SOP Organizing Committee Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani poses for a photo with officials.
Doha: The 19th edition of the School Olympic Program (SOP) was unveiled in Doha, featuring an unprecedented lineup of 33 sports and drawing the participation of thousands of students from Qatar’s public and private schools.
The details were revealed at a press conference attended by SOP Organizing Committee Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, SOP Executive Director Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, Ooredoo representative Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Education and Higher Education Ministry representative Maryam Nouman Al-Emadi, Al-Anoud Al-Musnad from Qatar Foundation, and Nasser Al-Ahbabi from Aspire Academy.
In his remarks, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the program’s pivotal role in shaping school sports in Qatar. Since its inception in the 2007/2008 academic year, the SOP has been implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar Olympic Committee.
He expressed his deep appreciation to Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for his steadfast support.
“We are proud to launch the 19th edition of the School Olympic Program for the 2025/2026 season,” he said.
“This new edition represents another step forward in building a brighter future for our youth, while carrying forward a legacy of achievements established over the years.”
He added: “Thanks to the dedication of our schools and the determination of our students, the SOP has become a cornerstone of school sports. By expanding the program to 33 sports, we are opening wider horizons for participation and excellence in line with our national vision.”
Al-Kuwari hailed the renewed partnership, describing the SOP as “an inspiring platform for talent discovery and a powerful driver of healthy, active lifestyles in the community.”
“We are delighted to extend our sponsorship,” he said. “The program not only fosters sporting excellence and competitive spirit, but also encourages healthier habits among young people.”
Reflecting on last year’s success, Al-Kuwari noted: “We were truly impressed by the scale of participation, with more than 25,000 students from 500 schools involved."
This remarkable turnout underlines both the growing enthusiasm among students and the program’s vital role in nurturing future sporting talent."
