Al Shaqab will host the FEI Group VII Final at Al Shaqab’s Longines Indoor Arena on November 27–29 at the Al Shaqab Longines Arena

 

Al Shaqab will host the FEI Group VII Final at Al Shaqab’s Longines Indoor Arena on November 27–29 at the Al Shaqab Longines Arena

 Get ready for the FEI Group VII Final at Al Shaqab’s Longines Indoor Arena, November 27–29

Witness the region’s top riders compete for glory in Doha.

1 FEI Group VII Series with Finals

FEI Group VII Finals Open for all Group VII riders and horses qualifying from a series of selected events organized by Group VII National Federations or organising committees during equestrian season from July 2025 till Maximum end of April 2026.

 

Young Riders and Junior (until they reach the age of 18) and Children from an NF outside Group VII but domiciled in a Group VII country are allowed to participate in the Group VII series and Finals for Young Riders, Juniors and Children providing they represent a Group VII NF and are administered for the qualifying events and Finals by the NF of the country in which they are domiciled. Athletes not domiciled in a Group VII country may take part in the qualifying events of the Group VII series for Young Riders, Juniors and Children but cannot qualify for the Final.

 

1.1  Athletes’ Levels Young Riders 16 until 21 years old Open for all Athletes from the beginning of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 16, until the end of the calendar year in which she/he reaches their 21st birthday providing their 21st birthday falls in the same year of the Final. Juniors 14 until 18 years old Open for all Athletes from the beginning of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 14, until the end of the calendar year in which she/he reaches their 18th birthday providing their 18th birthday falls in the same year of the Final. Children 12 until 14 years old Open for all Athletes from the beginning of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 12, until the end of the calendar year in which she/he reaches their 14st birthday providing their 14st birthday falls in the same year of the Final.

 

1.2  Horses’ categories Young horses 7 years old Open to horses that reach the age of 7 years in the year of the Final. 6 years old Open to horses that reach the age of 6 years in the year of the Final. 1.3 Finals 1.3.1 The Finals for all athletes and young horses will preferably take place at the same venue. The Finals are held over a minimum of 3 days between the 2nd week of February and 3rd week of March at the latest each year. 2 1.3.2 The Schedule of FEI Group VII Finals is the responsibility of the Group VII

 

1.3  Technical Committee - Jumping department in collaboration with the Finals’ Organising Committee and Group VII Technical Committee member to be appointed as Sport Director. The Schedule is approved by the FEI. FEI Group VII Finals - The FEI Group VII Finals will take place at Sharjah Equestrian and racing club if no other organiser applies to host the final. - Event organisers can host qualifying events for athletes of each category and for young horses. Qualifiers may start 2 weeks after the FEI Group VII Finals of the previous season.

 

 2. Qualifying events for the FEI Group VII Finals (Children, Juniors, Young Riders & Young Horses)

 

2.1 All Group VII National Federations may host qualifying events which must be included in the FEI calendar as for CSI Ch, CSI J, CSI Y and CSI-YH.

 

2.2 Coordination relating to the entry of qualifying events into the FEI calendar is the responsibility of the Group VII technical committee which is also responsible for the Finals. Qualifying events not approved by the Group VII technical committee will not count as qualifiers for the Final.

 

2.3 All qualifying events must be run according to FEI Rules and Regulations. 2.4 All National Federation members of Group VII can organize up to 3 qualifying events per category (Athletes age category) per season as CSI Ch, CSI J & CSI Y events. 2.5 Qualifying events for Young Horses. It is recommended to host this event at CSI-W events in the FEI World Cup Arab League. This will allow CSI-W Athletes to compete with their Young Horses at the same event with their CSI-W horses.

 

3. Riders’ levels qualification (Children, Juniors, Young Riders)

 

3.1 Athletes must obtain at least 10 points to qualify for the Final (refer to Annex I for point chart). 3.2 Qualifying events can be organized over 2 or 3 days. The qualifying competition will take place on the last day of the event and must be run according to FEI Article 238 2.2 Table A of the FEI Jumping rules.

 

3.3 Athletes are allowed to participate with maximum two horses at each qualifying event. If an athlete has two horses, he must nominate the horse that will compete for qualifying points. This horse must start first in the qualifying competition; the second horse can compete for the competition prize money only.

