Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: CEO of Qatar’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari has expressed confidence in Doha’s ability to present a strong bid and deliver an exceptional Games experience. Speaking during a dialogue session with Qatari media representatives at Bayt Qatar, on the sidelines of the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan, Al Kuwari said the bid reflects Qatar’s national ambitions and its established position on the global sporting map. She highlighted Qatar’s extensive experience in hosting major international events, advanced infrastructure, world-class sporting venues and the expertise developed through years of staging continental and global championships. Al Kuwari said the bid is not simply about adding another major event to Qatar’s hosting portfolio. It represents a broader vision to deliver a distinctive Olympic and Paralympic experience while creating a lasting legacy for Qatar, the region and the international Olympic Movement. She pointed to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a major example of the country’s ability to stage one of the world’s most complex sporting events. The tournament demonstrated Qatar’s capacity to welcome millions of fans, athletes, media representatives and officials while providing an integrated experience. Al Kuwari also noted that the Middle East has never hosted the Olympic Games despite its rich history and diverse sporting communities. Existing infrastructure is a key strength of Doha’s bid, she said. Qatar already has a number of stadiums, arenas and sporting complexes that meet international standards and have hosted major competitions. Qatar’s compact geography would also provide practical benefits. Shorter travel times between accommodation, training facilities and competition venues could help athletes maximise rest and preparation time. Spectators could potentially attend multiple events on the same day, similar to the experience during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Sustainability and legacy are central to Qatar’s vision. Al Kuwari highlighted the transformation of the Athletes’ Village used during the Doha Asian Games into a healthcare facility serving the wider community as an example of long-term planning. She stressed that the legacy of the Games would extend beyond infrastructure, with the event helping strengthen a culture of sport and encouraging children and young people to become more active. Qatar has also developed expertise in event management, operations, transport, security, medical services, technology, media, marketing and volunteering through years of hosting international competitions and would support the Olympic project. Regarding the bid process, Al Kuwari said Doha is currently in the International Olympic Committee’s Continuous Dialogue stage. The process allows interested hosts to present their vision, discuss hosting requirements and further develop their plans before progressing to more advanced stages involving a smaller number of potential hosts that demonstrate their readiness and ability to deliver a suitable project. Al Kuwari also highlighted the growing role of Qatari women in sport and leadership. She said her appointment to lead the 2036 bid reflects the opportunities available to national talent. Al Kuwari said this presence extends beyond administrative and leadership positions to the direct support given to Qatari female athletes, highlighting Qatar Olympic Committee Board of Directors member H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani’s attendance at the women’s table tennis competition during the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. “We have the confidence, ambition and capabilities,” Al Kuwari said, adding that Qatar aims to present a strong bid and deliver Games whose benefits extend well beyond the competition period.

Olympics

Nagoya, Japan: Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah completed a unique double on Wednesday when he captured shooting gold at the Asian Games in the same year that he won the Dakar Rally. The 55-year-old was part of the Qatar men's skeet team that took gold ahead of Kuwait and India in Nagoya. It was his third Asian Games gold following triumphs in 2002 and 2010, and his sixth medal at the Games overall. He also won skeet bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. Al-Attiyah added it to his collection of driving accolades, which includes six Dakar Rally titles. Read Also Abdullah wins bronze as men’s skeet team eyes gold He secured the latest one earlier this year alongside Belgian co-driver Fabian Lurquin. At the wheel of a Dacia, he only had to avoid a final day slip-up to top the podium after bringing his career tally of stage wins to 50 the previous day.

Football

Doha, Qatar: Hosts Saudi Arabia will take on Kuwait in the opening match of the 27th Gulf Cup at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah today. The tournament features eight of the region’s leading teams, with Saudi Arabia aiming for a fourth title. Defending champions Bahrain, record 10-time winners Kuwait and four-time champions Iraq are also among the sides chasing the trophy. Saudi Arabia will look to make home advantage count as they target their first Gulf Cup title since 2003. They face Kuwait in their opening match, with Feras Al Brikan, Mohammed Kanno and Mohammed Al Owais among the key figures expected to lead their challenge. Saudi Arabia’s Greek coach Georgios Donis, while speaking ahead of the match, addressed the pressures that typically fall on the host nation. He said the Saudi national team has a blend of youth and experience. He also noted that three teams in the Gulf Cup have participated in the 2026 World Cup which reflects the strength of the competition. Kuwait’s Portuguese coach Helio Sousa also expressed his confidence in his players’ ability to go far in the tournament. Group A comprises Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman while Group B includes Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Iraq and Oman will get Group A underway before Saudi Arabia meet Kuwait later today. Bahrain enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating Oman 2-1 in the 2024 final to claim their second title. Their title defence begins against Qatar, with the three-time champions boasting plenty of experience through the likes of Akram Afif, Almoez Ali and Hassan Al Haydos. Iraq will also have high expectations after lifting their fourth title in 2023, while Oman will be aiming to recover from the disappointment of finishing runners-up in each of the previous two editions. Kuwait, meanwhile, remain the competition’s most successful nation and will be eager to add to their record haul of 10 titles. The United Arab Emirates, winners in 2007 and 2013, will also be hoping to mount a strong challenge, while Yemen will look to spring a surprise against their more decorated rivals. The UAE face Yemen in tomorrow’s opening Group B fixture before Bahrain take on Qatar. With the top two teams from each group to advance to the semi-finals, there will be little margin for error as the battle for supremacy begins in Jeddah.