Qatar Football Association Awards announce nominees for 2025-2026 season
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) Awards announced the final nominees for the 2025–2026 season, following the completion of voting, screening and approval processes. sport-ipl.my
In a social media post, the Association named Roger Guedes (Al Rayyan), Akram Afif (Al Sadd) and Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Shamal) as Best Player nominees. Best Coach nominees include David Prats (Al Shamal), Vicente Moreno (Al Rayyan) and Roberto Mancini (Al Sadd).
The Best Goalkeeper nominees are Jassim Al Hail (Al Arabi), Mahmoud Abunada (Al Rayyan) and Meshaal Barsham (Al Sadd) while the Best Under-23 Player nominees are Mubarak Shanan (Al Duhail), Ayoub Al Ouari (Al Gharafa) and Mohamed Maani (Al Shamal)
QFA noted that The Mansour Muftah Award (Top Scorer) went to Al Rayyan forward Roger Guedes, who scored 21 goals in Qatar Stars League.
Football for All Award, Best Referees Award and Best Fans Award are not subjected to voting process and winners of these categories will be announced at the QFA Awards ceremony on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Qatar Police Sports Federation concludes 7th Open Beach Volleyball Championship
Doha: The Qatar Police Sports Federation has concluded the 7th Police Open Beach Volleyball Championship, held at the Al Gharafa Beach Volleyball Club courts. The tournament featured six teams from the Ministry of Interior, alongside one team representing the Qatar Armed Forces.
The closing ceremony was attended by Vice President of the Qatar Police Sports Federation, Colonel Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Thani and Director of the Police Institute at the Ministry of Interior, Major Faisal Saad Al Hajri. Also in attendance was Secretary of the Military Sports Federation, Lieutenant Colonel (Staff) Khalid Habash Al Suwaidi.
At the end of the competition, the Police Federation team was crowned champions, while the Police Institute team secured second place. The Qatar Armed Forces team finished third.
Sheikh Joaan chairs Olympic Council of Asia’s Executive Board meeting
Sanya: President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani chaired the 109th Executive Board meeting in Sanya, China, on the sidelines of the 2026 Asian Beach Games.
He opened the meeting with a welcome address, praising members for their continued efforts in serving the Asian Olympic movement.
The board discussed key agenda items, including approval of the previous meeting minutes in Kuwait and updates from organizing committees, particularly the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which will feature 43 sports, 70 competitions, and 468 events, alongside rising ticket sales and strong public interest.
Financial and governance reports were also discussed, including first-quarter 2026 statements and audit and risk committee updates, underscoring transparency standards.
The meeting addressed future Asian Games bids, including Mongolia's proposal for the 2030 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), and confirmed continued evaluation of hosting bids across Asia.
In this context, His Excellency affirmed the council's ongoing efforts to assess bids from countries wishing to host its events, amid growing interest in staging OCA competitions across the continent.
It also approved Johor, Malaysia, to host the 2029 Asian Beach Games and endorsed a nomination for Kairat Shamiev as Vice President for the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Almaty.
The board further confirmed that Doha will host the next General Assembly on Jan. 27, 2027, which will elect the OCA President for the 2027-2035 term, and set April 27 for signing an agreement with the Philippines for the 2028 Asian Beach Games in Cebu.
ختام مثير لبطولة قطر لجمال الخيل العربية الأصيلة
أسدل الستار على منافسات بطولة قطر المحلية الرابعة عشرة لجمال الخيل العربية الأصيلة للملاك الأهالي، التي نظمها نادي قطر للسباق والفروسية برئاسة السيد حمد بن عبد الرحمن العطية على مدار 4 أيام في الميدان الداخلي بالاتحاد القطري للفروسية، وسط مشاركة كبيرة من المرابط والمزارع والملاك الأهالي.
وشهد اليوم الأخير من المنافسات تتويج الأبطال والبطلات بالميداليات الملونة في بطولات المهرات والأمهار والأفرس والأفحل.
ففي بطولة المهرات عمر سنة أحرزت «نايلة الجزيل» ملك مربط الجزيل، الميدالية الذهبية، و»إتش كيه بشاير» ملك حمد جمعة الكعبي الميدالية الفضية، و»بيسان آل سريع» ملك مربط آل سريع» الميدالية البرونزية.
فيما أحرز «ساير البهية» ملك مربط «المشرب»، الميدالية الذهبية في بطولة الأمهار عمر سنة، فيما أحرز «سراج الجزيل» ملك مربط الجزيل الميدالية الفضية، و»رايق الشقب» ملك ناصر سلمان المسلم الميدالية البرونزية.
وفي بطولة المهرات عمر 2-3 سنوات، كان الميدالية الذهبية من نصيب «هيفا التنهات» ملك راشد جمعة المهندي، وحصدت الفضية «شيهانة كيه إل» ملك مربط «كحيل»، والميدالية البرونزية «سلمى الوجبة» ملك حمد خلف المناعي.
أما بطولة الأمهار عمر 2-3 سنوات، فقد أحرز « داندون كيه إل» ملك مربط «كحيل» الميدالية الذهبية، و» سامي الزبير» ملك « مربط نجد» الميدالية الفضية، و» عزام أم العظام» ملك ناصر محمد مسفر الهاجري الميدالية البرونزية.
