Qatar added another chapter to its growing sports legacy with the successful staging of the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at the Aspire Dome. Over four action-packed days, more than 150 gymnasts competed across ten apparatus events, delivering world-class performances and once again underlining Doha’s reputation as a leading destination for global sporting events.
The competition featured 95 male and 55 female athletes from across the world, with medalists from the Paris Olympics adding weight to the field. From the pommel horse to the high bar and balance beam, the routines captivated fans and upheld the high standards expected at this level. Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), commended the event’s quality and organisation. “I’m always happy to be in Qatar. Each year, this World Cup has something new and exciting,” he said, crediting the nation’s infrastructure, experienced teams and commitment to delivering world-class events.
Running alongside the gymnastics action was the 2025 Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel, the opening Major of the Qatar Airways Premier Padel circuit, held at the iconic Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. The six-day tournament featured a 48-pair men’s draw and a 40-pair women’s field, bringing top-tier padel and further confirming Qatar’s status as a global padel hub. The event followed last October’s successful hosting of the FIP World Padel Championships at the same venue.
Just days earlier, the Lusail International Circuit hosted the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix. Marc Marquez delivered a dominant performance, winning both the sprint and main races to reclaim the top spot in the championship standings. The event drew large crowds and featured high-speed drama, reinforcing Lusail’s position as one of MotoGP’s top circuits.
Meanwhile, on the domestic football front, Al Sadd retained their Qatar Stars League title for a record-extending 18th time. Attention now turns to the Qatar Cup, where Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al Gharafa and Al Ahli will battle for silverware. Shortly after, the prestigious Amir Cup – a tournament steeped in tradition and national pride – will take center stage. Al Sadd will also feature in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite next week.
Looking ahead, the World Table Tennis Championships return to Doha in May, marking another major milestone in Qatar’s sporting journey. It will be the second time the country will host the Championships becoming the only nation in the Middle East to host the event twice.
