Latest news with #QAF


Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Deputy prime minister attends West Point military academy graduation ceremony
NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani has attended the 25th batch graduation ceremony of United States Military Academy 'West Point' in New York. The graduates' batch included Qatari student, Lieutenant Mohamed bin Hassan bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as he received a bachelor's degree in Military Sciences. The deputy prime minister was accompanied by a number of senior QAF officers.


Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
DEPUTY PM ATTENDS WEST POINT ACADEMY GRADUATION CEREMONY
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani attended the 25th batch graduation ceremony of United State Military Academy "West Point" at state of New York. The graduates batch included Qatari student Lieutenant Mohamed bin Hassan Abdulrahman Al Thani, as he received Bachelor degree in Military Sciences. The deputy prime minister was accompanied by a number of senior QAF. (TNN)


Qatar Living
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Living
Elite track and field stars to compete in the Doha Diamond League today
On Friday evening, all roads in the country will lead to the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium near the Doha Corniche as it hosts some of the world's best athletes for the third stop of this year's Diamond League event. The Doha Diamond League, an annual event which has grown in stature with each passing year, will showcase the skills of 128 elite athletes, including 45 Olympic and World Championship medallists. Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala emphasised the significance of the event. 'Everyone has been working tirelessly to ensure this edition of the Doha Meeting is a success and continues to reflect Qatar's organisational excellence. Everything is ready to host an unforgettable event,' he said. For the first time in the competition's history, a $5,000 bonus will be awarded to any athlete who breaks a record in their discipline, on top of the $9.24m prize pool spread across the Diamond League season. Fans of track and field will no doubt be looking forward to some key contests in men's 200M, men's high jump, men's javelin, women's steeplechase, women's pole vault and men's discus. For example, the women's 100M will feature Jamaican speed queen Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, one of the most decorated athletes of all time. The global track icon, in her final year of competition, will be keen to give fans a cracker of a competition. The men's high jump field will be spearheaded by New Zealand's reigning Olympic champion Hamish Kerr and Qatar's very own triple world championship gold medal winner and former Olympic champion Mutaz Barshim. Kerr won the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships with a national record and Oceania best of 2.36M, upgrading his 2022 bronze. He matched that height in Paris, winning Olympic gold after a jump-off. He finished second at the 2025 World Indoors in China following a series of early season victories in New Zealand. Barshim, who finished third in Paris, is also a two-time Olympic silver medallist (2012 and 2016). A true championship performer, he won an unprecedented third successive global title with victory at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene 2022. India's Olympic javelin silver medallist Neeraj Chopra is another big name to look forward to. The reigning world and Asian Games champion will be appearing in Doha for the third consecutive time. Chopra, India's national record holder with a best of 89.94M, has a massive following in Qatar. Although finishing runner-up to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem in Paris 2024, Chopra delivered the second-best throw of his career (at the time) with 89.45M. Many of the athletes will use the Doha meet to test their form ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo in September. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial


Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar quartret's qualification for Tokyo Worlds is historic: Al Fadala
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala on Thursday hailed the men's 4x400m relay team for securing qualification to the World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo this September. The quartet of Abderrahman Samba, Bassem Hemeida, Ashraf Hussen Osman and Ammar Ismail Yahia Ibrahim clocked a new national record of 3:00.29 minutes at the World Relays in Guangzhou last Sunday, which guaranteed Qatar's place at the global showpiece for the first time in history. Calling the achievement 'historic,'Al Fadala expressed pride in the team's milestone.'We've tried five times to reach the final — at the World Championships and the Olympic Games — and last year, India took that qualification spot. But this year, we finally did it. We're truly happy because we've built a strong team, and we promise to reach the finals consistently from now on,' the QAF president said. 'This moment is historic for us — qualifying in the 4x400m relay is part of our 2030 vision. You'll see how strong our team is at the Asian Championships in South Korea later this month. Competing with India is a great challenge for us, and we're excited to see how we perform,' Al Fadala added. Meanwhile, Doha is set to host the third leg of the Diamond League today — one of the most highly attended annual sporting events in Qatar. Al Fadala acknowledged the strong turnout from local fans and communities, including Africa and the Indian diasporas – who have turned out in large numbers due to the presence of javelin star Neeraj Chopra 'There's a real passion for athletics here. I meet Neeraj every year in South Africa, and he always promises to come to Doha. He feels at home here, and he's aiming to throw really far tomorrow. The support he's received from the Indian community here is amazing. He visited local schools, and the kids were thrilled to take photos with him. That's what sport is about — inspiring the next generation' he said. Al Fadala noted that this year holds particular significance for Indian athletics. 'This year is particularly special for India, with four Indian athletes competing in the Diamond League in Doha. That's a big deal — not every athlete qualifies for this level. They're all ranked around the level of World Championship or Olympic finalists — positions 11 or 12 in the world. We hope the community will continue supporting them,' he said. He also praised the passionate fan base from across Africa, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. 'As always we're also expecting a huge turnout from the African community — supporting athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Algeria — they love this sport. We're committed to offering a world-class experience, both for athletes and the fans. The stadium will likely be sold out, so I urge everyone to arrive early. Tomorrow is going to be a huge day — we have four major events lined up, and it's going to be tough, but we love the challenge,' the QAF president concluded.


Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QAF reveals comprehensive plans for Jetour Doha Diamond League meeting
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) has revealed the comprehensive plans for the much-anticipated Doha Meeting 2025, the third stop on this year's Diamond League calendar. The event will be held on Friday at Suhaim Bin Hamad showcasing 128 elite athletes, including 45 Olympic and World Championship medalists. During the official press conference on Wednesday, QAF President Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasised the significance of the event. 'Everyone has been working tirelessly to ensure this edition of the Jetour Doha Meeting is a success and continues to reflect Qatar's organizational excellence. Everything is ready to host an unforgettable event,' said Al Fadala. 'We have also renewed our commitment to sustainability this year, building on our federation's ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management obtained in 2023. This responsibility pushes us to deliver an event that lives up to Qatar's reputation. 'The presence of so many world and Olympic medalists is proof of the athletes' desire to compete at the highest level as they prepare for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. Many are aiming to break personal bests or set new records to test their readiness.' He added that this year's edition will be exceptional, as four major events will be held on the same day:The Diamond League Meeting; The newly approved West Asia One-Day Championship; The National Teams Championship; and The Schools Championship. Record prize For the first time in the competition's history, a $5,000 bonus will be awarded to any athlete who breaks a record in their discipline, on top of the $9.24m prize pool spread across the Diamond League season. 'The presence of so many world and Olympic medalists is proof of the athletes' desire to compete at the highest level,' Al Fadala noted, adding that many will use the meet to test their form ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo this September. This year's edition is particularly noteworthy, as four major events will be held on the same day: the Doha Meeting, the West Asia One-Day Championship, the National Teams Championship, and the Schools Championship. 'This year's edition will be exceptional,' Al Fadala added. QAF Secretary General and Tournament Director Essa Al Harami underlined the event's competitive depth. 'The participation of 45 Olympic and World Champions highlights the caliber of the event. We are expecting unprecedented levels of competition.' Sustainability is also at the heart of this year's planning. Sheikha Al Sahli, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, said: 'Receiving the sustainability certification has increased our responsibility to uphold these international standards. The organizing committee has been fully committed to implementing sustainable practices throughout the event. 'These initiatives include using Jetour electric vehicles for transport, metro trips, tree planting at schools and the athlete hotel, and recycling paper used during the event. We also aim to recycle 50,000 plastic bottles and raise student awareness about the importance of sustainability and its role in protecting the environment.' Initiatives include tree planting, use of electric vehicles, and the recycling of 50,000 plastic bottles. Salah Al Saadi, Chair of Venues and Operations Committee, said, 'The Suhail bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar SC is fully prepared to host the Jetour Doha Meeting and the three additional championships. Qatar SC has become the preferred venue for world-class athletes. We've completed all preparations, including dedicated entrances for spectators, VIPs, VVIPs, and media, and held several meetings with security authorities to refine crowd control plans. As part of the experience, surrounding restaurants will be converted into a fan zone, offering a complete entertainment package for spectators.'