Category: Sports

Representatives of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Somalia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America met in Washington, D.C. to discuss Somalia’s security, state-building, development, and humanitarian priorities.

The partners expressed support for the Federal Government of Somalia’s focus on counterterrorism and capacity building. They discussed how to better support Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab and prepare for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia drawdown, and agreed to strengthen coordination of international security assistance. Partners agreed on the importance of ensuring timely delivery of stabilization assistance to newly liberated areas. They committed to support Somalia’s efforts to meet the benchmarks on weapons and ammunition management to enable the UN Security Council to fully lift the arms controls on the Federal Government of Somalia.

The partners encourage and support Somalia’s National Consultative Council (NCC) process in promoting political reconciliation and to delineate the roles and responsibilities of levels of government in Somalia, including by finalizing the constitution.

The partners expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in and around Lascanood and called on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire, de-escalate, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and engage in constructive and peaceful dialogue.

They also expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis driven by Somalia’s worst drought on record. They welcomed support along with international actors to meet the immediate needs of the Somali people, while also strengthening Somalia’s ability to withstand future climate shocks.

The partners agreed to continue work within these areas and reconvene in Doha, Qatar, within the next three months for ongoing discussions and to take stock of progress.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation

Doha – The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) signed a Memorandum of Understating with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) to boost cooperation between the two organizations in scientific research and strategic studies fields and to launch joint programs for exchanging expertise.

H.E. QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and President of HBKU Dr. Ahmad Hasnah signed the MoU.

In attendance also were Director of QOC Support Services Sector Mr. Hamad Lahdan Al Mohannadi and HBKU Vice President of Operations Engineer Soud Al-Tamimi.

The MoU covers the exchange of experience and cooperation in the fields of education, organizing the training courses for the QOC’s executive and administrative leaders, conferences, symposiums, and workshops.

It also aims to develop mutual research between the two organizations in Olympic sports.

On this occasion, H.E. QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, said “It’s our pleasure to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Hamad bin Khalifa University as Education and sports are two pillars of healthy community. The establishment of joint programs with such a well-known education institution will contribute to the development of our social, academic, sports and training programs”

“The Qatar Olympic Committee is always looking forward to invest in human development as a step forward towards comprehensive development through our cooperation with Hamad bin Khalifa University.” He added.

For his part, President of HBKU Dr. Ahmad Hasnah, said ” Building abilities and preparing future leaders in the field of sports management is one of the necessities to ensure the success and positive impact of future sporting events. Hamad Bin Khalifa University, in light of the country’s strategy to make Doha a global sports destination, is keen to design specialized programs to train and develop sports leaders not only in Qatar, but also at the regional and global levels. Today, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Olympic Committee, which is the major sports organization in Qatar, in order to achieve the objectives of the country’s strategy in this vital sector.”

“This strategy approaches sport in its comprehensiveness, not only through competition, but as a field for cultural and social exchange. It also contributes to strengthening international cooperation and addressing many global challenges through sports competition.” He added.

Source: Qatar Olympic Committee

Doha: Three Italian shooters and one each from Egypt, USA and Denmark registered a perfect score at the end of three rounds of the Skeet competition at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun at the Losail Shooting Range on Monday.

USA’s Vincent Hancock, Jesper Hansen of Denmark, Azmy Mehelba of Egypt along with Italians Luigi Lodde, Gabriele Rossetti and Elia Sdruccioli did not miss a single clay pigeon out of the 75 targets that came their way in the first three round of the event.

Eleven shooters have a score of 74 targets against their name while 14 missed two targets each in the first three rounds.

Two of Qatar’s ace shooters Rashid Saleh Al-Athba (70 targets)

Masoud Saleh Al-Athba (72 targets) had a mixed bag. The younger of the two brothers, Rashid, a two-time Olympian started with a perfect score but then missed five targets in the next two rounds.

Masoud, an Asian Games gold medalist, carded 72 targets having missed one clay pigeon in the first three rounds each.

114 shooters are taking part in the skeet event for men. After two more rounds of 25 each, the qualification of the final round will be decided.

The next two rounds of the qualification and the final rounds will be held on Tuesday.

The Doha meet is the second ISSF Shotgun World Cup this year after the one in Rabat in January.

