Mourinho keen for his men to beat Valencia, top group in Champions League WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 PAGE 19

LeBron James, LA Lakers win historic CHAMPIONS LEAGUE finale against Dwyane WadePAGE 18 VALENCIA VS MAN UNITED end Al ’s winning run, top table

IKOLI VICTOR

IT came after two long years, but it was as sweet as Al Sadd would have expected. The Wolves, playing at home in a ‘breathless’ re- scheduled fixture of the QNB Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Stars League on Tuesday, Ahmed al Thani during the QFA Gen Assembly on Monday. scored a thrilling 3-1 triumph over Al Duhail. Al Sadd extended their Big challenges led winning run to 13 victories in 16 matches as a Lucas Mendes own goal (9th min- by World Cup 2022 ute) and late strikes from Baghdad Bounedjah (89th) and Salem Ali (90+4) saw preparations ahead: Jesualdo Ferreira’s men overcome the Red Knights. The win has now put Al QFA President Sadd on 38 points at the top, two clear of second-placed Al QNA ident said it was improving Duhail, who had been unbeat- DOHA significantly. He highlighted en since February 2017 – their that VAR will also be imple- winning streak lasting over 22 PRESIDENT of the Qatar mented in the next round of months and 41 matches. Football Association (QFA) the QNB Stars League. After the visitors wasted Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin He revealed that the tech- their chances, the result saw Ahmed al Thani has stressed nology was not used sooner for the defending champions’ that the association will em- technical reasons. 14-game unbeaten run in the bark on a new journey filled He stressed that the only league come to and end. with significant challenges problem facing football is the Algerian striker Bouned- awaiting the new Executive lack of fans, which he said jah scored his 29th goal of Board, most notably the World must be addressed swiftly. He the season with aplomb while Cup 2022 in Qatar, the Asian said that the technical level is substitute Salem Ali al Hajri Cup 2019 in the UAE, and the somewhat high, but the lack of gave Wolves the lead in the participation in Copa America attendance makes the match- closing minutes. The Al Sadd football team celebrates in the dressing room following their triumph over Al Duhail in the QNB Stars League match played at the 2019 in Brazil. es resemble friendly games, Earlier, Al Sadd survived Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. Sheikh Hamad was speak- stressing that the next phase a duel of first-half pressure ing during QFA’s General As- requires the cooperation of all which saw Edmilson shot Scoreline sembly at the Sheraton Hotel to solve this problem. inches away from the goal and with representatives of the 17 He also praised the pres- Almoez Ali blazing wide. Al Sadd 3 (Lucas football clubs and Qatar Stars ence of representatives of all Despite Duhail’s domi- League attending on Monday. clubs and their role in enrich- nance in the game, it was an Mendes OG-9’, The assembly led to the ing the activities of the Gen- even match and Al Sadd, who Salem al Hajri 89’, election of Sheikh Hamad as eral Assembly meeting with had not won against Duhail for Bounedjah 90’+4) president of the association their important questions and the last two years in the league, beat Al Duhail 1 for another term of four years. discussions aimed at develop- had two good chances in quick (Y El-Arabi 6’PG) It also led to the election of ing the football in Qatar. succession during the first half. Ibrahim Khalil al Mohannadi, After the president’s The game began on a fast Sheikh Ahmed bin Ahmed speech concluded, Qatar SC, note as Duhail tried to take an al Thani, Ahmed al Buain- Al Shahaniya and Al Ahli clubs early lead and it paid off when ball inside the box by Italian ain, Saoud al Mohannadi, were appointed to review min- Boualem Khouki was ad- referee Sergio Ranghetti, who Abdulrahman al Qahtani and utes of the meeting. Al Arabi, judged of having handled the pointed to the spot. Hani Talib Ballan. Al Khor and Al Mesaimeer The President of the asso- were appointed as auditors of ciation thanked the members the votes. of the General Assembly and The minutes of the previ- welcomed everyone to the ous general assembly meeting meeting, which elects a new held on December 13, 2017 board for the next stage that were also ratified. gains great significance due This was followed by the to World Cup 2022, and Asia ratification of the chairman’s Cup 2019. report. Later, a presentation He said it was significant on the consolidated budget, Al Sadd fans cheer their team at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. that the youth team also quali- audited and consolidated fied for the World Cup, while statement of profit and loss Youssef El Arabi sent off the target. the most likely to score as the Qatar clubs performed well in was made. The meeting also goalkeeper Saad al Dosari the Al Sadd should have taken game dragged on. the AFC Champions League. ratified the financial state- wrong way to give the league the lead into the break, but Al Sadd penned Duhail He expressed hope that they ments and budget. leaders the lead within six Bounedjah’s shot agonisingly back for the last few min- can go even further next year, Head of the electoral minutes. It was also his 18th went wide across the face of utes and substitute Salem and praised Asia’s best player committee Abdullah Hamad goal of the campaign. goal from Xavi Hernandez’s Ali made it 2-1 after dazzling Abdulkarim Hassan. He also al Mulla thanked members Al Duhail’s lead, however, pass in the 38th minute. past two markers before clip- said that he hopes the coming of the general assembly for could only last three minutes as The Wolves looked more ping the ball into the top left period will carry even more their cooperation. He also ex- the pressure from Akram Afif’s purposeful in