Staff Reporter
Sanya: Qatar’s sporting contingent delivered a series of standout performances at the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, with the national beach handball and beach volleyball teams advancing to their respective finals, while the 3×3 basketball team booked a place in the semi-finals, underlining the country’s growing dominance in beach and urban sport disciplines.
The headline achievement came from Qatar’s beach handball team, which secured a well-earned spot in the final following a composed 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the semi-finals. The match showcased Qatar’s tactical discipline and ability to manage high-pressure moments, with set scores of 13-8 and 20-18 reflecting both control and resilience.
Qatar imposed its authority early in the first period, building a comfortable lead through efficient attacking patterns and solid defensive organization. The second period, however, proved far more competitive, as Bahrain raised its intensity and matched Qatar goal for goal. With the score locked at 18-18 in the closing stages, the match hinged on fine margins—an inherent characteristic of elite beach handball. Abdulrazzaq Murad ultimately delivered the निर्ण decisive moment, scoring with less than 30 seconds remaining to seal the victory and send Qatar into the final.
The team will now face Iran in the gold medal match, a highly anticipated clash scheduled for Wednesday at 4pm Doha time. Iran advanced after overcoming Thailand in the other semi-final, setting up a contest between two of Asia’s most consistent beach handball sides. Qatar enters the final with momentum, having maintained a perfect record throughout the tournament, including victories over Pakistan, Oman, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Jordan, Thailand, and the Maldives during the group and knockout stages.
Team manager Salem Al-Dosari emphasized that reaching the final was the result of sustained effort across a demanding schedule, highlighting the squad’s adaptability against a variety of playing styles. He noted that while the achievement is significant, the final presents a distinct tactical challenge, particularly given the narrow scoring margins that often define beach handball at this level. Maintaining concentration and execution under pressure, he stressed, will be critical.
Captain Mutasim Abdul Wahid echoed those sentiments, describing the semi-final against Bahrain as a highly competitive encounter in which Qatar’s composure proved decisive. He pointed to the team’s discipline and ability to capitalize on key opportunities as the difference, adding that the squad remains fully focused on delivering a performance worthy of a gold medal finish.
Parallel success has been achieved by Qatar’s beach volleyball duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, who advanced to the final after a commanding straight-sets victory over Thailand (21-12, 21-14). The pair demonstrated technical superiority and strong on-court chemistry, controlling the tempo of the match from the outset.
They are set to meet Iran in the final, scheduled for 11:00 AM Doha time, in what promises to be a high-level contest between two of Asia’s elite pairings. Qatar’s path to the final has been emphatic: the team topped Group B with a perfect record, defeating the Maldives, Uzbekistan, and Iran, before progressing through the knockout rounds with victories over fellow Qatari competitors and China.
Mohammed Anbar Al-Nasser, Director of the National Beach Volleyball Teams, attributed the team’s success to consistent preparation and performance stability. He highlighted the importance of mental sharpness in the final, particularly against an experienced Iranian side known for its tactical discipline and continental pedigree.
Ahmed Tijan noted that the semi-final victory was built on focus, cohesion, and strict adherence to the coaching staff’s strategy. He emphasized the importance of minimizing unforced errors and maximizing scoring opportunities—key factors that will again be decisive in the final.
In 3×3 basketball, Qatar’s men’s team continued its strong campaign by defeating Iran 20-16 in the quarter-finals, securing a place in the semi-finals. The team’s high-tempo approach, characterized by aggressive offense and constant defensive pressure, proved effective in breaking down the opposition and maintaining control of the game.
Qatar will now face China in the semi-finals, while the Philippines and Thailand contest the other last-four matchup. The semi-finals and final will take place on the same day, demanding exceptional physical endurance and tactical consistency. Qatar previously topped Group C with victories over Bahrain, Kazakhstan, and India, reinforcing its credentials as a serious title contender.
Saadoun Al-Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation, described the semi-final qualification as evidence of the team’s development in the 3×3 format. He stressed that the players have successfully implemented a dynamic playing style based on quick transitions and sustained pressure, while underscoring the importance of maintaining performance levels across multiple matches in a condensed schedule.
While the men’s team progressed, the women’s 3×3 team exited the tournament in the second round after a loss to Singapore, having earlier topped their group. Despite the result, their participation marks a positive step in expanding the women’s game and building experience for future competitions.
Elsewhere, Qatar’s sailing team concluded its participation with Tamim Shams finishing 16th in the Optimist class and Thani Shams placing 17th in the ILCA 4 category. The results reflect cumulative performances across multiple races, requiring consistency and technical precision throughout the competition. Their participation aligns with long-term development objectives set by the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation.
In wrestling, Qatar’s campaign also came to an end, with Saad Al-Hammadi and Hamad Al-Nuaimi competing in the 80 kg and 70 kg categories, respectively. Both athletes delivered determined performances against strong continental opposition, gaining valuable experience despite not advancing further.
Overall, Qatar’s performance at Sanya 2026 highlights a broad-based strength across multiple disciplines, with particular excellence in beach sports. With two teams competing for gold and another in contention, the delegation stands on the brink of a potentially historic medal haul, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to high-performance sport and its growing stature on the Asian stage.