More than 450 shooters from 63 countries are vying for medals in Doha across individual and team events. The ISSF World Cup Doha will conclude on March 12.

The high-profile tournament has attracted 30 World and Olympic champions, as well as several shooters from Qatar.

Source: Qatar Olympic Committee

His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Royal Endurance Team Captain HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has clinched the World Endurance Championship.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad outclassed other contenders from the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Spain to win the race and clinch the trophy, clocking 7 hours, 36 minutes and 39 seconds.

HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa followed up the 160-kilometre race which was held at Boudheeb Global Village in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 126 contenders representing 36 countries were in the fray vying for the trophy.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad dedicated the victory to HM the King, praising royal support to sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly endurance sports. He noted the string of landmark sports achievements in the prosperous era of HM the King,

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad also expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his continued support.

He hailed the success of the United Arab Emirates in hosting the world endurance championship, praising the outstanding organization which reflects the UAE’s ability to hold major sporting events.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) First Deputy Chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa followed up the race and congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser on the victory.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

DOHA: Qatar is slated to host the Round of 16 matches of the West zone in the AFC Champions League from February 19 to 26. On February 23, quarterfinalists will compete for a spot in the semifinals, which will take place the following week on February 26.

Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, having booked their spot from the East Zone last August, await their final opponents with a quality cast set to battle in the West Zone Round of 16 on February 19 and 20.

There will be one Qatar team in the quarter-finals after Al Duhail and Al Rayyan found themselves pitted against one another in the match slotted for February 19. which will be followed by another game in which Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab will take on Nasaf of Uzbekistan at Al-Janoub Stadium.

Al Duhail were the runaway winners in Group D, registering five victories to finish eight points ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun.

They will be on a mission to progress, having been eliminated in the group stage of the 2020 and 2021 seasons and will head into the Round of 16 in good form, having taken firm control of the 2022-23 Qatar Stars League season.

However, Al Rayyan’s domestic form pales compared to Al Duhail’s, but that shouldn’t stop them from challenging Al Duhail, especially after booking an inaugural appearance in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 following a runners-up finish in Group A.

Qualifying to the Round of 16 meant doing so at the eleventh time of asking, as Al Rayyan had never reached the knockout rounds in 10 previous attempts. Having now done so, they will be aiming for the quarter-finals at Al Duhail’s expense.

The next day, Saudi side Al-Faisaly will play Iran’s Foolad at Al-Thumama Stadium. On the same day, Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal – the defending champions – will lock horns with UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai on the same day at Al-Janoub Stadium.

It is noteworthy that the first leg of the final will be held on April 29, 2023, at the home of the West zone winners, while the return match will be held on May 6, in Saitama, Japan (home of Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds, who qualified for the final from the East zone).

During the height of COVID-19, Qatar hosted the 2020 AFC Champions League matches for clubs in the East and West regions, as the Qatar Football Association created bubble environments as 10,000 fans watched the matches, and nearly 900 players and technical staff from 30 teams participated in the AFC Champions League competitions.

Source: Qatar Football Association

On the second Tuesday of February, The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) marked Qatar National Sport Day by organizing an event at the Southern Crescent Park – Lusail with the participation of several entities in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The MCIT event comes to emphasize the State’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging physical activity among the entire population in Qatar

His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, attended the opening of the National Sport Day event, which witnessed wide participation from major companies in the communications and information technology sector such as (the Communications Regulatory Authority, Ooredoo, Vodafone, Microsoft, Huawei, Google Cloud, Qatar National Broad Network, Malomatia, MEEZA, Qatar Satellite Company “Es’hailSat”) in addition to a large number of MCIT staff and their families.

On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that sport plays a vital role in promoting physical and mental health pointing out that National Sport Day is a unique opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles for all ages in Qatar, and this is what His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani keened on when dedicating a sports day for the state. His Excellency indicated the need to encourage everyone, especially the young generation, to participate in physical activities, indicating that a healthy mind and body lead to a happier and more productive life.

The event included sporting and recreational activities, including running, cycling, and other team sports. Participants in the Sports Day event experimented with many sports activities supported by modern digital technologies. It is hoped that this event will inspire participants to stay active and make exercise an organized activity in their daily lives.

Source: Government of Qatar