Browsing: Sports
President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Abdulrahman bin Abdul Latif al-Mannai has congratulated His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Several Qatari sports bodies congratulated Sheikh Joaan on his election, saying the achievement reflects Qatar’s advanced standing in sports at both the continental and international levels. Al-Mannai said the election of Sheikh Joaan to this prestigious position is a well-deserved culmination of a career filled with successes and accomplishments. It also recognises his pioneering role over more than a decade in leading the Qatari Olympic movement, establishing Doha as a global capital of sport, and setting a benchmark for modern sports management, he added. The QMMF President noted that the unprecedented organisational successes and outstanding Olympic results achieved under Sheikh Joaan’s leadership, most notably Qatar’s best-ever Olympic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Games, along with hosting major international and continental championships, are clear evidence of his leadership competence and comprehensive strategic vision, capable of guiding Asian sports to new heights. Al-Mannai added that the extensive experience of HE Sheikh Joaan, both through his presidency of the QOC and his position as First Vice-President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), in addition to his contributions to developing sports talent through the Qatar Olympic Academy, enhances the prospects for a qualitative leap forward for the OCA in the coming period. Al-Mannai affirmed his great confidence in Sheikh Joaan’s ability to represent the Asian continent in the best possible way and to continue promoting the values of the Olympic Movement. He wished him success in his new role and praised the unlimited support provided by the wise leadership to sports and athletes, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Meanwhile, Qatar Football Association President and QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain congratulated Sheikh Joaan on his election. “Heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on the occasion of his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. A leadership stemming from extensive experience and an ambitious vision that will contribute to the development of the Olympic movement on the continent and the enhancement of the Asian sports journey,” he wrote on X. Also, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA), Khalil al-Jaber, expressed his best wishes for success to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani during his tenure as President of the Olympic Council of Asia, which is considered the second-largest sporting organisation in the world. Al-Jaber explained that Sheikh Joaan left a clear and lasting mark during his presidency of the QOC, whether through the major sporting events hosted by the State of Qatar or through the notable achievements realised by Qatari sport. He added that the OCA is set to witness a significant qualitative leap during His Excellency’s presidency, given his strong vision and great ambition to develop the sports system and host major international sporting events. Mohammed Ahmed al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association welcomed the appointment of Sheikh Joaan as President of the OCA. He said it is a significant gain not only for the State of Qatar but for Asian sports as a whole. He noted that the Asian continent is poised for an ambitious vision and substantial development in the future under the leadership of Sheikh Joaan. Al-Mudahka expressed his pride in the election of HE Sheikh Joaan to head the world’s largest regional organisation, a decision stemming from confidence in his ambitious vision to lead Asian sports to greater heights. Related Story Source link
A “Baggy Green” cap worn by Don Bradman during a series against India in 1947-48 was sold for $460,000 at a Gold Coast auction Monday, fetching the highest price for a cap sported by the great Australian batsman. Bradman had gifted it to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni, whose family preserved it for the last 75 years. “That’s over three generations under lock and key. If you were a family member you were only allowed to look at it when you were 16 years old for five minutes,” said Lee Hames, the chief operating officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers. The cap was sold to an anonymous bidder and will be kept on display at an Australian museum, local media reported. The cap, which has the names “D.G. Bradman” and “S.W. Sohoni” inscribed on the inside, is in good condition. Another cap worn by Bradman was sun-faded and insect-damaged when it fetched $311,000 at auction in 2024. Widely regarded as the greatest batsman in history, Bradman played 52 tests with a batting average of 99.94, nearly 40 runs higher than any other player. Source link