the second half of Khalifa’s post. achievements as the national tended his thanks to the asso- strike was bizarrely directed by and the first attacking move There was still time for team gets set to participate in ciation for making the election Lucas Mendes into his net. was from Bounedjah’s back the league’s top-scorer to in- Copa America. process easy. It was the second own- heel pass for Afif, and saw crease his goals tally with a The president explained At the end of the General goal conceded by Al Duhail in the youngster direct the shot perfect strike in added time. that the team is currently is Assembly, Sheikh Hamad consecutive matches after Mo- straight at Khalifa Ndiaye to He sprinted past the rest of the preparing well, highlighting thanked the clubs and the hammed Musa’s against Qa- make a save. field and needed the assistance that that Copa America will support of the board. He also tar SC denied the champions Portuguese coach Jesualdo of Afif to blast the ball home. be an important criterion for congratulated the two new maximum points. Ferreira wanted fresh legs and It was deserving for the measuring the level of the members, Sheikh Ahmed bin Both teams were guilty of pace in his side, substitut- Wolves, who have the title to team before the World Cup. Hamad al Thani (Al Ahli Club) chances but it was Edmilson’s ing South Korean Wooyung lose with seven matches to He also confirmed that new and Abdulrahman al Qahtani miss from inside the box that Jung for Salem Ali in the 64th conclude the season. ideas will be unveiled that will (Messaimer Club) and wished was glaring before the break. minute. Also, Xavi gave way For Duhail, tactics, defen- be discussed through meet- success to former members of An Al Duhail player battles for the ball with Al Sadd’s Baghdad He was set on goal by El Arabi for Yasser Abubabakar in the sive lapses and lack of quality ings with club presidents. the Committee Khalifa Khamis Bounedjah (centre) at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. and the Brazilian shot inches 79th minute as Al Sadd looked bench cost them the game. As for refereeing, the pres- al Sulaiti and Ali al Thawadi.

Hallgrimsson keen to help Qatar develop players for World Cup

IKOLI VICTOR a parallel between Qatar and a team – organisation, disci- to do that. In next few years, tional team coach and my feel- DOHA Iceland on the issue of compet- pline, focus and hard work. the league will be stronger and ing was that I was at a stand- ing in their maiden World Cup “I know how national will have more attention.” still,” he said. ICELAND’S football coach at ((Iceland in 2018 World Cup, I know how national team team coaches think and hope- Hallgrimsson resigned as “I wanted a new chal- the Russia 2018 World Cup and Qatar in 2022), he said coaches think and hopefully fully we can help him (Felix Iceland manager in July after lenge, so I decided to rest and – Heimir Hallgrimsson, the both teams are underdogs. we can help him (Felix Sanchez) train players for the they were knocked out at the do some courses, visit some new Al Arabi manager, says “Both are fairly small Sanchez) make players for national team of Qatar ahead first stage of the World Cup, coaches. I always try to he’s also available to assist countries and they have ex- the national team of Qatar of the 2022 World Cup. failing to win a game, ending develop because I come Qatar’s national team in de- treme weather conditions- “Probably we will be talk- the Nordic country’s run in from an amateur football- veloping players for the FIFA one is extremely cold and the ahead of 2022 World Cup. ing with him considering all the tournament. ing country. So you always 2022 World Cup. other is hot. Heimir Hallgrimsson the national team players “The reason I decided to look for ways to learn,” he ex- Hallgrimsson led Iceland’s “Again you can call them play in the country. We will quit the Iceland team was be- plained. national team to their first-ever underdog nations.” be open to talk to the national cause I had been seven years Al Arabi manager and former Ice- World Cup this year. Drawing “There are certain elements that are necessary to building coach and it will be a privilege doing the same job as a na- See also page 19 Ô land coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. Sports Wednesday, December 12, 2018 17

Second One-Day International Ton-up Hope ties ODI series for West Indies Opener hammers undefeated 146 in 144 balls to keep three-match series alive AFP SCOREBOARD DHAKA BANGLADESH: SHAI Hope smashed a bril- Tamim Iqbal c Roach b Bishoo ...... 50 Liton Das c Hetmyer b Paul ...... 8 liant century as West Indies Imrul Kayes c Hope b Thomas ...... 0 edged Bangladesh by four Mushfiqur Rahim c Hope b Thomas ...... 62 wickets in the second One- Shakib Al Hasan b Roach ...... 65 An action shot from the Qatar vs Oman match in the ICC U-19 World Day International to level the Mahmudullah Riyad c Hetmyer c Powell ...... 30 Cup Asia Division Two qualfiers in Bangkok on Tuesday. Soumya Sarkar c Bishoo b Thomas ...... 6 three-match series 1-1 in Dha- Mashrafe Mortaza not out ...... 6 ka on Tuesday. Mehidy Hasan not out ...... 10 Opener Hope hit an un- Extras (b1, lb3, w9, nb5) ...... 18 beaten 146 off 144 balls, guid- Total (seven wickets; 50 overs) ...... 255 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain Qatar lose to ing West Indies to 256-6 in Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Imrul), 2-125 (Tamim), 3-132 49.4 overs after the visitors (Mushfiqur), 4-193 (Mahmudullah) 5-208 relied on three wickets from (Soumya), 6-234 (Liton Das), 7-239 (Shakib) paceman Oshane Thomas to Bowling: Roach 10-0-39-1(w2, nb1), Thomas 10-0- 54-3 (w3, nb2), Chase 3-0-22-0 (w3), Paul 10-0- Oman in ICC restrict Bangladesh to 255-7 in 68-1 (w1, nb1), Bishoo 10-1-27-1 (nb1), Powell 50 overs. 