Overview
The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is the National Olympic Committee of Qatar and is the overall supervising body for the Olympic movement in Qatar. It is one of 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) currently recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The QOC was founded on 14th March 1979. It was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 1980, the Olympic Council of Asia in 1981 and the Arab Sports Games Federation in 1982.
The QOC strives to use innovation to advance sports development and many of its programs, initiatives and events are the first of their kind in the Middle East. These include National Sport Day, the Qatar Olympic Academy, the Qatar Women’s Sports Committee, the Schools Olympic Program, and the Qatar Athlete Development Pathway.
The QOC works closely with its 23 National Federations to provide support to athletes, coaches and officials at every level of the sporting pathway, as well as in the bidding for and organisation of world-class sports events. It aims to use its hosting of world-class sports events to inspire and engage young people through sport, raise awareness about the importance of sport in everyday life, increase tourism, business and employment opportunities, and forge global friendships.
Vision
To Become a Leading Nation in Bringing The World Together Through Sustainable Sport Development
Mission
To spread sports and physical activities in the country
To sponsor and improve Olympic Movement in accordance with principles of Olympic Charter
To support and improve sports performance within the context of the Olympic spirit
Leadership
H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani
President of Qatar Olympic Committee
Overview
H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani has been the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) since 2015. His visionary leadership is distinguished by impactful roles both locally and within the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
International Roles:
Sheikh Joaan is an active member of the Olympism365 Commission since 2022 and served on the Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport Commission from 2018 to 2022. He is a board member of the Olympic Refuge Foundation since 2017 and currently holds significant positions as the Senior Vice President and Vice President for Asia of the Association of National Olympic Committees since 2022. Additionally, he serves as an OCA Executive Board Member.
National Contributions:
Under his guidance, Qatar successfully won the bid to host the Doha 2030 Asian Games as President of the Bid Committee. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing and organizing numerous prestigious international events to Qatar, including the World Aquatics Championships (2024), World Judo Championships (2023), ANOC World Beach Games (2019), World Athletics Championships (2019), FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (2018), and the Men’s Handball World Championship (2015). Under his leadership, Doha successfully hosted the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships and the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships.
Passion for Sports:
Sheikh Joaan's passion for equestrian sports is evident as he has chaired the board of Al-Shaqab and has been the head of the Al-Shaqab steering committee since March 2021, where he has been working to develop this field significantly. He also contributed significantly to football as the Vice-President of Al-Sadd Sports Club from 2012 to 2015. He has been a member of the board of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, which played a key role in the successful organization of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Additionally, Sheikh Joaan founded the Al-Shaqab Racing in 2014, further demonstrating his deep passion for sports in general and equestrian sports in particular.
Academic Achievements:
Sheikh Joaan pursued an Executive MBA from HEC Paris in Qatar, graduating in 2021, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, France (2007). His academic pursuits continued with a Post-Graduation degree from the Royal College of Defence Studies, UK (2015), and a Professional Development Diploma from the London School of Public Relations (2020).
Leadership Development & Recognition:
As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Leadership Academy, he plays a pivotal role in nurturing leadership qualities among the youth of Qatar.
Sheikh Joaan's dedication to the Olympic Movement has earned him prestigious accolades such as the Contribution to the Olympic Movement award (2019) from the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the Corporate Social Responsibility Person of the Year award (2015) from Qatar University.
H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain
Secretary General Of Qatar Olympic Committee
Milestones
2001
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The Qatar Women's Sports Committee (QWSC) was established, marking a major milestone in the women's sports movement in Qatar.
2006
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Qatar hosts the 15th Asian Games – Doha 2006
2007
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The Schools Olympic Program was established, as a legacy from the Doha 2006 Asian Games.
2010
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Qatar hosts the IAAF World Indoor Championships – Doha 2010.
2011
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The National Sports Day was established by H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani the Amir of the State of Qatar.
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Qatar hosts the Arab Games - Doha 2011
2012
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Team Qatar participated in London 2012 Olympic Games, Nasser Al-Attiya won bronze medal in skeet shooting and Mutaz Barshim won bronze medal in high jumping
2014
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Qatar hosts the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) Doha 2014.
2015
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Qatar hosted the 24th Men’s World Handball Championship - Qatar 2015.
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H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani was elected President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
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Qatar hosted the AIBA World Boxing Championships - Doha 2015
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Qatar hosted IPC Athletics World Championships - Doha 2015
2016
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Qatar participates in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with a delegation of 38 athletes.
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Qatar hosts the 2016 XXI ANOC General Assembly. The largest ever ANOC GA.
2018
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Qatar hosts the 48th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Doha 2018 for the first time in the Middle East.
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