Al Waab and Muaither booked their places in the quarter-finals of the QSL Cup following dramatic and decisive Play-Off victories. At the Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al Wakrah, Al Arabi edged Qatar SC 12-11 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time. Qatar SC were moments away from victory, leading 2-1 deep into added time, before Al Arabi produced a sensational equaliser to force the shootout. Yan Matheus (14th minute) and Joao Pedro (58th minute) had put Qatar SC ahead, while Al Arabi responded through Karl Toko Ekambi from the penalty spot in the 57th minute and Joao Pedro Darros in the second minute of stoppage time. Ibrahim Abdelhalim Masoud’s missed kick proved decisive as Al Arabi advanced. The winners had finished fourth in the league with 19 points, while Qatar SC placed 13th with 13 points. At Al Shamal Stadium, Al Waab claimed a convincing 3-1 victory over Mesaimeer to secure their quarter-final berth. Al Waab struck early to establish a 2-0 lead by half-time, with Mekki Mohsen scoring in the third minute and Ameer Fowadah adding the second in the 32nd. Baha Faisal sealed the win in the 69th minute, while Mohammed Djenidi netted a late consolation for Mesaimeer in the 74th. Al Waab had finished fifth in the league standings with 18 points, while Mesaimeer were 11th on 13 points. Meanwhile, Muaither registered a comfortable 2-0 win over Al Kharaitiyat at Al Khor Stadium. Both goals came after the break, with Siriky Diabate opening the scoring in the 56th minute before Etyan Morales doubled the advantage in the 76th. Muaither, who finished third in the league phase with 20 points, moved confidently into the last eight, while Al Kharaitiyat had scraped into the Play-Offs in 14th place, the final qualifying position, with 13 points. Related Story Source link
Aryna Sabalenka extended her reign as tiebreak queen to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals for a fourth successive year and Carlos Alcaraz joined her as Daniil Medvedev’s campaign ended Sunday.Third seed Coco Gauff advanced to her third quarter-finals in a row with a pulsating 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory over crafty Czech Karolina Muchova in a late-afternoon contest at Margaret Court Arena, while Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur eased through. Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka reacts after a point against Canada’s Victoria Mboko in Melbourne Sunday. (AFP) But three-times finalist Medvedev was handed another harsh lesson by his new nemesis Learner Tien, the Russian going down 6-4 6-0 6-3 to the American again at Melbourne Park.”He played great, super-aggressive. Even when I was making good shots, he was making a better shot back,” Medvedev said.”I didn’t find many solutions today on the court, which is rare, and I didn’t feel that many times in my life like this.”A day after blistering heat caused mayhem at Melbourne Park, normal service resumed as a cool change brought relief for players, fans and tournament schedulers.Twice champion and favourite Sabalenka was first out on a glorious morning, seeing off Canadian 19-year-old Victoria Mboko 6-1 7-6(1) in a match of two halves.The Belarusian was at her irrepressible best as she crushed the teen in a 31-minute opening set and raced to a 4-1 lead in the second before Mboko produced a thrilling fightback.Breaking Sabalenka twice on the way to a 6-5 lead, Mboko then hit a brick wall as the Belarusian raised her game to notch a 20th successive tiebreak win at Grand Slams, eclipsing Novak Djokovic’s record of 19 between Wimbledon 2005 and 2007.”I’m upset right now,” Djokovic joked in response to a post on X highlighting Sabalenka’s feat. PUSHED HARDBelarusian Sabalenka heaped praise on her young opponent.”It’s incredible to see these kids coming up on the tour,” said the world number one, who has reached 13 successive Grand Slam quarter-finals.”Having taken down one young gun, Sabalenka gets a shot at another in the quarter-finals against 18-year-old American Iva Jovic, who thrashed Kazakh veteran Yulia Putintseva 6-0 6-1 at John Cain Arena, two days after dumping out Jasmine Paolini.The men’s tournament has seen few surprises of the magnitude of Mboko and Jovic, with the final 16 shut out by seeded players for the first time at any Grand Slam in the professional era.Top seed Alcaraz did his bit in preserving the status quo despite facing arguably his toughest test during this tournament against 19th seed Tommy Paul, a semi-finalist in 2023.Alcaraz appeared in cruise control in a 7-6(6) 6-4 7-5 win under the afternoon sun at Rod Laver Arena.Once a stubborn matchup for Alcaraz, Paul has now lost on three Grand Slam surfaces to the Spaniard following last year’s quarter-final thrashing at the French Open and his 2024 defeat at Wimbledon.”I guess the way that I would describe it is, he suffocates you in a way,” Paul said of Alcaraz.”He makes you feel like you have no time.” LOCAL HEROAlcaraz next takes on Australian Alex de Minaur, who brushed aside 10th-seeded Kazakh Alexander Bublik 6-4 6-1 6-1 to make his second successive quarter-final at Melbourne Park.”I’m super pleased with my level, I’m excited for the next one,” said De Minaur, who is looking to be the first Australian to win the tournament since compatriot Mark Edmondson’s triumph five decades ago.”I’m going to have to come out all guns blazing and