7-0-41-1. Hope shared 71-run in an unbroken seventh wicket WEST INDIES: C. Hemraj lbw b Mehidy ...... 3 U-19 Asia Div stand with Keemo Paul to S. Hope not out ...... 146 help West Indies get their D. Bravo b Rubel ...... 27 first victory on the tour and M. Samuels c Mushfiqur b Mustafizur ...... 26 stay alive in the series after S. Hetmyer c sub b Rubel ...... 14 R. Powell c Soumya b Mashrafe ...... 1 2 qualifiers they suffered a five-wicket R. Chase c Tamim b Mustafizur ...... 9 loss in the opening match on Keemo Paul not out ...... 18 Sunday. Extras (lb 5, w6, nb1) ...... 12 Paul, who remained un- Total (six wickets; 49.4 overs) ...... 256 Brilliant bowling by Sirah and Did not bat: Kemar Roach, Devendra Bishoo, beaten on 18, pushed spinner Oshane Thomas Mahmudullah towards mid- Fall of Wickets: 1-5(Hemraj), 2-70 (Bravo), 3-132 Kattokaran for the winners wicket to complete the victory. (Samuels), 4-155 (Hetmyer), 5-157 (Powell), 6-185 The fate of the game was (Chase) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK sain Khan and vice-captain Bowling: Shakib 10-0-28-0, Mehidy 9-0-39-1(w1), hanging in the balance until Mustafizur 10-1-63-2 (w2), Mashrafe 10-1-52-1 DOHA Shubh Agarwal sought to re- Hope struck three fours off (w2, nb1), Mahmudullah 1.4-0-12-0, Rubel 9-0-57- pair the damage. They added pace bowler Mustafizur Rah- 2 (w1). QATAR’S semi-finals hopes 25 runs after they joined man in the penultimate over. Toss: West Indies suffered a setback as they lost hands at three for 27. At this Hope, who has now three to Oman by seven wickets in stage, the skipper (25 runs centuries in ODIs, hit 12 fours Bishoo dismissed Tamim, who the ICC Under-19 World Cup with two fours in 60 balls) and three sixes in his innings. faced 63 balls, to break his Asia Division Two Qualifiers was dismissed by Sirah, who “I just kept backing my- partnership with Mushfiqur, at the Terdthai Cricket Ground got him stumped by Joel Biju, self and knew that as long as who soon became the second in Bangkok on Tuesday. and it triggered a slump that I bat till the end, we will win. victim of Thomas. Batting first, Qatar col- could never be stopped. I asked Keemo to bat deep. It Shakib, who smashed six lapsed at 59 runs in 25.4 Qatar barely collected wasn’t an easy wicket in the fours and a six, then guided overs as spinners Amanpreet seven more runs before beginning,” man of the match the lower-order to give Bang- Singh Sirah and Kevin Kat- Oman shot them out for 59. Hope said. ladesh a competitive score. tokaran snared seven wickets As many as six players failed Rubel Hossain and West Indies’ Shai Hope (right) hugs his teammate Keemo Paul after winning the second One-Day “It was a 50-50 match in between them for just 12 runs to open their account. Sirah Mustafizur claimed two wick- International against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Tuesday. (AFP) the end, but we couldn’t hold in 11.4 overs. was deadly and grabbed four ets each for Bangladesh giving onto the pressure. It was a Oman hit up the required scalps in his five overs for away 57 and 63 runs respec- Bangla National Stadium. Mushfiqur and Tamim laid with bowling figures of 3-54, good match. Hopefully we’ll runs at the expense of three six runs, while Kattokaran tively. Shakib top-scored with 65 the foundation of the innings forced opener Liton Das to come back strong in the next wickets and raced to the top picked three wickets for six in Shakib Al Hasan, Mush- off 62 deliveries while Mush- with a 111-run second wicket leave the field with a toe injury game,” said Bangladesh cap- of Pool A with second suc- his 6.4 overs. fiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal fiqur and Tamim made 62 stand after Oshane Thomas before handing Imrul Kayes tain Mashrafe Mortaza. cessive win in the pool. They Oman also lost their earlier each scored a half- and 50 respectively after West worked up lively pace early in a duck for West Indies’ first The third and final match are followed by Saudi Arabia, openers Adeel Abbas and century to steer Bangladesh Indies invited the hosts to bat the innings. breakthrough. of the series will be held in Syl- who are also unbeaten in two Azam Ali early. Neev Pujari to a decent total at the Sher-e- first. Thomas, who returned Leg-spinner Devendra het on Friday. matches so far. Qatar occupy and Mohammed Sameer the third spot with 1-1 win- stuck to the task and played loss record, while Bhutan and cautiously to take the team hosts Thailand have lost both closer to the win. At 46, Sa- ICC suspends the matches. meer departed for 13 with Buoyant India aim to carry momentum to Perth In Pool B, Kuwait and one four but Prathmesh Dananjaya over are unbeaten with Kumble supported Pujari to REUTERS as a pace unit in Australia, tralia’s pace spearhead Mitch- two wins each. Hong Kong see the team home. illegal action ADELAIDE sharing 14 of the 20 wickets at ell Starc both times. won one match and lost oth- Pujari carried his bat Adelaide Oval, bowling with With sidelined young er. The Maldives and China through with 17, while Kum- REUTERS HAVING become the first In- sustained pressure and limit- opener Prithvi Shaw seen have failed to win any of their ble was not out on three. DUBAI dian team to win a Test series- ing the hosts to a single 50-run limping around Adelaide Oval two matches. Bismillah Khan removed opener on Australian soil, Vi- partnership. after his ankle injury during a Qatar’s slide began with two batsmen and Agarwal SRI Lanka spinner Akila Da- rat Kohli’s side are determined Kohli’s batsmen got off to tour match, the veteran Vijay Sirah catching Solaiman Mo- got one. nanjaya has been suspended to keep the momentum rolling a shaky start and needed man- should have another chance to hammad short of the crease Oman’s Sirah was duly ad- from bowling in international into the second clash in Perth of-the-match Cheteshwar Pu- stake his claim. in the fifth over. Skipper Hus- judged the man of the match. cricket with immediate effect and inch closer to a break- jara’s glittering 123 to achieve Kohli, who struck four cen- after an independent commit- through series triumph Down a modest first innings total of turies in the 2014-15 tour of tee found his bowling action Under. 