Qatar golf team sets sights on strong Asian Games performance in Japan

Qatar’s national golf team is preparing to compete at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, as the players look to improve on their previous continental results and continue building towards the Doha 2030 Asian Games.

The wider Asian Games will take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4, while the golf competition is scheduled from September 30 to October 3 at Kasugai Golf Club – East Course in Aichi Prefecture.

Four players to represent Qatar

Qatar will be represented in the men’s competitions by:

• Saleh Al-Kaabi
• Ali Al-Shahrani
• Daniel Sokolov

The trio will compete in the men’s singles and team events.

Nada Radwan will represent Qatar in the women’s singles competition.

The delegation is headed by Salman Al-Khanji, while Dutch coach Pion Bastian is responsible for the technical preparation of the team.

Four days of stroke play competition

The Asian Games golf programme will feature four events:

• Men’s singles
• Women’s singles
• Men’s team
• Women’s team

Competitions will follow the internationally recognised stroke play format, with players completing four consecutive rounds of 18 holes.

The golf programme will conclude on October 3 with the medal ceremony.

Qatar aiming to build on Hangzhou 2023

The national team is looking to improve on its participation at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where Qatari players gained valuable experience competing against some of Asia’s leading golfers.

The Aichi-Nagoya tournament is seen as an important opportunity for the Qatar Golf Federation to measure the team’s current level against top Asian competition.

It also forms part of a longer-term development programme leading towards the Doha 2030 Asian Games.

Morocco camp forms part of preparations

Qatar completed an intensive preparation camp in Rabat, Morocco, at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam courses.

The camp focused on improving fitness, tactical awareness, mental preparation and technical areas including shot accuracy and adapting to different course conditions.

The coaching staff has also worked on preparing players for the specific demands of the Kasugai course, including changing weather conditions and the technical challenges posed by its layout.

Experience expected to play a key role

Qatar will rely on the experience of players including Saleh Al-Kaabi and Ali Al-Shahrani, who have competed in Gulf, Arab and Asian championships as well as the Qatar Masters.

Their exposure to major international competitions is expected to help the team deal with the pressure and demands of the Asian Games.

Fahad Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Qatar Golf Federation, said the participation forms part of a wider strategy to develop golf locally, expand the player base, strengthen junior programmes and prepare future generations to represent Qatar internationally.

With preparations entering their final stage, the tournament in Japan will provide another major test for Qatar’s golfers as they seek stronger results on the Asian stage and continue their journey towards Doha 2030.

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