Staff Reporter
Doha: The fourth edition of the GCC Games Doha 2026 officially began on Tuesday in Doha, with more than 1,400 athletes from six Gulf nations competing across 17 sports until May 22.
Host nation Qatar enjoyed an impressive start, securing 10 medals on the opening day to finish second overall in the standings with three gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Saudi Arabia topped the table with eight medals, including four golds, while Bahrain occupied third place with six medals. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman completed the standings.
In 3×3 basketball, Qatar’s women’s team advanced to the semi-finals after topping Group A with victories over Oman (15-10) and Kuwait (14-13). They will now face Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals, while Bahrain take on Kuwait in the other last-four clash.
Qatar’s men’s 3×3 basketball side also booked a semi-final place after winning all three of their matches. The team opened with a dominant 22-9 victory over the UAE before defeating Bahrain 21-15 and Kuwait 21-7 to finish top of the standings.
In bowling, Badr Al Sada claimed silver in the men’s singles competition with 1,275 points, while teammate Talal Al Marri secured bronze with 1,260 points. Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al Khulaifi won gold.
Qatar’s taekwondo athletes also delivered a strong performance, winning one silver and two bronze medals. Maram Fatnasi earned silver in the women’s under-67kg category, while Hassan Al Nuaimi and Mohammed Shaalan captured bronze medals in the men’s under-58kg and under-80kg divisions respectively.
In billiards, Ali Al Obaidli advanced to the semi-finals of the individual 10-ball competition after defeating compatriot Bashar Hussein 6-4 in the qualification round. He will next face UAE player Mahmoud Sharif for a place in the final.
The billiards and snooker programme at the Games features 10 events, with Qatar represented by seven players across the two disciplines.
