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With the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 taking place in Qatar, world and football industry leaders have congregated at the Aspire Zone to take in the action from what is regarded as one of football’s premier youth tournaments. This included Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, who is in Qatar for the Second World Summit for Social Development taking place from 4-6 November. Speaking to the tournament’s Local Organising Committee, Baerbock stressed on the role of sports in bridging nations and promoting social justice: “The global community has convened in Qatar to highlight the importance of social justice in building stronger societies. The same applies to sports – you only win when you play as one team,” said Baerbock, who has previously served as Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs from December 2021 until May 2025. With 48 teams coming together to compete for the coveted FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 trophy, Baerbock believes that this tournament is a testament to the power of sports in uniting players and fans alike and celebrating global diversity. **media[378328]** “The U-17 World Cup showcases the power of playing as a team. On a football pitch, your socio-economic background doesn’t matter. What matters is that you score well and play as a team. It is through sports that the youth learn to embrace diversity and overcome challenges together. The world of politics could also learn from sports that you either win together or lose together,” said Baerbock. “With FIFA talent academies established around the world, and with the U-17 World Cup now turning into an annual event, more children and families will have access to football and sports. I believe sports, especially football, teaches children to honour rules. If we adopted the same mindset in international diplomacy, and played by the rules, we would have more peace in the world. Combining impactful social policies with sports is a win-win situation for all,” added Baerbock. The Second World Summit for Social Development is taking place in Qatar, thirty years after the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. The Summit brings world leaders together to redefine strategies for social progress, strengthen global partnerships, and promote inclusive policies that foster equitable opportunities for all. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is taking place from 3-27 November at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone. Tickets and match schedule are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa

President of the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS), Mohamed Salem Al Nuaimi, praised Qatar's outstanding organization of the Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Championship 2025, describing the event as a clear demonstration of the country's exceptional ability to host major global tournaments at the highest international standards.In a press statement, Al Nuaimi said this edition of the championship ranks among the best in the history of World 10-Ball events — both in terms of the number and caliber of participants, and the high technical level displayed throughout the competitions up to the semifinals.He stressed that Qatar, represented by the Qatar Billiard Sports Federation (QBSF), continues to deliver world-class organization of international tournaments, adding that the success of this championship reflects Qatar's strategic vision and long-term commitment to hosting major sporting events.Al Nuaimi emphasized that the championship's success was no coincidence, but rather the result of tireless work by all organizing committees and highly skilled Qatari professionals, whose vast experience in managing international competitions has earned praise from players and global officials alike. He underlined that such professionalism has firmly established Doha as a global hub for billiards and snooker.He pointed out that the tournament witnessed intense and exceptional competition from start to finish — from the preliminary rounds to the main draw and knockout stages — which saw several world champions and top-ranked players exit early, further underscoring the exceptional standard of play.The ACBS President affirmed that this year's edition of the World 10-Ball Championship has made a significant contribution to the global growth of the sport, commending the QBSF's pivotal role in advancing billiards and snooker regionally and internationally.He noted that Doha has once again proven itself as the sporting capital of the world, thanks to its world-class infrastructure and highly professional organization across all sports, particularly billiards and snooker. He also highlighted that Doha holds the rights to host the World 10-Ball Championship for five consecutive editions, through 2028.Al Nuaimi praised the progress of Qatari players, noting their strong performances in both the preliminary and main rounds. He commended Ali Al Obaidli for his impressive showing, reaching the Round of 64 before being eliminated by top-ranked and former world champions.He revealed that, following the conclusion of the World 10-Ball Championship, Doha will host the World Snooker Championship from November 3 to 13, with the preliminary rounds to be held at the Federation's hall before moving to the newly refurbished Ezdan Palace Hotel from November 8 for the main stages.Expressing confidence in Qatar's national team, Al Nuaimi — who also serves as Secretary-General of the QBSF — said he expects strong performances from the Qatari players, led by world champion Ali Al Obaidli, who possesses the experience and determination to make another deep run following his 2023 world title.In conclusion, Al Nuaimi reaffirmed that the Asian and Qatari federations continue to work closely to develop the sport both locally and continentally, stressing that Qatar will always remain at the forefront of nations hosting world-class sporting events that go beyond organization to deliver inspiring, exceptional experiences for the global sporting community.