QOC President Honors Team Qatar Champions Following Historic GCC Achievement at Doha 2026

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and President of the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026, honored Team Qatar athletes and national teams following the historic achievement they accomplished at the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026.

The ceremony was attended by HE First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Mohammed bin Yousuf Al Mana, HE Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, and HE Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Games Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, alongside several senior sports officials, federation presidents, and GCC delegations.

Speaking during the ceremony, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani affirmed that the remarkable achievement accomplished by Team Qatar at the Games represents a source of pride for all people of Qatar, praising the outstanding performances delivered by the athletes throughout the competitions.

His Excellency said: "Everyone is proud and delighted with what Team Qatar athletes have achieved — from the highest levels of the sporting leadership to the youngest Qatari citizen — after our national teams succeeded in winning 134 medals, including 48 gold and 50 silver medals. This is a significant achievement that reflects the tremendous effort and hard work invested, especially in light of the strong participation and fierce competition from our fellow GCC teams."

His Excellency added that the GCC Games represented an important preparation stage for upcoming competitions, most notably the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, stressing the importance of continuing to work hard and remain focused during the next phase, particularly as many athletes will be participating in the Asian Games for the first time.

He also pointed out that the presence of experienced athletes within the national teams plays a key role in transferring knowledge to the younger generation and strengthening the culture of competition and responsibility, stressing that representing Qatar at major sporting events carries a great responsibility towards the nation, the fans, and the families supporting the athletes.

He said: "Everyone fulfilled their responsibilities during the Games, and we fully understand the areas that still need improvement and further work ahead of the Asian Games. What matters now is to continue working hard and striving to be fully prepared for the upcoming challenges."

His Excellency concluded his remarks by thanking Team Qatar athletes, as well as the technical and administrative staff, praising their efforts and fighting spirit throughout the competitions, and expressing confidence in their ability to continue achieving success and raising Qatar's flag high at the upcoming Asian Games and beyond.

QNA