Qatar's Frankis Marzo prepares to shoot at the goal during the quarterfinal against Iran
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s handball team reached the semi-finals of the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 yesterday after beating Iran 31-25, while high jump star Mutaz Barshim will compete in the final today as he bids for another gold medal.
Qatar, who are targeting their fourth straight gold, will take on the Republic of Korea in the semi-finals after producing a strong second-half performance to overcome Iran in the quarter-final at Kasugai City Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. The Koreans defeated China 32-26 in the quarter-finals.
The quarter-final against Iran was closely fought from the start, with neither side able to establish a clear advantage. Iran managed to move two goals ahead at 6-4 in the 13th minute before Qatar reduced the deficit to 7-6. Iran responded by restoring a three-goal advantage at 9-6.
Qatar fought back in the closing stages of the first half, cutting the gap to 13-11, but Iran went into the break with a 14-13 lead.
Qatar quickly levelled at 14-14 after the restart and the contest remained tight, with the score reaching 23-23 midway through the second half. Qatar then found the breakthrough, moving two goals ahead at 26-24 before extending their advantage to 27-24.
The defending champions maintained their momentum in the closing stages, eventually winning to secure their place in the last four.
Barshim eyes fourth Asiad gold
Barshim will take centre stage in the men’s high jump final today, aiming to add another gold medal to his Asian Games record.
The Qatari star won gold at the Guangzhou 2010, Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2022 Games. He missed the Jakarta 2018 Games due to injury.
Barshim, who holds both the Asian record of 2.43m and the Asian Games record of 2.35m, will face strong competition in the final as he looks to continue his success at the Asian Games.
Despite not being at his best, Barshim will begin among the leading contenders, along with Republic of Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo, Japan’s Ryoichi Akamatsu and India’s Sarvesh Kushare.
Bassem Hemeida
Abderrahman Samba and Bassem Hemeida will also compete in the men’s 400m hurdles heats today, aiming to qualify for the final. The pair produced a Qatar one-two at the Hangzhou Games.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Omar Dawood qualified for the 110m hurdles final after finishing second in his heat in 13.63 seconds despite competing in the rain yesterday.
Qatar's Omar Dawood (left) and China's Liu Junxi in action during the men's 110m heats.
In the 1500m, Ibrahim Abbas won his heat in 3:45.54, while Mohammed Waheed finished fourth in 3:45.83 to also qualify for the final.
Ammar Ibrahim finished fourth in 45.35 seconds at the 400m final after clocking 45.31 in the heats.
Djibrine Ahmat finished sixth in the men’s shot put final with a best throw of 19.00m.
Qatar's Ibrahim Abbas celebrates after winning his 1500m heat to advance.
Beach volleyball, volleyball teams in action
Qatar 1, represented by Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, will face Oman’s Hood Al Jalaboubi and Mazin Al Hashimi today in their next Group A match after opening their campaign with a victory over the Philippines.
Qatar 2, represented by Mohamed Ehab and Moussa Al-Khair, lost 2-0 to Thailand’s Poravid Taovato and Pithak Tipjan in their final Group D match.
Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan
Qatar 2 finished second in the group after winning two matches and losing one, with both Qatar and Thailand qualifying for the Round of 16.
Qatar’s men’s volleyball team will begin its campaign today against Hong Kong China in Group C, which also includes India and Vietnam.
Group A includes Japan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; Group B features Iran, Indonesia, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan; while Group D comprises the Republic of Korea, China, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines. The matches will be held at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park and Park Arena Komaki venues in Aichi Prefecture.
Qatar have won five medals so far, including two gold, two silver and one bronze. China lead the medal table with 107 gold medals, followed by hosts Japan with 31 and the Republic of Korea with 16.