I’m excited for a battle against Carlitos.”Last year’s runner-up Alexander Zverev stayedon trackin his bid for an elusive maiden Grand Slam title, beating Francisco Cerundolo 6-2 6-4 6-4.Even as the fourth-round action unfolded on court, Djokovic was given the news he had reached the quarter-finals as fourth-round opponent Jakub Mensik withdrew due to an abdominal injury a day before they were scheduled to meet.While the leading men eased through, two-times Grand Slam champion Gauff saw three match points slip through her fingers before she prevailed in a proper scrap against 19th seed Muchova, a former semi-finalist.”She definitely elevated her game and I thought I was sometimes a bit passive,” said Gauff, who next faces Elina Svitolina after the Ukrainian beat Mirra Andreeva 6-2 6-4.”I think today I didn’t panic… I knew I had to capitalise on those chances in the third set and I did that.” Related Story Source link
Al Sadd players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Qatar-UAE Super Shield at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. Roberto Firmino’s dramatic stoppage-time strike secured a 3-2 victory for Al Sadd over Shabab Al Ahli in the Qatar-UAE Super Shield at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium yesterday. The Qatar Stars League champions overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit to claim the trophy in a thrilling second half that produced four more goals. Firmino opened his account in the 55th minute before adding a decisive finish in the 90+6th minute, while Al Sadd playmaker Akram Afif, at the forefront of the hosts’ attacking play, scored in the 75th minute. Shabab Al Ahli’s goals came from Yuri Cesar in the 31st minute and Mohammad Juma in the 79th. The UAE side initially took the lead through Cesar, who fired a powerful strike after a precise setup from Federico Nicolas Cartabia just outside the penalty area. Al Sadd nearly responded at the hour mark when Afif’s attempt from inside the box was expertly blocked by Bogdan Planic. Al Sadd drew level shortly after the break when they were awarded a penalty following a mistimed tackle by Mateus Henrique Silva on Afif inside the box. Firmino converted with composure to make it 1-1. The hosts then surged ahead in the 75th minute as Afif latched onto a long floater from Pedro Miguel, intercepting before calmly finishing from close range. Roberto Firmino is overjoyed as he…
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, is set to host the 2nd GCC Women’s Sports Tournament for Universities and Higher Education Institutions from February 6 to 11, 2026.Sponsored by the Ministry of Sports and Youth and hosted for the first time in the State of Qatar, the tournament seeks to strengthen cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while also contributing to the regional development of women’s university sports.By bringing together universities and higher education institutions from across the GCC, HBKU is advancing its role as an advocate for regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative institutional partnership. Leveraging world-class infrastructure, the tournament advances the University’s academic mission beyond the classroom, reinforcing student development and well-being as core pillars of higher education.Competition takes place across seven venues, six within Education City and one at Qatar University, with the opening ceremony on February 7, 2026, at Al Shaqab’s Longine Indoor Arena. Around 450 female students representing 16 of the region’s universities and higher education institutions will compete across eight sports: football, volleyball, basketball, padel, table tennis, badminton, athletics, with fencing making its first appearance at the tournament.The tournament’s draw ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m at Education City Stadium. Attendees will include heads of the technical committees from the relevant federations, representatives from participating universities, and members of the supervisory committee.Commenting on the competition, Dr. Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs, HBKU, and Chair of the tournament’s Supreme Organizing Committee, stated: “Hosting this event reflects the University’s academic and societal mission. It is not solely a sporting occasion, but a complementary experience that brings together sport, education, and culture, while highlighting the role of women in our societies. We are working with various stakeholders to ensure a successful tournament promoting women’s university sports.”Beyond competition, the tournament affirms the core values of teamwork, integrity, and resilience, while advancing women’s participation in sport as a catalyst for human development and social progress. Related Story Source link
Al Ahli players celebrate after being crowned as Challenge Cup champions in the Qatar-UAE Super Cup series at the Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi…