250. Australia, is also due a score SCOREBOARD to be illegal, the International India were made to work However, after Australia after being dismissed for three QATAR: Khan, 25.4 ov) Cricket Council (ICC) said on harder than expected in the 31- India captain Virat Kohli were bowled out for 235, they and 34 in Adelaide. Solaiman Mohammad run out (Sirah) 3 Bowling: Yash Mehta 6-1-15-1, Jeel Tanna 6-1-19-1, Monday. run win at Adelaide Oval, and were quick to seize the momen- The India skipper noted Hussain Khan (c) st Biju b Sirah 25 Adeel Abbas 2-0-12-0, Kevin Kattokaran 6.4-2-6-3, Samil Sadiq c & b Tanna 0 Amanpreet Sirah 5-0-6-4. Dananjaya was reported their bowlers will have only good performances,” Kohli said tum and build valuable part- that his team’s tail-end batting Syed Tameem c Sirah b Mehta 1 for a suspect action following three days’ rest before taking to of his attack, rated India’s most nerships to all but bat Australia was trumped by Australia’s Shubh Agarwal not out 9 OMAN: Sri Lanka’s first Test against the field again at Perth Stadium potent in years. out of the game. as their last five wickets could Saud Kamal c Biju b Kattokaran 0 Adeel Abbas c Agarwal b Khan 5 England in Galle last month. on Friday. “We will be, in every Test Though beaten and vulner- only muster 25 runs in the sec- Kalith Amarasinghe c Sameer b Kattokaran 1 Azam Ali lbw b Khan 5 Nivid Patel c Abbas b Sirah 0 Mohammed Sameer c Amarasinghe b Agarwal 13 The 25-year-old’s bowl- Despite the quick turna- match, gunning for a result.” able, a chastened Australia can ond innings. Patrick Kumarage c Tanna b Sirah 0 Neev J Poojari not out 17 ing action was assessed on round, Kohli suggested the Compared to his counter- be expected to fight back hard A more determined appli- Aditya Makadia c Tanna b Sirah 0 Prathmesh Kumble not out 3 November 23 at the National tourists were leaping out of part Paine, weighed down by on a wicket likely to suit their cation could have set Paine’s Bismillah Khan c Ravindra b Kattokaran 0 Extras (lb1, w16) 17 Cricket Centre in Brisbane. their skins to land another a sore index finger and a long classy pace attack. side a higher target than the Extras (lb1, nb2, w17) 20 Total (three wickets, 19.3 Overs, RR: 3.07) 60 Total (all out, 25.4 overs, RR: 2.29) 59 Did not bat: KS Kattokaran, SR Ravindra, JY Tanna, J He will now undergo re- blow on Tim Paine’s shaky side list of concerns, Kohli heads Kohli will hope for more 323 for victory, while saving Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Solaiman Mohammad, 4.2 ov), Biju, AS Sirah, Y Mehta medial work on his action in the four-match series. to Perth with a spring in his from the recalled opener Mu- India a lot of nerves on day five. 2-24 (Samil Sadiq, 7.6 ov), 3-27 (Syed Tameem, 8.5 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Adeel Abbas, 2.5 ov), 2-18 and will be allowed to resume “They are at their peak, all step. rali Vijay, who has struggled to India first toured Australia ov), 4-52 (Hussain Khan, 16.5 ov), 5-53 (Saud (Azam Ali, 4.1 ov), 3-46 (Mohammed Sameer, 13.5 ov) bowling in international crick- of them together and it’s some- India’s Ishant Sharma, Jas- justify his place in the side this in 1947-48 and have not won a Kamal, 17.6 ov), 6-55 (KCA Amarasinghe, 21.3 ov), Bowling: Bismillah Khan 4-0-13-2, Samil Sadiq 7-0- 7-56 (NR Patel, 22.2 ov), 8-56 (PRA Kumarage, 22.6 15-0, Patrick Kumarage 2-0-6-0, Shubh Agarwal 5.3-0- et if his modified action passes thing that we as batsman look prit Bumrah and Mohammed year. He managed only 11 and Test series Down Under in 11 ov), 9-58 (AP Makadia, 24.5 ov), 10-59 (Bismillah 20-1, Aditya Makadia 1-0-5-0 the 15-degree rule. at as an opportunity to put in Shami enjoyed a stellar debut 18 in Adelaide, undone by Aus- previous attempts. Aspire Academy hosts Italy’s young fencing team

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK join a senior training camp DOHA in Italy which is deemed one of the top federations in the THE Italian national U-14 world. Ali has improved his fencing team recently con- world ranking to No. 46 and cluded a week-long training this is a great leap for fencing camp at Aspire Academy. in Qatar,” Omeri said. The 12 young fencers trav- Meanwhile, Italy’s na- elled to Doha as part of a joint tional team coach Serena Piv- initiative between Aspire Acad- otti, said: “We have trained to- emy, the Italian Fencing Federa- gether on all weapons like foil, tion and the Qatar Weightlifting epee and the sabre. I believe and Fencing Federation. This al- that Aspire Academy’s athletes liance was formed in December have a bright future and the 2017 to develop young Qatari President of the Italian Fenc- and Italian fencers by providing ing Federation is very excited them with quality training and and wants to go further with top competition opportunities this collaboration”. in both Qatar and Italy. Whilst in Qatar, Aspire As part of this partnership, Italy’s fencing team players and officials during their camp at the Aspire Academy in Doha. Academy provided sports sci- Aspire Academy can host an- ence services for the Italian nual training camps for Italy’s circuits, giving them interna- Scarsco went on to say: “The confirms the agreement we en- Qatari fencers travelling and said: “The training camp offers fencers, including strength top young fencers, and the tional exposure. relationship between Italy and tered into force with our Qatari training with each other.” great benefits to fencers from and conditioning assessments, Italian Fencing Federation can The Italian delegation was Qatar stretches