
QOC announces 2036 Olympics and Paralympics bid committee leadership
HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani brings to the Bid Committee a distinguished record of leadership in education, innovation, and community development through her role at Qatar Foundation.
She has led the strategic partnership between Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Olympic Committee, with a particular focus on expanding access to sport for women and girls and establishing inclusive pathways for participation and professional advancement.
As a member of the IOC's Olympic Education Commission, she is advancing the integration of Olympic values into educational and community frameworks across the region through a multilateral partnership between Qatar Foundation, Education Above All, and the IOC. She also serves as a Board Member of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, further underscoring her commitment to broadening access to sport and supporting youth development on a global scale.
The announcement of the Bid Committee reflects Qatar's approach to hosting the Games as a comprehensive national effort. The Committee brings together expertise from across sport, education, urban planning, sustainability and civil society to ensure that the bid delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes.
As the Continuous Dialogue progresses, the Bid Committee will continue to engage national stakeholders and international partners to shape a proposal that is technically strong, socially inclusive and globally relevant. The bid will reflect a unified national vision that builds on Qatar'strack record, speaks to the potential of the region and upholds the enduring values of excellence, friendship and respect that define the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

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Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
QOC announces 2036 Olympics and Paralympics bid committee leadership
Sheikh Joaan's leadership in helping establish the Olympic Refuge Foundation, with the Qatar Olympic Committee as a founding partner alongside the IOC, stands as a testament to his conviction that sport can serve as a powerful force for solidarity, hope, and inclusive development both regionally and globally. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani brings to the Bid Committee a distinguished record of leadership in education, innovation, and community development through her role at Qatar Foundation. She has led the strategic partnership between Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Olympic Committee, with a particular focus on expanding access to sport for women and girls and establishing inclusive pathways for participation and professional advancement. As a member of the IOC's Olympic Education Commission, she is advancing the integration of Olympic values into educational and community frameworks across the region through a multilateral partnership between Qatar Foundation, Education Above All, and the IOC. She also serves as a Board Member of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, further underscoring her commitment to broadening access to sport and supporting youth development on a global scale. The announcement of the Bid Committee reflects Qatar's approach to hosting the Games as a comprehensive national effort. The Committee brings together expertise from across sport, education, urban planning, sustainability and civil society to ensure that the bid delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes. As the Continuous Dialogue progresses, the Bid Committee will continue to engage national stakeholders and international partners to shape a proposal that is technically strong, socially inclusive and globally relevant. The bid will reflect a unified national vision that builds on Qatar'strack record, speaks to the potential of the region and upholds the enduring values of excellence, friendship and respect that define the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.


Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Blind Table Tennis steals show at QF's Ladies Night
Hanane Djoua Doha The Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind hosted a blind table tennis activation at Qatar Foundation's Ladies Night on Tuesday at Education City Stadium, highlighting the power of inclusive sport and encouraging women and girls to stay active. Qatar Foundation's (QF) Ladies Night offers a vibrant, inclusive space for women and girls aged six and above to try new sports and connect with others through a variety of free fitness classes and activities. Maryam Alkuwari, Events and Activities supervisor at the Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind, said: 'Qatar Foundation has been a pioneer in supporting Qatari women in sports. This collaboration helps promote sports for blind women as part of a healthy lifestyle, while also increasing awareness and acceptance of inclusive athletic opportunities. 'This partnership provides a socially inclusive and culturally sensitive space for blind girls to engage in physical activity. It fosters their integration and empowers them through safe and supportive sporting environments.' She also shared her personal experience with the sport, saying: 'I've been playing table tennis for quite some time now. I've participated in tournaments and gatherings specifically for the blind. Over time, I've learned more about the game and its rules, and I've started applying them more accurately here at the centre. 'Sports in general are highly beneficial for the blind. They help build confidence and have a positive impact on mental health and daily life. This positive impact is widely recognised. Personally, I feel that sports give me a sense of freedom — it's as if sports breathe life into everything.' She added, 'Playing table tennis, in particular, gives a feeling of competitiveness that motivates everyone to join in, even those who don't know much about it. However, there are challenges that blind individuals face when practising even the simplest forms of exercise. For example, walking — the easiest form of physical activity — often requires someone to accompany the blind person. But if a blind person can engage in walking daily, it can truly enhance their quality of life.' Blind table tennis is an adapted form of the sport played on a longer table with raised side edges and a ball that contains a bell for sound-based tracking. Players use rectangular bats and roll the ball under a wooden barrier that replaces the traditional net. The game relies entirely on auditory cues, with players using sound to follow and respond to the ball's movement. Amal Adam, a participant at the event, said: 'I have been playing table tennis for one year. My friends taught me how to play, and it's very enjoyable. We have to rely on our ears – we listen because we can't see – so we need to concentrate on the sound. I play with lots of friends. When I first started learning, it was a bit difficult because I didn't know how the game was played or what to expect. But as I learned more and became familiar with it, things started to get easier. 'I'm really grateful to my friends at the centre — they've given us so much support. I truly love and enjoy sports; they bring me so much positive energy and make me feel alive. I'm very happy to be here at the Education City Stadium and I am enjoying it a lot. It's my first time at QF's Ladies Night, and it's a special experience for me. I'd definitely like to come back.' Providing advice to others who are visually impaired, she said, 'I encourage others to try the sport if they get the chance. My advice is to keep going – do whatever you enjoy, just give it a try and don't give up. Every journey starts with challenges, but it gets easier.' Sara Al Nasser, Third-Level Cultural Programme Researcher at the Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind, said: 'Hosting events like this is a powerful step toward integrating the blind into Qatari society. We want blind individuals to step out of their comfort zones and participate more actively in national events — especially those designed to meet their needs as people with visual impairments.'


Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar sets up Bid Committee for 2036 Olympics
QNA Doha The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced on Wednesday the formation of the Bid Committee for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The announcement follows the QOC's confirmation of its official participation in Continuous Dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding hosting of the Games. President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani serves as Chairman of the Bid Committee, alongside HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who serves as Vice Chairperson. Their leadership brings together a unique blend of expertise in sport, education and social development, positioning the bid to speak authentically to both local aspirations and the long-term vision of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Sheikh Joaan has served as President of the Qatar Olympic Committee since 2015. Under his leadership, Qatar has firmly established itself as a global hub for major international sporting events. His strategic vision has positioned sport not only as a vehicle for elite competition but as a pillar of national development, one that strengthens social cohesion, unlocks human potential, and drives inclusive economic and cultural progress. During his tenure, Qatar has successfully hosted numerous world championships across multiple disciplines and invested in world class infrastructure that reflects the country's long-term commitment to excellence and sustainability in sport. Internationally, Sheikh Joaan plays an influential role within the global Olympic Movement. He serves as Senior Vice President and President for Asia of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), representing the voice and interests of the region on the world stage. As a member of the IOC's Olympism365 Commission, he contributes to advancing sport's role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sheikh Joaan's leadership in helping establish the Olympic Refuge Foundation, with the Qatar Olympic Committee as a founding partner alongside the IOC, stands as a testament to his conviction that sport can serve as a powerful force for solidarity, hope, and inclusive development both regionally and globally. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani brings to the Bid Committee a distinguished record of leadership in education, innovation, and community development through her role at Qatar Foundation. She has led the strategic partnership between Qatar Foundation and the Qatar Olympic Committee, with a particular focus on expanding access to sport for women and girls and establishing inclusive pathways for participation and professional advancement. As a member of the IOC's Olympic Education Commission, she is advancing the integration of Olympic values into educational and community frameworks across the region through a multilateral partnership between Qatar Foundation, Education Above All, and the IOC. She also serves as a Board Member of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, further underscoring her commitment to broadening access to sport and supporting youth development on a global scale. The announcement of the Bid Committee reflects Qatar's approach to hosting the Games as a comprehensive national effort. The Committee brings together expertise from across sport, education, urban planning, sustainability and civil society to ensure that the bid delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes. As the Continuous Dialogue progresses, the Bid Committee will continue to engage national stakeholders and international partners to shape a proposal that is technically strong, socially inclusive and globally relevant. The bid will reflect a unified national vision that builds on Qatar'strack record, speaks to the potential of the region and upholds the enduring values of excellence, friendship and respect that define the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.