The spotlight turns today to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which is hosting the General Assembly meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). During the meeting, the leadership of OCA, the continental sports body behemoth, will be handed over to the State of Qatar, represented by His Excellency the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, ushering in a new era of development for Asian sports. Taking on the mantle of OCA’s hierarchical leadership, HE Sheikh Joaan is set to herald a new phase of prosperity for this long-standing Asian sports institution, based on an ambitious Qatari strategy that aims to achieve sustainable development through the organisation of state-of-the-art green sporting events, as well as digital transformation that broadly bets on integrating AI and cutting-edge technologies in athletes’ performances and sports facilities management. The Qatari presidency will mark the culmination of OCA’s pathway, which was established 77 years ago. Its headquarters is located in the State of Kuwait. Interestingly, the establishment of this council was the product of a long odyssey to advance Asian sports, starting with the creation of the Asian Games Federation and culminating in the formation of OCA, the largest continental sports body. This was achieved through two historic phases that shaped the contours of the sporting landscape across the largest continent in the world. The idea of organising alternative Asian Games, replacing the previous Far Eastern and West Asian Games, was proposed by the Indian Guru Dutt Sondhi, then President of the Indian Olympic Committee. Subsequently, the Asian Games Federation was founded on Feb 13, 1949, during a meeting held at Patiala House in New Delhi, India. The sublimest objective of this federation was to unify Asian athletes under one banner, and it discharged its responsibility of organising the Asian Games since their first edition in 1951. The Federation undertook this role for over three decades. With the need to advance the organisational structure and keep abreast of growing sports ambitions, a decision was taken to dissolve the federation, especially following the emergence of feuds and standoffs among the member states, triggering the urgent need for a sports authority with greater powers capable of controlling the Asian sports arena. The OCA was officially established on Nov 16, 1982, during the 9th Asian Games in New Delhi, becoming the sole legitimate representative of Asian National Olympic Committees. It comprises 45 member countries and organisations and is responsible for overseeing sport in Asia and co-ordinating member activities on both regional and global stages. Its mandate extends beyond the Asian Games to include the Asian Winter Games, with both events held every four years. Since its establishment, OCA has been spearheaded by key sports figures who shaped the course of Asian sport and strengthened Asia’s standing within the international Olympic movement. History records the late Kuwaiti Sheikh Fahad al-Ahmed al-Sabah as the spiritual founder of the Council, having led the transition from the Asian Games Federation to the OCA. As the first President, he laid strong institutional foundations and selected Kuwait as the permanent headquarters until his death in 1990. Following the passing of Sheikh Fahad al-Ahmed al-Sabah, Roy de Silva of Sri Lanka assumed the role of Acting President of OCA during a transitional period from 1990 to 1991, playing a vital role in maintaining OCA’s cohesion and ensuring the continuity of its activities amid one of the region’s most challenging political crises. He was succeeded by Sheikh Ahmed al-Fahad al-Sabah of Kuwait, who served as President of OCA from 1991 to 2021, marking the longest and most influential presidency in the Council’s history. During his three-decade tenure, OCA evolved into a major continental sports institution, with the launch of the Asian Indoor Games, Asian Winter Games, and Asian Beach Games, alongside strengthened Asian influence within the International Olympic Committee. In September 2021, Sheikh Ahmed stepped down, and Randhir Singh of India assumed the position of Acting President. Although Sheikh Talal Fahad al-Ahmed al-Sabah was elected President in July 2023, Singh remained Acting President following the Executive Board’s endorsement of the IOC Ethics and Compliance Commission’s recommendation to annul the 2023 election results. In September 2024, Randhir Singh was elected President of OCA for a four-year term, becoming the first Indian to hold the post. However, due to health issues, he chose not to complete his term, prompting the opening of nominations for an early presidential election on July 15, 2025, for which HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani emerged as the sole candidate, making his assumption of the presidency a matter of time. During its 77-year-long journey, OCA has proven day after day its role as a powerful driving force for Asian sports, committing itself to strengthening Olympic values and providing a fair and motivating competitive environment for millions of Asian athletes. Related Story Source link