beyond these partners and Aspire Academy Commenting on the ben- Qatar and Italy. The Italian physiology, biomechanics, per- mutually allow Qatari athletes led by Italian Fencing Federa- fencing training camps and and we are happy to put into efits of the training camp to team athletes are very competi- formance analysis, sports psy- to be included in Italian domes- tion President Giorgio Scarso serves as a cultural exchange action what we have agreed to Qatari athletes, Qatar national tive in Europe, and it’s a great chology, sports nutrition, phys- tic competitions including the who was excited to be back in between the two nations and last year. We look forward to fencing team and Aspire Acad- benefit for us.” iotherapy and medical support U14, U17, U20 and the Senior Qatar. their people. This training camp the continuation of Italian and emy’s coach Massimo Omeri, “Our fencer Ali Turki will in case of injuries. 18 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Sports Aussie Open unveils new kits for ballkids Seahawks close on wild card with win over Vikings AFP Field. LOS ANGELES A miserable night for Vi- kings quarterback Kirk Cousins THE Seattle Seahawks edged got worse on the next posses- closer to a wildcard berth on sion when he fumbled and the Monday after grinding out a ball was recovered by Justin 21-7 victory against the Minne- Coleman, who galloped in from sota Vikings. 29 yards out to make it 21-0. Two field goals from vet- Minnesota got on the eran kicker Sebastian Jan- board with just over one min- ikowski in the first and third ute remaining in the game quarters gave Seattle a 6-0 when Cousins connected with lead as the Vikings once again Dalvin Cook from six yards, struggled on offense. but the score was too little too Seahawks quarterback late for the visitors. Russell Wilson then scram- The win saw Seattle im- bled for 40 yards in a decisive prove to 8-5 in the NFC, leav- fourth quarter drive to set up a Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the ing them firmly on course for crucial touchdown. Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of their NFL game at Centu- a wildcard spot. Wilson’s run took Seattle ryLink Field in Seattle on Monday.(USA TODAY SPORTS) The Vikings have little Ballkids are seen during the Australian Open’s unveiling of the 2019 ballkids and their new uniforms within striking distance and it room for error after a loss at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, Victoria on Tuesday. The Australian Open Grand Slam tennis was running back Chris Carson for the score. successful two-point conver- which left them at 6-6-1, sec- tournament will take place in Melbourne from January 14 to 27, 2019. (EPA-EFE) who delivered the killer blow, Wilson then found Tyler sion to make it 14-0 for the ond in the NFC North behind crashing over from two yards Lockett in the end zone for a hosts at Seattle’s CenturyLink the Chicago Bears (9-4). Varnish accuses British Cycling of ASSF general assembly applying ‘extreme control’ over riders meeting begins in Doha QNA REUTERS DOHA MANCHESTER THE General Assembly Meet- FORMER European team ing of the Asian School Sport sprint champion Jess Var- Federation (ASSF) kicked off nish told an employment on Tuesday in Doha, with a tribunal on Tuesday that large participation from presi- British Cycling used to exert dents and heads of 15- member extreme control over their states of the Asian federation. athletes, as she seeks to sue Chairman of the Qatar the body for wrongful dis- School Sports Association Ra- missal and sexual discrimi- bia Mohammed al Kaabi said, nation. “Qatar welcomes all its guests Varnish was dropped by and hopes that they discuss the British cycling squad in all the topics that will develop 2016 before the Rio Olympic school sports as it has a great Games. She has alleged that impact on the youth.” she was the victim of bul- “Doha hopes to come up lying and sexist language, with important recommenda- particularly from technical tions and discuss all the topics director Shane Sutton. on the agenda for the benefit of The case could impact school sports in the Asian con- how UK Sport offers grants tinent,” he added. to British athletes in future, Qatar is hosting the general forcing the body to intro- Jess Varnish assembly for the first time in duce benefits and increased the region. Members of the Asian School Sport Federation Technical Committee pose for photos during a meeting in Doha on Tuesday. protection in the event of (hotel) door to see if you In a statement to Qatar disputes or grievances. were still awake” at training News Agency, Al Kaabi said adding, “Doha has always sup- Sutton resigned in April camps. hosting of the event is due to ported sporting events and is 2016 and was later found Under cross examination Qatar’s leading position in or- convinced that sports contrib- Qatar plays important role in sports: guilty in an independent in- by British Cycling’s lawyer, ganising and hosting major ute to the creation of a con- vestigation of discriminatory it was put to Varnish that sports events. scious generation.” language. her annual funding agree- According to him, the meet- He added that the meetings ISF Continental President Europe British Cycling main- ments did not change be- ing will be an important oppor- will draw up an important pro- QNA tains that Varnish, 28, was tween 2005 and 2016 and tunity for the Qatari association gramme for the development of DOHA mos said Qatar is the ideal officials of the QSSA are dropped on performance that she should have known to exchange ideas and exper- school sports. destination to host these greatly cooperative and issues alone. But the cy- they came with terms and tise. “We will set targets on how THE Continental Presi- meetings. always strive for develop- clist says she was akin to conditions, adding that Var- Topics on issues related to to