Alkass English
The 4th GCC Games officially get underway tomorrow in Doha, bringing together athletes from across the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations in what is expected to be the largest edition of the event to date. The tournament will run until May 22 and highlights the growing commitment to strengthening regional sporting ties and expanding competition opportunities across multiple disciplines.
Athletes will compete in 17 different sports, including handball, table tennis, athletics, padel, fencing, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards, snooker, 3x3 basketball, shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian, and bowling.
The competitions will be hosted across 10 world-class venues equipped with modern facilities, including the Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Lusail Shooting Range, and Al Duhail Sports Hall.
Swimming events begin on Tuesday at the Hamad Aquatic Centre and will continue for four days, while the 3x3 basketball competition starts at Al Gharafa Sports Club over two days. Equestrian events will follow from May 13 to 15 at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, alongside fencing and boxing competitions at the Aspire Dome.
Athletics competitions are scheduled to begin on May 14 at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club and will run for four days, while the handball tournament starts on the same day and continues through to the final day of the Games.
Snooker events will take place from May 15 to 19 at the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall, while volleyball action starts on May 16 at the Women’s Sports Hall. Padel competitions will also get underway at the Aspire Dome and continue until May 20.
Archery events are set for May 17 to 21 at the Lusail Shooting Range, while karate competitions will conclude the martial arts schedule with a one-day event on May 21 at the Aspire Dome.
With elite athletes, packed schedules, and passionate Gulf rivalries, Doha is ready to deliver a memorable celebration of regional sport over the coming days.