Manchester United inflicted Arsenal’s first home defeat of the season in a 3-2 thriller to blow the Premier League title race open Sunday as Aston Villa beat Newcastle to close within four points of the Gunners. Villa’s impressive 2-0 victory at Newcastle took Unai Emery’s men level on points with Manchester City, whose own title chances were boosted by events at the Emirates Stadium. A week on from dominating City in the Manchester derby, Michael Carrick’s dream start as United boss continued thanks to Matheus Cunha’s stunning later winner. A Lisandro Martinez own goal put Arsenal in front but the Red Devils quickly levelled when Bryan Mbeumo pounced on an error by Martin Zubimendi. Patrick Dorgu’s brilliant strike put the visitors in front early in the second half. Not for the first time this season, despite their lofty league position, Arsenal were blunt as an attacking force from open play. But they could rely on their prowess from set-pieces to equalise when Mikel Merino forced in a corner on 84 minutes. Just moments later Cunha took aim from outside the box and delivered a telling blow to the Gunners’ hopes of a first league title in 22 years. Victory also propelled United into the top four to boost their chances of Champions League football next season for the first time in three years. Villa kept their outside shot at a first league title since 1981 alive with their first victory at St. James’ Park for 21 years. Emiliano Buendia’s brilliant strike from outside the box opened the scoring before Ollie Watkins secured victory when the England international headed in Lucas Digne’s cross two minutes from time. Newcastle slip to ninth but still only four points outside the top five, which will likely be enough for a place in the Champions League. Chelsea piled more pain on Crystal Palace with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. Oliver Glasner promised to do his best to turn around a miserable run for the Eagles despite announcing he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Austrian was furious at the manner club captain Marc Guehi was allowed to depart for Manchester City earlier this week and could also lose star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the transfer window closes. Palace never recovered after a wayward back-pass from Jaydee Canvot freed Estevao to sprint clear and fire in Chelsea’s opener on 34 minutes. The Brazilian then set up compatriot Joao Pedro to gallop in behind the Palace defence and double the Blues’ advantage just after half-time. Enzo Fernandez’s penalty rounded off a fourth win in five games for Liam Rosenior since he took charge at Stamford Bridge. After 11 games without a win, the Eagles are now looking over their shoulder, just eight points above the relegation zone. Nottingham Forest gave their survival chances a huge boost by inflicting just a second home defeat of the season on Brentford. Forest moved five points clear of the drop zone with a 2-0 win in west London thanks to goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi. Source link
Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani-owned Barq Al Atam returned to winning form by clinching the Lehwaila Cup at the Al Uqda Racecourse Saturday.Barq Al Atam showed trademark toughness to capture the feature race, a Local Thoroughbred Handicap (50–70) for three-year-olds and up over 1200m, Class 3, contested by eight runners.The seven-year-old bay gelding, trained by Ibrahim Saeed al-Malki, won the race by a head, following up two recent placings to record his second success from four starts this season. He was partnered by Arnaud De Lepine. In the 1200m Local Thoroughbred Handicap race, the bay gelding followed up two placed efforts to record his second success from four starts this season, tracking the leaders throughout before asserting inside the final 150m and holding on gamely to prevail by a head from the fast-finishing Ghafan.Breaking sharply with clear intent, Barq Al Atam moved straight into a prominent role, briefly ceding the lead to Doghan before quickly reclaiming control. From there, he dictated a strong tempo, with the order remaining largely unchanged through the early and middle stages as the field tracked his every move. Approaching the home turn, Ghafan began to improve into contention, moving up into third before pressing further to take second on straightening.Barq Al Atam still held the advantage entering the final furlong, but the pressure intensified inside the last 150m as Ghafan launched a sustained challenge and momentarily edged in front, appearing to have wrested control. The response from Barq Al Atam was immediate and decisive. Showing grit and resolve, he dug deep once more, rallying strongly in the closing strides to reclaim the lead and thrust his head in front right on the line to secure a hard-fought victory. Ghafan, owned and trained by Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, was brave in defeat under Pierre Charles Boudot, beaten only a head, but finishing two lengths clear of the remainder. Mutamarrid, carrying the colours of Injaaz Stud and trained by Jihad El Ahmad, stayed on from midfield under Soufiane Saadi to take third, best of the rest behind the tightly matched first two.Rashid Saed Adiba, Head of QREC Racing Operations Section, awarded the winners of the meeting’s feature contest. Related Story Source link