develop sports activities with dent Europe at Inter- Megalemos also added ment and modernization in an employee of the sports nish’s position was more like school sports will be discussed, the ASSF member states and national School Sport that Qatar’s facilities are all fields.” body and funding agency UK that of a freelancer. exchanging ideas and coop- develop strategies and pro- Federation (ISF) Nicos world class and a suitable On cooperation be- Sport, and therefore entitled Witness statements for eration will be discussed at the grammes to improve school Megalemos said that Qatar environment is available to tween ISF and QSSA, Meg- to basic workers rights. Varnish, who won team two-day meeting. sports in Asia.” has a very important glob- discuss ideas that will de- alemos said that both sides Her witness statement sprint silver at the 2011 Meanwhile, Secretary-Gen- Hitmi said the meetings al position in hosting and velop school sports activi- will seek ways to enhance said that aspects of the Brit- world championships, were eral of Qatar School Sports As- will discuss the ASSF calendar organising sport events ties in Asia. already existing ties. ish Cycling programme, provided by her partner sociation (QSSA), Ali al Hitmi, and encourage school sports and conferences due to He hailed the officials He also added that the which she joined as a and former Great Britain expressed delight at Doha’s to serve the national teams as its hospitality and previ- of the Qatar School Sports organisations need to ex- 15-year-old, such as regular BMX rider Liam Phillips, hosting of the General Assem- schools are an important venue ous successes with various Association (QSSA) for in- change experiences and blood tests and social media her agent James Harper and bly meetings. for unlocking various talents. events. viting him to attend the new ideas that will en- control were an example of former British Cycling and “Out of the QSSA’s belief in Delegates attending the Speaking to QNA on meetings, saying, “Doha hance the concept of school “extreme control exercised Team Sky doctor Richard the role of school sport, it de- meetings will visit landmarks in the sidelines of the Asian is absolutely an ideal ven- sports for students and at- over the lives of cyclists”. Freeman. cided to support the ASSF and Doha, including Darb Al Saai, School Sport Federation ue to host the work of the tract a large number of par- She also said coaches The hearing is set to con- agreed to host the congress to which will host the celebrations General Assembly, Megale- General Assembly and the ticipants. would “listen through the tinue until Dec. 17. the benefit of Qatar, he said, of the Qatar National Day. James wins final duel with Wade as Lakers Stamkos bags treble roll on; Warriors, Thunder also win as Lightning extend

AFP proven that,” he said. “I have winning streak LOS ANGELES no doubt this team will be in the finals at some point.” REUTERS points. Stamkos has eight goals LEBRON James won the final Elsewhere on Monday, Ste- TAMPA, FLORIDA in Tampa Bay’s fourth winning instalment of his long rivalry phen Curry scored 38 points as streak of at least seven games in with Dwyane Wade on Mon- the Golden State Warriors im- STEVEN Stamkos recorded his the past three seasons. He fin- day, scoring 28 points as the proved to 19-9 with a 116-108 ninth career hat trick and first ished off the hat trick with 9:19 Los Angeles Lakers held on for win over the Minnesota Tim- in more than four years, and the left in the third period with a a 108-105 victory over the Mi- berwolves. Tampa Bay Lightning ran their one-timer from the low slot that ami Heat at the Staples Center. season-high winning streak sailed past Rangers goalie Hen- James and Wade, who ar- Triple for Westbrook to seven games with a 6-3 vic- rik Lundqvist. rived in the NBA together as The Oklahoma City Thun- tory over the visiting New York part of a star-studded draft in der are in first place in the Rangers on Monday. Red Wings 3, Kings 1 2003, have formed one of bas- Western Conference, however, Stamkos recorded his first Jimmy Howard made 42 ketball’s most famous rivalries following their 122-113 win hat trick since Oct. 13, 2014, saves, and Dylan Larkin scored and closest friendships over over the Utah Jazz. by getting a pair of power-play an unassisted goal as host De- the course of their careers. Paul George scored 31 goals in the opening two pe- troit topped Los Angeles. Former team-mates at the points and Russell Westbrook riods, then adding an even- Larkin has two goals and Miami Heat, where the duo recorded his sixth triple double strength goal in the third. five assists over the past four won back-to-back NBA cham- of the season as the Thunder It was the first time he games. Dennis Cholowski and pionships in 2012 and 2013, bounced back from their upset scored two power-play goals Frans Nielsen also scored for the two faced each other for LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat pose for a photo after ex- loss against the Chicago Bulls since Dec. 26, 2015, and the Detroit, which bounced back the last time on Monday with changing jerseys at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday. Three-time NBA champion Wade continues on Friday to improve to 17-8. eighth time overall. The second from a 3-2 home loss to the Wade retiring after the 2018 on his farewell tour ahead of his retirement at the end of the season. (AFP) Former NBA MVP West- goal made him the third player New York Islanders two nights season. brook’s triple included 12 in team history to get reach 700 earlier. The 31st meeting of the two players. Center. We’re going to miss “The friendship we have is points, 11 rebounds and 10 as- men finished with a victory for The two NBA icons em- him in this league. That’s for beyond basketball. But I’m go- sists. James, who seized control of braced at the buzzer before