 

3.4 Points are given only for Athletes within the age limits of their categories year of the finals

 

3.5 Any rider who qualifies in both Juniors and Young Riders categories may only participate in one of those categories for the Finals.

 

4. Qualifying competitions heights and speed

4.1 Children Max. 115 cm, Speed 350 m/min 4.2 Juniors Max. 125 cm, Speed 350 m/min

 

4.3 Young Riders Max. 135 cm, Speed 350 m/min

 

5. Young horses Qualification for FEI Group VII Final

 

5.1 Group VII Young Horses Qualifying competitions for young horses and the Young Horse Final is open to horses owned by Group VII citizens, the athlete is not required to be a national of a Group VII country.

 

5.2 All Young Horse qualifying events must have CSI-YH status with qualifying competitions for 5 and 6 year old horses in 2025 and 6 and 7 year old horses in 2026. These events must be run 3 according to FEI rules and regulations. It is recommended to host this event together with a CSIW in the FEI World Cup Arab League.

 

6. Young Horses Qualification to FEI Group VII Final 6.1 The best 30 horses of each category qualify for the FEI Group VII Young Horses Final.

 

6.2 Qualifying events can be run over 2 or 3 days, the qualifying competition must take place on the last day of the event and must run according to FEI Article 238 2.2 Table A of the FEI Jumping rules.

 

6.3 The number of horses which may be entered per athlete for each qualifying event is two. 6.4 All CSI-YH events must be run according to the FEI rules and regulations for CSI-YH.

 

6.4.1 Final for 6 year old horses: Is open to horses starting the qualifying period as 5 year old horses that turn 6 years of age in January the year of the Final.

 

6.4.2 Final for 7 year old horses: Is open to horses starting the qualifying period as 6 year old horses that turn 7 years of age in January the year of the Final.

 

 7. Qualifying competitions heights

 

7.1 Horses 6 years old: Open to 5-year-old horses starting the qualifying period in 2025, the height of obstacles in qualifying competitions is 110 cm. Upon reaching the age of six as of the 1st January 2026 the height of obstacles in qualifying competitions increases to 120 cm.

 

7.2 Horses 7 years old: Open to 6-year-old horses starting the qualifying period in 2025, the height of obstacles in qualifying competitions is 120 cm. Upon reaching the age of 7 as of the 1st January 2026 the height of obstacles in qualifying competitions increases to 130 cm.

 

8. FEI Group VII Final for Children, Juniors and Young Riders Athlete age at the Final Athlete Level Age from Age to Young riders The Final is open to athletes from the beginning of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 16 until the end of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 21 Juniors The Final is open to athletes from the beginning of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 14 until the end of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 18 Children The Final is open to athletes from the beginning of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 12 until the end of the calendar year in which she/he reaches the age of 14 8.1 All athlete that have obtained 10 points or more are qualified to take part at Group VII Final in their category. 8.2 Athletes are allowed to participate with one horse at the Final.

 

8.3 FEI Group VII Finals are runs over 3 days (penalty points are carried forward until the last day) 8.4 Awards are presented to the best 3 placed athletes / horses in each category after three days.

 

8.5 Final competition details for Children, Juniors and Young Riders Description

 

Article Starting order First Day 238 1.1 One round not against the clock Speed 350 m/min height Draw 4 Second day 238 1.1 One round not against the clock Speed 350 m/min Reverse order of the first day’s classification, in case of a tie for any place the starting order established for the first competition applies (who stared first go first 2nd day) Third day medals 273 3.3 Over two rounds First round not against the clock and 2nd round against the clock Speed 350 m/min Reverse order of overall ranking up to 2nd day, in case of equality of penalties and time in the overall ranking the starting order established for the 1st competition applies (who stared first goes first 3rd day) 2nd round of the third day is open to 25% of the number of starters in the competition on the first day, in any case, not less than 10 participants.

 

 - In case of equality of total penalties in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd competitions and the times of the 1st, 2nd competitions and the time of the second round of the third competition for any of the first 3 places in the overall classification there will be a jump off against the clock to separate riders tying for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. - A team classification will be established (Art. 265 of the JRs) based on the total penalties of the three best Athletes of each team in the first and second competitions. In case of equality of total penalties of the three best Athletes of each team in the first and second competitions for any of the first three team places, there will be a jump-off against the clock in which the total penalties and time of the best three team athletes in the jump-off will determine the final classification. The penalties incurred in the team jump-off will not count towards the total penalties of athletes in the individual classification. - The teams must be composed of minimum three and maximum four athletes to be declared at the latest at 18h the day prior to the first competition.

