Cherif and Ahmed begin season with Xiamen gold
Qatar's top beach volleyball pair Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan won the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Xiamen Challenge in China on Sunday. The two-time Olympians and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists Qatari pair defeated Switzerland's Marco Krattiger and Leo Dillier 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) in the final -- their very first appearance on the 2025 Tour.
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Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Keen Qatar all geared up to face Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in crucial tie
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar will look to reignite their World Cup AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 2026 campaign when they meet Iran at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday at 9.15 pm. Though they face a formidable opponent, the Al Annabi will aim for a winning start under their new coach Julen Lopetegui. While Iran have already confirmed their FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance, Qatar's hopes depend on them advancing from the playoffs, with automatic qualification no longer an option. With an automatic spot out of reach, former Spain and Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has to ensure the West Asian side finish a minimum fourth to book a spot in the playoffs, where an additional two FIFA World Cup tickets will be at stake. On a positive note, they sit four points ahead of Kyrgyz Republic but with Iran and then Uzbekistan to follow, Qatar must tread with caution. Lopetegui exuded confidence as he addressed the media on eve of the match. 'This is my first match with the Qatar, and I understand the importance of facing Iran, regardless of our position in the group. It's a challenge, and we are ready for it. I am happy with the environment in the team,' he said. 'The training camp was productive and we had the opportunity to closely observe the players, especially those we followed in recent local competitions. Our focus is always on our team, and we are fully prepared for this match,' Lopetegui stressed. 'I trust in our players' abilities. We know Iran are a tough side. They are only one of the two teams [in Asia] who have qualified for the World Cup. We have studied our opponents thoroughly. We are focusing on our strength and we know it will be a tough match. It's my first game as the head coach of the Qatar team, but we're approaching it with confidence and composure. Our goal is clear: to win tomorrow's match and continue progressing in the qualifiers. We also look forward to strong support from the fans. It means a lot to the players,' he added. Qatar mercurial striker Akram Afif said his team needs to focus more on themselves. 'It's an important match for us. The match against Iran won't be easy and we have to focus on ourselves. It's our last qualifier at home, in front of our fans, and our goal is to win,' said Afif. 'We, as players, are fully prepared and understand the difficulty of the match. I can't stress enough how much we need our fans' support. On the field, we complement each other, and the entire Qatari fanbase shares the same dream, to see Qatar qualify for the 2026 World Cup. We're expected to win, and the fans' ambition is also our ambition.' 'Representing the Qatari national team is a great honour. We'll enter the match united, as one team, with one goal. Our ambition mirrors that of our supporters to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Their dream is our dream, and our goal is to secure all three points. We know it won't be an easy match, and we respect the strength of our opponent, but we are ready for the challenge,' he added. Meanwhile Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team will have some changes due to injuries to players. He also condoled the passing away of former Qatar coach Ahmed Omar. 'We have unforgettable memories and strong friendships in Qatar. I would also like to offer my condolences on the passing of the renowned coach Ahmed Omar,' said Ghalenoei. He adde: 'Despite having already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, tomorrow's match remains important as we are keen to improve our position in the FIFA rankings. We want to approach the World Cup to secure best FIFA ranking. This is our biggest motivation in our last two matches. 'We are aware that the Qatari national team has a new coach, Julen Lopetegui. He is a very capable coach, and we are familiar with many of the Qatari players. 'We will have some forced changes due to injuries, and some unforced changes to give young players a chance in the match,' the coach said. 'We're not concerned about the injuries, as we have capable players who can step in and fill those roles effectively.' 'We are highly motivated going into the match against Qatar. The players are eager to perform well, not just to maintain our FIFA ranking but also to prove themselves. We want to remain in the spotlight, and every player is determined to earn their place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.' Iran's star player Mehdi Taremi said his side was ready. 'Tomorrow's match will not be easy. These are the kinds of games that hinge on the players' focus, and small details can be decisive.' 'We've had a good training camp so far, and we're ready for the match. I know all the Qatari players well, and the competition between our two teams is always intense. I'm very optimistic about tomorrow. It will an exciting match.' Iran have already securing a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup. In what has been a sterling qualifying campaign, the only points Team Melli dropped were in two stalemates with Uzbekistan and they aren't likely to hold back. A cracker is on cards.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar win Stage 6 as FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League – Asia-Pacific concludes
