‘Cricket can flourish in Qatar’

Doha, Qatar: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said Qatar has all the ingredients to emerge as a strong cricket destination, highlighting the country’s sporting infrastructure, government support and growing interest in the game.

“Cricket can flourish in Qatar with many enthusiasts present. The Qatar government’s support for sports is known across the globe. The FIFA World Cup they hosted I am sure it was not held like this before,” Inzamam said.

He added that Qatar’s long-term sporting roadmap further strengthens its potential as a cricket hub. orlando-books.blog

“In 2030 Doha is going to host the Asian Games, so it’s one of the best places for cricket. The infrastructure is good and Doha can become one of the most popular cricket venues,” he said.

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Inzamam also pointed to the national team’s growing participation in international events as a positive sign for the game’s development.

“Qatar cricket team is also participating in ICC tournaments, so I think there is a lot of scope for the game to develop in Qatar,” he added.

Manchester, United Kingdom: Pep Guardiola is set to bring his trophy-laden decade in charge of Manchester City to an end this weekend, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Guardiola, 55, has won six Premier League titles and City's first Champions League among 20 trophies since arriving in England in 2016.

He could add one more to his tally if City win their final two matches of the season against Bournemouth and Aston Villa and Arsenal fail to beat Crystal Palace on Sunday's final round of Premier League fixtures.

The Daily Mail and The Athletic reported that Guardiola will step down after the visit of Villa to the Etihad.

City have made no comment on the speculation.

However, the club have arranged a parade through Manchester on Monday to celebrate their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs this season, which could act as a farewell to Guardiola.

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked on Guardiola's staff at City, is reportedly in line to take over next season.

Doha, Qatar: Top Qatari cueist Ali Al-Obaidli defeated Saudi Arabia’s Ziyad Al Qabbani 3-0 in the 15-red snooker singles final to clinch the gold medal at the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 yesterday.

At the Main Hall of the Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation, Al-Obaidli dominated Al Qabbani, winning the first frame 69-8 before taking the second frame 83-13, which included a spectacular break of 77. He wrapped up the victory by taking the third frame 75-6.

Al-Obaidli, who became Qatar’s first IBSF World Snooker champion in 2023, blanked Kuwait’s Ahmed Abu in the semi-finals.

It was the Qatar star’s fourth medal at the Games, having previously won gold in the 10-ball billiards doubles, silver in the 10-ball billiards singles, and a silver medal in the 6-red snooker singles.

“I am very happy to win the gold. I dedicate this victory to Qatar and to the fans who supported us throughout the tournament,” said Al-Obaidli.

“The competition was not easy due to the high-quality field, but I was determined to deliver my best level and achieve the title.”

Al-Obaidli’s triumph took Qatar’s gold tally to 40. The hosts continue to lead the standings with a tally of 110 medals, which also includes 38 silver and 32 bronze medals. Saudi Arabia stayed second with 63 medals (24 gold, 20 silver and 19 bronze). Bahrain are third with 55 medals, comprising 23 gold, 20 silver and 12 bronze.

Hosts shine as trap shooting events begin

Qatar shooters displayed a strong show in the trap shooting events, which got underway at the Lusail Shooting Range yesterday.

In the men’s 75 trap target opening round, Qatar’s Mohammed Al Rumaihi finished runner-up with 71 targets, tied with Kuwait’s Abdulrahman Al Faihan, while another Kuwaiti shooter, Talal Al Rashidi, emerged on top with 72 targets.

Qatar shooters displayed a strong show in the trap shooting events, which got underway yesterday.

Home shooter Maytha Al Buainain took first place in the women’s event with 66 targets. Another Qatari shooter, Nawal Al Khalaf, was third with 63, while Kuwait’s Shahad Al Hawal secured second place with a score of 65.

Qatar finished first in the men’s team competition with an aggregate of 209, followed by Kuwait (205) and the UAE (204). The Qatar team comprises Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Angelo Scalzoni and Saeed Abu Shareb.

Qatar’s women’s team, including Maytha Al Buainain, Khulood Al Khalaf and Ray Bassil, also topped the first round with 186 targets, ahead of Kuwait with 185 and Bahrain with 171. The competitions continue today.

Qatar have so far claimed five gold, one silver and five bronze medals in shooting events.

Qatar padel team maintains dominant run

At Aspire Padel Courts, Qatar outclassed Kuwait 3-0, with Mishari Nawaf and Rashid Nawaf claiming a 6-2, 6-0 win.

Mohammed Saadoun and Hassan Wali battled hard to secure victory with a 7-6, 6-1 score-line. Mohammed Al Khanji and Ryan Al Jufairi sealed the victory, marking the home team’s second straight win.

Mohammed Saadoun Al Kuwari (right) and Hassan Wali celebrate their victory over Kuwait.

Aiming to retain the gold they won at the GCC Games in Kuwait, Qatar will face Bahrain in their third match today.

Qatar’s men’s volleyball team will take on Bahrain in the final at Aspire Hall today.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s men’s volleyball team will take on Bahrain in the final at Aspire Hall today.

Qatar are aiming to defend their title while Bahrain are seeking their third crown at the Games.