 

8.6 Participation final competitions for Children, juniors & young riders 8.6.1 Athletes who didn’t obtain 10 points to qualify to the final can take a part in the final competition and compete for the daily ranking of the first and 2nd day.

 

8.6.2 Each competition of the championship will have two classifications one classification for the daily ranking and one classification for over all the 3 days championship.

 

8.6.3 3rd day (final day of the championship) for each category will be only for the qualified athletes. Non-qualified riders may not take part in the final day. 8.6.4 For not qualified Athletes to take a part in the FEI group VII finals competitions have to obtain at least one point at qualification standing points.

 

 9. Final Young Horses 6 years old & Young Horses 7 years old Young horses age

 

Horses category Horse age from January until December Horses age from January until the final Horses 7 years old 6 year old horses during the qualifying season until 31st December 2025 7 years old at the time of the Final in 2026 Horses 6 years old 5 years old horses during the qualifying season until 31st December 2025 6 years old at the time of the Final in 2026

 

 9.1 The Final is open to the top 30 horses in each category according to the point system. 5 9.2 Maximum two horses are allowed per Athlete in each Category 9.3 The FEI Group VII Final runs over 3 days (penalty points are carried forward until the last day)

 

9.4 Awards are presented to the owners of the best 3 horses in each category. Description Article Starting order First Day 238 1.1 One round not against the clock Speed 350 m/min Draw Second day 238 1.1 One round not against the clock Speed 350 m/min Reverse order of the first day’s classification, in case of a tie for any place the starting order established for the first competition applies (who stared first goes first 2nd day)

 

Third day medals 273 3.3 Over two rounds First round not against the clock and 2nd round against the clock Speed 350 m/min Reverse order of overall ranking up to 2nd day, in case of equality of penalties and time in the overall ranking the starting order established for the 1st competition applies(who stared first goes first 3rd day) 2nd round of the third day is open to the 25% of the number of starters in the competition on the first day, in any case, not less than 10 participants. - In case of equality of total penalties in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd competitions and the times of the 1st, 2nd competitions and the time of the second round of the third competition for any of the first 3 places in the overall classification there will be a jump off against the clock to separate riders tying for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. Annex I - Points Charts Points chart for the qualifying events (CH, J, Y & Young horses) Rank Points 1 11 2 9 3 8 4 7 5 6 6 5 7 4 8 3 9 2 10 1 6 Points chart for the qualifying events (Young horses) 1st place: Gets points according to the number of starters in the competition, plus one point . “E.g. :The number of horses in the competition is 10, the first place gets 11 points” 2nd place and the next: Gets points according to the number of starters in the competition, minus one point.

 

“E.g. :The number of teams in the event is 10, the 2nd place gets 9 points, the next minus one (-1), and the last one gets 1 point” - No points are given for elimination or retiring or withdrawing Annex II - Group VII Finals Technical Committee Chair FEI Group VII: Mr. Sultan Khalifa Al YAHYAEE FEI Group VII Jumping Director: Mr. Ashraf Gaber Ellaithy Member: Mr. Hussam Zummit FEI GROUP VII Finals Qualification 2026

QREC to organise auction for purebred Arabian show horses

 

QREC to organise auction for purebred Arabian show horses

Doha: The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) will organise a three-day auction for purebred Arabian show horses from November 6 to 8 at Al Shaqab.

ADVERTISING

A total of 108 horses will be offered over the three days, representing a wide range of categories including colts, fillies, mares and stallions.

Auction Committee Chairman Saad Ali Al Kubaisi said that holding the auction at this time of the year provides an excellent opportunity for prospective buyers to acquire the bloodlines on offer, as most of the horses come from renowned local studs and farms.

“Qatar enjoys a distinguished regional and international reputation in the field of Arabian horse show discipline,” he said.

“This auction presents a valuable opportunity for owners to acquire exceptional bloodlines and benefit from the high quality of these horses, whether to compete in upcoming shows or to enhance their own breeding programmes,” he added.