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar men's national basketball team triumphed in Stage 6 of the FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific which concluded on Tuesday at the Federation Hall at Al Gharafa. Besides hosts Qatar, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei were part of the tournament with six teams competing in each category. Qatar men's team secured the championship with a thrilling 17-14 victory in the final over New Zealand, marking a remarkable journey through the tournament, having previously defeated Chinese Taipei (21-9) and Indonesia (21-14) in the initial round. The accomplishment took Qatar team's score to 520 points, achieved by winning the third and sixth rounds and finishing second in the first, second, and fourth rounds. This progress brings the team closer to qualifying for the World Championships, which are set to take place in Xiong'an, China, from September 17 to 21, while other continental qualifiers await the conclusion of their respective qualifying rounds. New Zealand secured second place in the sixth round after reaching the final by overcoming the Philippines (18-16) and Singapore (21-19). The Kiwis accumulated 560 points, having won the first, second, fourth, and fifth rounds, while finishing second in the third and sixth rounds. The Philippines claimed third place with 420 points, followed by Singapore with 325 points, Chinese Taipei with 305 points, and Indonesia with 300 points. The Qatar men's national team comprised Hamad Yassin Ismail Musa, Zeineddine Badri, Nizar Mahmoud, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, and Mubarak Jama. In the women's competition, New Zealand secured victory in the sixth round by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final 21-19, taking their total points to 480, placing them in second position. The Philippines led the overall standings with 530 points, while Chinese Taipei followed in third place with 480 points, Singapore ranked fourth with 360 points, Indonesia was fifth with 310 points, and the Qatari national team rounded out the standings in sixth place with 270 points. The tournament was graced by the presence ofMohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF); His Excellency Timmy Davis, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar; Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the 3x3 Committee at the Federation; Talal Saad Al Mughaiseeb, Tournament Director; along with several officials and guests of the tournament. At the conclusion of the event, Al Mughaiseeb and His Excellency the US Ambassador presented the champions of the sixth stage, the Qatar men's and New Zealand women's national teams, with their awards. Additionally, the New Zealand men's and Philippines women's national teams were recognized for their achievements in leading the overall standings and officially qualifying for the World Championship. QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, remarked: 'We take great pride in the exceptional performance of our national youth team, which exemplifies the ongoing efforts and strategy implemented by the Association to enhance the 3x3 game at the youth level.' He added: 'Winning this stage of the Nations League amid strong competition confirms that Qatar has a rising generation of basketball talent, and hosting the tournament at this distinguished level further enhances Qatar's position as a regional and international sports hub.' Al Mughaiseeb concluded his statement by saying: 'We aspire for more, and we will continue to support our players to ensure that Qatar is honorably represented in upcoming tournaments.' Special tribute to US Ambassador In a gesture that reflects the deep sporting and diplomatic relations between the two countries,the QBF President honoured His Excellency Ambassador Timmy Davis in appreciation of his presence and continued support for sporting events, and his role in strengthening sports cooperation between Qatar and the United States.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League: Qatar runners-up in 5th stage
Tribune News Network Doha The national basketball team of Qatar finished second in the fifth stage of the FIBA U23 3x3 Nations League - Asia-Pacific. The tournament is being hosted by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) from May 28 to June 3, 2025, and includes top-tier international teams in both the men's and women's categories. A total of twelve teams are competing in the tournament, comprising six men's teams and six women's teams: Qatar (the host), New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei. The Qatari national team advanced to the final of the fifth round after triumphing over the Philippines (22-18) and Indonesia (21-8) in the Group A games. In the final, the Qatari national team narrowly lost to New Zealand (17-18) in overtime following a 16-16 tie at the end of regulation time. The game was played on Monday evening, June 2, 2025, at the Etihad Hall in Al Gharafa. New Zealand reached the final defeating Chinese Taipei (21-7) and Singapore (21-9) in the Group B matches. The fifth round games were attended by QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, QBF Secretary-General Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, along with members of the Board of Directors. The Qatar men's team comprises Hamad Yassin Ismail Musa, Zainuddin Badri, Nizar Mahmoud, Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, and Mubarak Jama. Jassim Ashkanani, Director of the Qatar National Basketball Team, crowned the New Zealand team as the champions of the fifth stage. In the women's competition, the Philippines national team took first place after defeating Chinese Taipei in the final match, 21-14, earning 460 points. Chinese Taipei came in second with 400 points. Talal Saad Al Maghseeb, tournament director, crowned the Philippines national team as the champion of the fifth round. The curtain falls on event with the sixth and final round.
