm: “I have been training here, and I recommend everyone to come and train in Rwanda. To compete here is very special because it’s the first time Africa is hosting the championship, and it is also my first time competing at a world championship. I hope this championship allows the world to see African people.”The championship promises a thrilling spectacle along Rwanda’s iconic landscapes, with courses traversing legendary climbs such as the Mur de Kigali and Mont Kigali. These routes will test even the most seasoned cyclists while offering breathtaking scenery to millions of fans around the world.Speaking at the opening, Rwanda Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire emphasised the broader significance of the event: “For Rwanda, hosting this world championship is not only an event, it is a commitment to the future, it is a commitment to the next generation that are going to be part of this sport movement. We believe in sports as a driving force for unity, for commitment and for social economic development. So we are here celebrating our statement and commitment to the future.”More than a race, the UCI Road World Championships 2025 stands as a celebration of Rwanda’s remarkable transformation. From the ashes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has risen with resilience, unity, and vision. Sport, especially cycling, has become both a symbol and a driver of healing, inclusion, and growth.As the races commence, Rwanda warmly welcomes the world to witness history, embrace its culture, and share in unforgettable moments of resilience, progress, and world-class sport.

The United States finished the world championships in style as Noah Lyles and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden completed memorable individual weeks by helping their country to emphatic golds in both 4x100m relays in driving rain Sunday.Jefferson-Wooden became the second woman to sweep all three sprint titles at one World Athletics Championships.The 24-year-old, who won the 100-200m double in Tokyo, helped the United States to a lead at the last exchange and Sha'Carri Richardson brought the baton home in 41.75 seconds."I did what I wanted to do individually, and then came back together with my girls, my training partners, and we were all able to walk away with the gold," said Jefferson-Wooden."It's crazy to be going home with three gold medals. I added my name to the history books once again. I am right where I want to be."Jamaica finished second in 41.79 to send sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, whose 2013 sweep Jefferson-Wooden emulated, into retirement with a 17th world championship medal."I'm grateful for the opportunity that I got once more to represent my country and to walk away with a silver medal," said the 38-year-old, who won 10 world and three Olympic sprint titles over her glittering career."I'm excited to have done it with a young team that is coming up, and I'm hoping that I would have done my part to just add some inspiration or some outlook for them."Germany came third in 41.87 for bronze on the back of a blistering final leg from Gina Lueckenkemper to see off Britain, who finished fourth in 42.07.In the men's race, the final track event of what has been a fantastic nine days of action, the U.S. were slick in their handovers despite the testing conditions.Kenny Bednarek got a gold to cheer him up after yet another silver in the 200m, but it was Lyles taking the spotlight again as he brought them home in 37.29 for his second gold after he won a fourth successive 200 following his bronze in the 100."We all know we are the fastest. We just had to get the baton from start to finish," Lyles said."I saw the lead we had and it was a kind of a relief as everybody did such a great job. I just had to finish the race. They made it easy for me. I could not have asked for a better relay."Fast-finishing Canada took silver in 37.55, with the Netherlands delighted to take bronze in a national record 37.81.With the men's discus outstanding, due to rain delays, the U.S. sit top of the medal table with 16 gold, five silver and five bronze. Kenya are second with seven golds, while a record 50 countries have won a medal.