More than 28,000 students are set to take part in the twentieth Qatar School Olympic Programme, the largest turnout in the event's history. This year, billiards and bowling join the list of 36 sports, bringing cue sports into school competition for the first time. According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), preparations are finished, and the event will begin in October 2026 at the Aspire Academy Dome.
Organisers shared these plans at a press conference hosted by the Qatar Olympic Committee. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Abdulrahman Al Muftah, and other officials presented a development plan that goes beyond typical school tournaments. The programme is now seen as a way to find and support future athletes for Qatar, with an eye on the 2030 Asian Games in Doha. QNA reports that participation is expected to surpass last year's record of over 27,000 students.
"The previous edition of the School Olympic Program featured 36 different sports, and the new campaign aims for even broader participation among both male and female students."
Qatar News Agency
New sports and wider access
This year's programme is expanding beyond just numbers. By adding billiards and bowling, organisers hope to reach students who may not have joined traditional school sports. The focus on all age groups and both genders is a deliberate effort to widen the talent pool and give every student a chance to compete. As QNA notes, the programme is designed to help discover and develop Qatar's future athletes, not just to boost participation.
Abdulrahman Al Muftah, executive director, called the twentieth edition a key moment for connecting sport and education. "We are building on years of success, but this year we are determined to reach every school and every student," he said. The organisers stress that the main goal is to find and develop talent, not just to increase the number of participants.
"According to an official statement from the Qatar Sports for All Federation dated September 9, 2026, school initiatives across the country are being used to engage children in sports and identify promising talents. These efforts include school visits focused on physical activity and the selection of outstanding students for further development."
Qatar Sports for All Federation
Partnerships and preparations
Collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has played a major role. Salman Hassan Al Hazmi, head of physical education at the ministry, pointed to the close work between government and organisers, with the shared aim of creating a healthy, competitive environment for students. The ministry's involvement is expected to help push participation past 28,000-a number that seemed out of reach just a few years ago.
The organisers have also brought in more sponsors and supporters, including Aspire Academy and several national companies. Jiham Al Kuwari, a board member, noted the arrival of new sponsors and a wider range of events and awareness campaigns to keep students involved throughout the year.
From school sports to national teams
Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, chair of the organising committee, described the event as a milestone for the programme. "We are preparing a generation that will support the future of Qatari sport, especially as we look ahead to the 2030 Asian Games." He credited schools as the starting point for future champions and thanked all partners for their support.
Mohamed Al Kuwari, committee member, said the event connects schools, sports federations, and the Olympic Committee, in line with Qatar's Vision 2030. The organisers' approach is to spot promising athletes early, support their development, and guide them toward elite competition.
Media and public engagement
With preparations complete, Mohamed Al Zaidan, head of the media committee, said a full media plan is ready to highlight results and new talents. The goal is to make sure the School Olympic Programme's message reaches as many people as possible and to reinforce its place in Qatar's sports scene.
This twentieth edition is more than a participation drive. By adding cue sports and building new partnerships, Qatar is making youth sport a national priority. The challenge will be to turn this expanded platform into a steady source of future champions, rather than just bigger numbers. For now, organisers are clear about their ambitions.
Alongside these school initiatives, Qatar is also strengthening its national sports agenda. According to Gulf Times, the Arab League has publicly supported Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, reflecting the country's growing role in regional sport.