وجاءت المنافسات قوية في فئة الأفرس حيث توجت بالميدالية الذهبية « نجلا أم العظام» ملك ناصر محمد مسفر الهاجري بالميدالية الذهبية، و» دي فالا» ملك مربط السالم بالميدالية الفضية، و» مايان اللهيف» ملك مربط اللهيف بالميدالية البرونزية.
وفي بطولة الأفحل، أحرز « فارس الناصيات» ملك مربط «الدانة» الميدالية الذهبية، و»أدميرال» ملك «مربط «العامر» الميدالية الفضية و» باهي الجهام» ملك مربط الجهام الميدالية البرونزية.
Qatar ready to stage 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 as ‘Washeq’ unveiled
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has unveiled the official mascot, ‘Washeq’, as it confirmed full readiness to host the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, with all preparations completed ahead of the event scheduled from May 11 to 22.
The announcement was made yesterday during a press conference at Al Wajba Hall at the headquarters of the Qatar Olympic Committee, in the presence of senior officials and media representatives.
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al-Thani, Head of the Marketing and Communications Committee, said the mascot launch marks an important step in building public engagement, particularly among youth, while reflecting the spirit and identity of the Games.
He added that Qatar’s hosting of the Games represents a continuation of strong sporting cooperation among GCC countries and highlights the deep-rooted ties that unite the region.
Officials pose for a photo during the unveiling of the mascot for the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, ‘Washeq’, at the QOC Headquarters.
“This edition of the Games provides an important platform to strengthen ties among Gulf youth, promote sporting values, and reinforce the role of sport as a bridge for communication,” he said.
Organisers also outlined a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy inspired by Gulf culture and heritage, designed to appeal to a broad audience while delivering a distinctive experience.
In addition, a number of official sponsors and strategic partners have been announced, supporting the event’s delivery and enhancing its overall reach and impact.
The organising committee has invited the public to attend the opening ceremony on May 11 at Al Shaqab, where the Games will officially begin with a showcase reflecting Qatar’s level of preparation.
With final arrangements in place, organisers will now focus on rolling out the full marketing campaign to ensure strong attendance and a successful edition that reflects the aspirations of GCC nations.
‘Washeq’ - A reflection of Gulf identity
“Washeq,” has been designed to embody the cultural identity and shared values of the Gulf region, according to organisers.
Speaking on the significance of the mascot, Maryam Al-Mansoori, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at the Organising Committee, said the choice was inspired by the desert caracal, a distinctive symbol of the Arabian Peninsula’s natural environment.
She explained that the mascot reflects the core principles of the Games, including fair competition, discipline, and the spirit of Gulf unity, aligned with the event’s slogan, “One Gulf, One Heart.”
“Washeq is closely tied to Gulf identity and represents an important part of the region’s wildlife heritage, historically present across deserts, valleys, and diverse landscapes,” she said.
Al-Mansoori noted that the selection highlights the deep cultural and environmental connections shared by GCC countries, reinforcing a collective vision for the future. The mascot also symbolizes key attributes such as agility, precision, and adaptability—qualities drawn from the resilience of desert life. Its composed and calm character, she added, reflects the professionalism and balance that the Games aim to promote.
Meanwhile Qatar’s delegation has reached full readiness for participation in the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, with all administrative and logistical arrangements completed, officials confirmed.
Speaking ahead of the Games, Najla Al-Khayareen, Head of the Qatari Administrative Delegation, said preparations have been finalised to ensure athletes can compete under optimal conditions.
She noted that accommodation, transport, and all technical and logistical support systems are in place, allowing competitors to focus entirely on their performances.
“Team Qatar has reached the highest level of readiness for this major sporting event,” she said, adding that athletes have been carefully selected to represent the country at a competition that serves as an important step in preparation for future international events.
Qatar is set to compete across 19 sports, including handball, athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, shooting, and equestrian, among others.
Al-Khayareen also called on fans to support the national team, stressing that strong public backing plays a vital role in motivating athletes and achieving positive results.
She expressed confidence in Team Qatar’s ability to deliver strong performances and contribute to a successful edition that reflects the spirit of Gulf unity.
The fourth edition of the GCC Games will feature competitions in 19 disciplines, including table tennis, squash, padel, fencing, boxing, taekwondo, karate, billiards, snooker, archery, and bowling.
Events will be staged across 11 venues in Doha, such as Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, and Lusail Shooting Range, reflecting the country’s extensive sports infrastructure.
The GCC Games were first held in Manama in 2011, bringing together six Gulf nations and around 1,500 athletes competing in 11 sports. Qatar finished third overall with 20 medals.
The second edition took place in Dammam in 2015, where Qatar again secured third place, significantly improving its tally to 59 medals.
In the most recent edition, held in Kuwait City in 2022, Qatar finished fifth with 52 medals in a competition that featured more than 1,500 athletes across 16 sports. With the upcoming edition set to begin, organisers and officials are hopeful that Team Qatar will build on its past performances and make a strong impact on home soil.