Al Kubaisi added that many of the horses offered for sale descend from famous bloodlines belonging to major farms and studs such as Al Shaqab, Al Rayyan and Al Nasser. “This diversity will certainly attract owners and breeders eager to benefit from the auction in line with QREC’s objectives, especially given the increased number and variety of horses presented across the different categories,” he explained.

QREC organises several horse auctions throughout the season, including for racehorses and for purebred Arabian show horses. Each year, QREC also highlights the prestigious Arqana Sale held in Paris on the opening day of the events associated with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

 

Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show from November 5 to 8 at Al Shaqab Outdoor Arena

 

Doha: Al Shaqab will host the third edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show at Al Shaqab Outdoor Arena from November 5 to 8.

Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (DAAM) is supporting the event.

This event is considered one of the premier gatherings for enthusiasts of purebred Arabian horses, with the current edition featuring the participation of 284 horses competing for prestigious awards.

The event will be further enhanced by a distinguished international judging panel, which includes Ali Al-Sha’arawi, Emma Maxwell, Mark Veray, Marek Trela, Michaela Weidner, Mohammed Machmoum, Nasha’t Hijazi, and Robijn den Hartog. The Disciplinary Committee consists of Dr. Laura Mascagna, Dr. Bassem Badr, Malak Benamar, and Dr. Youssef Abu Samra, while the ring masters are Bart Beckers and Dr. Mohammed Hammad.

Khalid Al-Jehani, the Show Director, expressed his delight at the high level of participation, noting that the competition is expected to be intense and exciting.

The show will be held over four days and is classified as a Category B event under the supervision of the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organizations (ECAHO), giving the winning horses the opportunity to qualify for higher-ranking international shows.

Through this event, Al Shaqab aims to strengthen the cultural heritage of the purebred Arabian horse, promote local and international interest in the breed, and contribute to the growth and development of the Arabian horse’s global stature.

State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability
 
Synopsis: Recent Initiatives by the Sports Authority of Goa to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), under the leadership of the Hon’ble Sports Minister of Goa, Shri Govind Gaude, and Executive Director Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, has initiated a series of significant steps aimed at improving the functioning of its Coaching Section. These efforts are intended to bring greater professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the system, while ensuring effective use of public funds and better outcomes for athletes. The key initiatives are as follows:

Surprise Inspections of Coaching Centres:
As per Memorandum dated 4th April 2025, Dr. Sandeep Warlikar, In-charge of the Coaching Section, has been assigned the responsibility to conduct surprise inspections at SAG’s Regular Coaching Centres across Goa. These inspections are to be conducted periodically, with reports submitted to the Executive Director, ensuring on-ground verification of coaching activities.

Stricter Leave Protocols for Coaches:
A subsequent Memorandum dated 9th April 2025 mandates that leave applications of coaches must be thoroughly assessed by the Director (Coaching), who must provide valid reasons and also confirm the availability of alternate arrangements to avoid disruption of regular training. Furthermore, in cases where coaches are spared for tournaments, attendance certificates from the concerned Associations are now mandatory, failing which the absence will be treated as unauthorised.

Initial Findings from Surprise Checks:
In the days following the above directives, initial surprise checks revealed that in a few training centres, trainee numbers ranged from 0 to less than 7. Explanations have been sought from the coaches concerned, highlighting the importance of regular engagement and attendance of trainees.

Release of Model Guidelines and Code of Ethics for Coaches:
SAG has released a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Guidelines for its coaches, covering aspects such as punctuality, work discipline, training registers, movement logs, reporting formats, and overall professional conduct. This is a significant step towards building a structured and disciplined coaching environment.

Need for a Robust Monitoring System:
While many coaches are working diligently, the presence of frequent complaints and dwindling trainee strength in certain disciplines has necessitated the creation of a more robust and transparent system. These measures aim to ensure optimal use of public funds and safeguard the interests of athletes.

Support from State Sports Associations:
Several State Sports Associations, including the Goa Badminton Association and the Goa Table Tennis Association, have welcomed and appreciated these reforms. They have also called for closer collaboration with SAG to conduct joint reviews, strengthen coaching infrastructure, and elevate Goa’s sporting standards to the national level.