sure.” ing to miss the shit out of this.” In Philadelphia, Joel Em- the contest in the fourth quar- swapping jerseys in a mutual Wade paid an emotional The win saw the Lakers im- biid set aside his recent indif- ter to finish with 28 points, show of respect. tribute to James. “It’s tough,” prove to 17-10 in the Western ferent form to score 24 points nine rebounds and 12 assists. “It’s bitter sweet man,” he said. “This is what you play Conference and was another as the 76ers kept up the pres- Wade scored 15 points off said James. “A lot of emotions for, playing against one of the sign that James’s arrival is sure on Eastern Conference the bench for Miami, whose for me right now, just knowing greatest players ever. starting to bear fruit. leaders Toronto with a 116-102 top scorer was Justise Winslow that I’m losing a brother in this “Whether we were team- Wade said he is confident win over the Detroit Pistons. with 28 points. game that I’ve had so many mates or whether we were op- James will be able to trans- The win saw the Sixers im- The Lakers win means wars against, so many wars to- ponents, we brought the best form the Lakers into champi- prove to 19-9 to hold onto the James finished with 16 wins gether. out of each other. I’m just so onship contenders. third place in the Eastern Con- Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos is congratulated by to Wade’s 15 in head-to-head “There’s no better way to grateful to have been drafted “He can do anything he ference, two games back from teammates after scoring against the New York Rangers on Monday. meetings between the two end it than here at the Staples at the same time as this guy. wants. He’s shown that, he’s leaders Toronto. (USA TODAY SPORTS) Sports Wednesday, December 12, 2018 19 Al Arabi’s ‘dentist’ coach Heimir hopes to stay beyond 18 months

around the club and Qatar have Icelandic is the been supportive and friendly,” Hallgrimsson said at his official 5th manager presentation to the media. A lot of people have warned Hallgrimsson hinted that me that it is a hot seat. for Dream Team he had spoken with some col- Hopefully, the guy from since 2017 leagues who had knowledge Iceland can cool it a little about football in Qatar before bit. I have the assurances IKOLI VICTOR he took the offer. DOHA “It was the ambition of the of the president and other club that attracted me to come officials that they will HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON, to Qatar. They know it is not an support me and I feel they former coach of Iceland na- instant job to buy success for a really mean it. Sacking tional football team, which day. It is a long-term project to coaches twice in a year competed in the 2018 Russia build up success for the future. World Cup, pulls teeth for a liv- “All the people I spoke doesn’t get the club ing when he is not coaching. with are supportive and as a anywhere. Hallgrimsson is confident coach when you come to a new Heimir Hallgrimson that for the next one and half environment this is probably years, he would be coaching the most important thing,” the Al Arabi Sports Club and he added. a better team.” not pulling teeth. No need to “Qatar is the place to be, Hallgrimsson said that he go back to dentistry until then. everyone knows things are had been warned of the sack But Al Arabi also have an happening here involving foot- syndrome within the clubs unenviable record. They have ball- new technology, equip- but said he would try to cool sacked more coaches than any ment, good stadiums and the things off. local club in recent time. 2022 World Cup. We will play “A lot of people have Hallgrimsson is the fifth coaches of different nationali- warned me that it is a hot seat, coach of the Dream Team ties with different styles, so for hopefully the guy from Iceland since 2017. He was unveiled me it will be a learning curve can cool it a little bit. I have by the club’s President Sheikh having been a national team the assurances of the presi- Khalifa bin Hamad bin Jaber coach for such a long time,” dent and other officials that al Thani at the club’s premises Hallgrimsson said. they will support me and I feel on Tuesday. Al Arabi are sixth in the they really mean it. Sacking The part-time dentist said league standings and their last coaches twice in a year doesn’t he had been in talks with Bun- league success was two dec- get the club anywhere.” desliga and Major League Soc- ades ago. The new coach said His first match in charge cer sides – Stuttgart and Van- his job is to bring the team will be on December 21, a Cup couver Whitecaps – before back into reckoning. match against current league being approached by Al Arabi. “I will do my best to bring Newly appointed Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimson with the club president Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Jaber al Thani during his unveiling leaders Al Duhail. “I want to thank the club the team back to fighting for ti- press conference at the Al Arabi Stadium on Tuesday. The 51-year-old resigned and president for giving me tles and hopefully we will have as Iceland manager in July the opportunity. My first im- time to achieve this from now.” ers if the current squad needs evaluate the players that we they stand for and we will also squad the chance to show their after they were knocked out pression has been fantastic, all The Icelandic coach hinted strengthening. have before January. And they tell them what we expect. We mettle. What I stand for, my in the first stage of the World the people I have met, the staff that he may bring in new play- “We have two weeks to have the chance to show what will at least give the current values will help Al Arabi to be Cup in Russia. beIN appoints Aurenche as QFA-Dutch Royal Football Association ink pact VP of Sports TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK stated: “We are delighted that DOHA Qatar