Doha: With the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, attention is pivoting toward sports championships held during the month across various areas statewide, with competitions ranging from tournaments in halls to those in stadiums.
According to Qatar News Agency, preparations are in full swing as curators strive to deliver a sporting experience rich in suspense and competition, primarily aimed at raising awareness and encouraging young people to engage in sports.
The Qatar Sports for All Federation (QSFAF) is organizing 66 Ramadan events across various team and individual sports, with competitions including the north challenge race at Heenat Salma Farm, Muay Thai training at Lusail Hall, and events at Aspire and Al Luqta parks. Activities like cycling, fitness, table tennis, billiards, padbol, and men’s badminton at Lusail Hall, along with football, volleyball, basketball, karate, the Ayal Al-Fareej tournament, and the Kibar Al Qadr championship, in collaboration with Ehsan Center, are also featured.
Overall, QSFAF has been determined to focus on women’s sporting events, such as women’s tournaments in football, volleyball, and badminton that will be held at the Education City Stadium every Tuesday during Ramadan.
In addition, QSFAF organizes four desert running races at the Education City’s mountain bike track, the Thumama Ramadan football tournament, communities football championship, and the Ikbis volleyball tournament at the Old Doha Port for the third consecutive year. These are complemented by sports activity days that will be held in sync with global awareness days for persons with disabilities, as well as individuals with autism, obesity, and Down syndrome.
Furjan fields welcome walkers an hour before Iftar, with Al Khor and Al Wakrah facilities offering basketball, handball, and walking.
Interestingly, Aspire Zone has announced the 11th Ramadan sports festival 2025, from Feb. 3 to 12, featuring various sports events and competitions.
The Embassy football tournament is due to kick off Monday at Field 4, lasting until Mar. 18, with the corporate football tournament starting Tuesday until Mar. 16 at Aspire Zone.
The women’s sports hall hosts a 3×3 Basketball competition from Mar. 5-9, with squash at Aspire Dome from Mar. 5-10 and Tennis from Mar. 3-9.
The 48th Saleh Saqr Ramadan Football tournament is currently underway, reaffirming its status as the longest-standing Ramadan competition, with 16 teams competing.
Held under the supervision of QSFAF, the tournament clinched the Qatar Football Association’s football for all award, one of the foremost Ramadan tournaments in Qatar and the Gulf region since its inception in 1974. Throughout its long history, it has maintained its prominent status and continued outstanding presence.
In addition, the Captain Saeed Al Misned Futsal Championship will kick off from March 3 to 12, at the outdoor fields of Al Bayt Stadium. The event is an incredible initiative laid out by organizers and the Qatar Police Sports Federation to commemorate the legacy of Captain Saeed Al Misned and pay tribute to his enormous career in Qatari football, spanning 40 years with palpable contributions in numerous milestones at the coaching levels which helped spearhead the U-17 national team qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985 in China and 1999 in New Zealand.
Hosted by Lusail Shooting Complex, the Nishan Ramadan championship features numerous Qatari team shooters and amateurs, running until Mar. 19, with the events including shotgun, air pistol, air rifle, and archery. The Qatar Shooting and Archery Association has allocated QR500,000 in cash as prizes for the top three finishers.
Organized by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Badminton and Padel Federation, the Nasser bin Khaled Ramadan Tennis Championship is underway with the participation of former champions. Meanwhile, the Qatar Chess Association is preparing to host the Katara international chess championship from Mar. 6 to 15, in collaboration with the Katara’s Cultural Village Foundation, featuring top-tier players.
The Olympic school program Ramadan tournament features 32 public and private high schools, divided into six groups, showcasing years-long talented players and highlighting its value and success in discovering new talent.
By and large, the tournament has achieved significant success since its inception, with widespread participation from schools due to its exceptional organization. It plays a significant role in discovering promising talent that can largely contribute to Qatari sports in the future, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.