Enclosed: Copies of SAG Memorandums
Copies of letters from Goa Badminton Association and Goa TT Association, welcoming the SAG reforms and initiatives

Yours sincerely
Sandeep Heble
Media coordinator for Goa TT Association and Goa Badminton Association

9326129171

 

Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

From

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association
Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Mob – 9326129171

Email – sandeepheble@gmail.com

 

 

To,

The Honourable Chief Minister of Goa and President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Honourable Sports Minister of Goa and Vice President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Secretary Sports, Government of Goa

The Executive Director, the Sports Authority of Goa

 

Subject: Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I write to you in my capacity as the former Secretary of the Goa Badminton Association and Joint Secretary of the Goa RTI Forum to bring to your attention the pressing need for a comprehensive revamp of the Coaching and Monitoring Section of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), currently headed by Mr. Bruno Coutinho, Director Coaching.

 

The lack of a robust performance monitoring system within this department for long standing years has led to severe defects and inefficiencies and is significantly impacting the growth of sports in the state.

 

Key Flaws in the Existing System

No Supervisory Mechanism: There is no structured supervisory framework to monitor the performance and activities of coaches, leading to poor outcomes in many sports disciplines.

No Performance Audits: Coaches’ performance is not subjected to regular audits, leaving room for lack of accountability. There is no distinction being drawn between sincere hardworking coaches and the lethargic non-working coaches.  

No Reporting System: A transparent and systematic reporting mechanism to address issues and evaluate progress is completely absent. No surprise checks are being conducted.

No Training Methodology Updates: Upgradation of coaching skills and knowledge in line with modern training methodologies is missing and there is no mandatory mechanism to ensure that coaches bring their training in line with modern scientific training.

No Feedback Mechanism: Players, parents, and stakeholders do not have a platform to share feedback on coaching quality, which hampers quality control.

No Involvement of State Sports Associations: Local sports associations, which are crucial stakeholders, are not being consulted or involved in the coaching or coach monitoring process.

Non-Utilisation of Technology: Digital tools for attendance, performance tracking, and real-time monitoring are not being properly utilized to enhance efficiency.

No Grassroots Engagement: Coaches are not actively engaging with schools and communities to scout and nurture young talent.

No Clear Goals or KPIs: Coaches are not given clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific goals, resulting in vague expectations and unmeasured outcomes.

No Accountability for Mismanagement: Inefficiencies in the system are not addressed, and those responsible for lapses are not held accountable.

No Action on Lack of Trainees: Despite evident issues of underperformance, such as lack of trainees, no remedial measures have been taken.

 

Example of the Table Tennis Coaching Situation

The case of the SAG Table Tennis coach at Panaji, Mr. Amit Naik, serves as a glaring example of these systemic failures. Despite being transferred from Chicalim to Panaji for lack of performance, the situation has not improved. Currently, Mr. Naik has only 1-2 trainees under him at the Panaji center. In stark contrast, other centres such as Don Bosco Oratory in the same city have over 50 trainees flourishing under dedicated coaching.

 

This matter has been repeatedly brought to the notice of the Director of Coaching, Mr. Bruno Coutinho, but no corrective action has been taken.  Such negligence not only discourages sincere coaches but also demotivates talented players who lack proper guidance and end up leaving the sport.

 

Proposed Measures for Improvement

To address these issues, the following measures are proposed:

Establish a Supervisory Panel: Constitute a dedicated supervisory panel to oversee coaching activities and ensure accountability, with efficient administrative officers who can successfully implement reforms and measures.

Conduct Regular Performance Audits: Introduce quarterly performance evaluations for all coaches along with meetings with Association representatives.

Implement a Transparent Reporting System: Create a mechanism for players, parents, and associations to report issues and provide feedback.

Upgrade Coaches’ Training: Organize mandatory training programs to update coaches on modern techniques and methodologies.

Involve State Sports Associations: Actively engage local associations in the monitoring, and evaluation of coaches.

Adopt Technology: Utilize digital tools for tracking attendance, monitoring performance, and evaluating progress.

Engage in Grassroots Development: Assign coaches specific responsibilities for grassroots outreach and talent scouting. Depute coaches to the Associations which are willing to carry out such grassroots programmes.

Set Clear KPIs: Define measurable goals and KPIs for each coach to ensure accountability.

Recognize and Reward Excellence: Establish a reward system for high-performing coaches to motivate others, grading the coaches as per the Sports discipline.

Enforce Accountability: Take strict action against underperforming coaches and ensure transparency in the handling of such cases.

