As Qatar’s busy sports calendar nears end, Doha is playing host to major competitions with world’s best athletes showcasing their skills in the country’s capital. On Friday, Qatar Sports Club’s Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium was the centre stage with an array of top track and field stars wowing a packed house with their dazzling performances.
A total of 180 athletes representing 80 countries took part in the traditional opening meet of the 14-leg Diamond League. The star studded line-up included 15 reigning individual Olympic and world champions, and as expected the “best ever” field in Doha produced thrilling action in the season opener that saw records fall.
The Qatari capital is also playing host to IJF World Judo Championships – Doha 2023 at state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah at Al Sadd. For the next eight days, Qatar will host over 660 of the world’s best judokas from 99 countries in the event. This is the first time Qatar – the world’s sports capital – is hosting the high profile event.
There are 15 world titles up for grabs, including 7 individual categories for men and women, and a team event, in Doha during the 62nd edition of the Championships, as a staggering €1m in prize money will be on offer. In addition to crowning world champions, the competition will also offer qualification for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Ahead of the championships, Doha also hosted the IJF Ordinary General Assembly on Thursday.
While the Judo Worlds would be underway, the title of country’s top flight – the QNB Stars League (QSL) – is also set to be decided as the battle for the Falcon Shield has gone down to wire. The first day of the final round on Monday involving five matches will be decisive as leaders Al Duhail and Al Arabi are in contention for the coveted crown. Al Duhail, who are leading Al Arabi by two points with a tally of 48 points, will meet Al Shamal in their last match while Al Arabi face mighty Al Sadd, who are seeking a second place finish to the season with a win.
On Thursday, all eyes will be on the world-renowned Katara Opera House in Doha which will host the official draw ceremony for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
The Asian Cup will be held from January 12 to February 10, 2024 as Qatar prepares to host the event for third time after it hosted continent’s flagship event back in 1988 and 2011. The exciting week will come to a close with the highly-anticipated Amir Cup final to be played between Al Sadd and Al Arabi at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.