 

In conclusion, the SAG’s Coaching and Monitoring Section needs urgent restructuring to promote accountability, encourage sincere coaches, and foster a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

 

If Goa needs to establish itself as a top sporting hub, the current state of affairs within the SAG's Coaching and Monitoring Section requires immediate and urgent attention. A proper brainstorming and overhaul of the whole system is the need of the hour. 

 

I urge you to take immediate steps to address these concerns and streamline the system for the betterment of sports in Goa.

 

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I remain available for any further discussion or assistance in implementing these reforms.

Enclosed: Photograph of Amit Naik, SAG Table Tennis coach at Campal, with only one trainee in attendance.

 

Yours sincerely,

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association

Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Pilar Fathers along with ODA Grassroots FA and Bidesh XI SC organizing Football camp in Sattari

 Pilar Fathers along with ODA Grassroots FA and Bidesh XI SC organizing Football camp in Sattari

Panjim:  There is a lot of sporting talent in Sattari taluka especially it comes to football and hockey, which over the years have not been tapped but things are changing thanks to the initiative of the Pilar Fathers who are very much interested to tap the talent and promote them at every given opportunity.

The Pilar Fathers, who have a full fledge hockey youth development programme for school children in Honda area have now ventured into football and what better way to kick start the journey with a summer coaching camp for boys who have completed their board exams.

“There are some 35 boys who are attending the camp, these children have answered their 10th and 12th exams...they have good talent but have not learnt football under any coaches so their fundamentals are weak, so the camp is to correct their basic fundamentals,” said Fr George Nandiyala of the Pilar Fathers.

Pilar Fathers Sports for youth development in collaboration with ODA Grassroots Football Academy and Bidesh XI Sports Club are organizing the summer football camp with the help of Honda sarpanch Shivdas Madkar, informed Fr George.

The significant feature of the Pilar Fathers hockey program, which caters to both boys and girls, is taking care of the school studies of the trainees with tuition classes arranged for them before their training session so that they do not lag behind in their academic studies.

For the records, Fr George played football and hockey at the college level and got his initial football coaching s lessons in Cuncolim.

“The camp took me to my younger days when we used to train under coach levino Dias and other coaches at Poitomaddo ground Cuncolim,” recalled Fr Geroge, who did his school studies in Our Lady of Health Cuncolim.

Fr George said that there are no football academies in Sattari and players from the taluka seldom get a chance to play for any the top clubs from the state.

“This camp will hopefully be attended by the talent scouts of the some of the big clubs of Goa and they will be selected for some of the big clubs of Goa, “hoped Fr George.

“The camp will also help us to scout good players also and at the end of the camp there will be league organised among the players on March 29,” added Fr George.

Mohammed Rizlan back in the Qatar squad for ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha

 Mohammed Rizlan back in the Qatar squad for  ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha

 

Mohammed Rizlan back in the Qatar squad for  ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha after a gap of more than one year.

 

In the two matches, he has failed to impress scoring in single digits (1 and 6) against Thailand and Bhutan and  but the 39-year-old will fight back in the remaining matches.

 

He last played for Qatar in April 2023.

 

Turn back and this is what we had said when he was dropped after the April 2023 tournament.

Is Mohammed Rizlan dropped from the Qatar team?????

Rizlan captained the Qatar team in the last tournament Hopefully cricket fans have not seen the last of the 38-year-old.

If Himashu Rathod can make his debut at 36 and won the man of the match award then Rizlan can certain live up to the expectations of the fans

Age is certainly not a criteria to drop him, if has been dropped on those grounds or is that something which is not known to us, only Rizlan and the selectors know.

Mind you Mohammed Tanveer at aged 42 is the oldest player in the team and was the top scorer in the Qatar innings against Bahrain and how he made it to the team is another untold story.

There are a few Qatar debutants who are in the early 30's who have made his debut in Friday-Saturday T 20 match.

That all for the age ......selections. One needs to honour the players contribution to the game ask him to gracefully step down.....the transition should be smooth, and one of mutual respect.

Hopefully Rizlan will make his bat talk again and prove once again that age does not matter and it is just a number.

So let’s play straight and with the full face of the bat and send the ball all along the carpet past the bowler all the way to the boundary.

Another ball, another innings, another match.....players come and players go,,,,but how we treat them and give them respect is important.

That distinguishes us whether we are gentleman playing the gentlemen's game or something else.