Football Association Content and the Royal Dutch Football THE Qatar Football Asso- Association signed a Memo- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ciation (QFA) and the Dutch randum of Understanding DOHA Royal Football Association (MoU) to enhance bilateral (KNVB) signed a Memoran- cooperation. It demonstrates BEIN MEDIA GROUP, the dum of Understanding at the the strong commitment of the leading sports, media and en- QFA’s headquarters in Al Bid- Netherlands to enthusiasti- tertainment group, has ap- da Tower on Tuesday. cally work with Qatar towards pointed Martin Aurenche QFA Secretary- General, a more vibrant and diverse as Vice President of Sports Mansoor al Ansari and KNVB sports sector. Content, responsible for the Secretary-General Gijs de Jong, “The development of fe- group’s media rights acquisi- signed the agreement, which male football features promi- tions and distribution around focuses on areas of cooperation nently in the MoU. This is im- the world. between the two parties. portant as football has huge The move comes just weeks The signing ceremony potential to empower. We after Yousef al Obaidly was ap- was also attended by the Am- are also thrilled that the sign- pointed as CEO of the group by bassador of the Kingdom of ing of the MoU takes place Chairman, Nasser al Khelaifi, the Netherlands to Qatar HE shortly after Russia handed signalling an exciting new Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Johan QFA Secretary-General Mansoor al Ansari with Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar HE Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie, Dutch Royal over the relay baton for host- phase of development for the van Geijn, International CSR Football Association (KNVB) Secretary-General Gijs de Jong, and others at the Tower on Tuesday. ing the FIFA World Cup 2022 global me- Partnerships/World Coaches to Qatar. It is amazing to see dia compa- Director of KNVB, and Johan “We are proud to sign this player performance which will ties with QFA, both being re- also responsibilities. Football how Qatar works hard to- ny, which Neeskens, Dutch international cooperation agreement with have a direct positive impact sponsible for football in small- is all about collaboration and wards its success and over- holds the football player. The KNVB in order to develop on football ahead of the World er countries within the football communication, about fair coming the challenges that lie single larg- The two federations aim to our existing strong ties for the Cup in Qatar.” family and we can learn a lot play, respect for diversity and in its way. The Netherlands is est portfo- establish a closer cooperation development and promotion De Jong said, “A Coopera- from each other. dealing with frustrations. We happy to help create a lasting lio of sports between themselves and this of football in Qatar and the tion with Qatar FA fits perfect “Cooperation in football is can help children looking at positive legacy.” rights of agreement intends to specify Netherlands. This is a great with our international strat- important for developments healthy lifestyle and teach so- The delegation was also any global ways of sharing expertise and opportunity for us to exchange egy, where we want to be seen towards the future, related to cial skills to our children in present for the opening of the broadcast- resources, while at the same experiences and expertise in as an open and innovative as- a fair, equal and transparent a fun way through football, refresher women world coach- er in the time supporting the develop- different aspects including na- sociation, looking for impact game, which is played and which will benefit them in all es program held at the head- world. ment of football. tional teams, grassroots foot- and working for the future of watched worldwide by mil- aspects of their life.” quarters of the Qatar Women Martin Mansoor al Ansari said, ball, youth development and our football. We see similari- lions. That gives us joy, but HE Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie Sports Committee. Martin Aurenche Aurenche has been instrumental to beIN Media Group’s rapid expansion and remarkable success over the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: WHO NEEDS WHAT IN FINAL ROUND Bridge incident past few years, having been with the group from the very HE Champions League from their home tie against Chelsea fan denies beginning when it launched goes into its final round Today’s Fixtures Hoffenheim to secure top spot. Sterling abuse its channel in France in 2012, Tof group games this week Group E The focus will be on what hap- was racist and managing major relation- with 12 teams already assured Ajax vs Bayern Munich pens in Kiev where Shakhtar ships with international rights of featuring in the last 16 and Donetsk must beat visitors LONDON: A Chelsea supporter holders as well as negotiating seven others battling for the Benfica vs AEK Athens Lyon to leapfrog the French has admitted directing abuse at key acquisitions. remaining four places. GROUP F side for second spot. Lyon will Manchester City forward Ra- Only this month, Martin M’chester City vs Hoffenheim top the group if they win and heem Sterling but said the vitriol headed the beIN negotiation Here’s a looks at what remains Shakhtar Donetsk vs Lyon City lose, a combination which was ‘not racist in nature’ after team that secured Ligue 2 at stake: GROUP G would see Hoffenheim squeeze the club suspended four peo- rights in France for a four year Group A past Shakhtar for the Europa ple from Stamford Bridge over term, complimenting beIN’s The only thing left to play for Real Madrid vs CSKA Moscow League spot. Saturday’s incident. A police existing rights to Ligue 1 for is first place in the group. A Viktoria Plzen vs Roma Qualified: Manchester City investigation was launched after that period; and secured UEFA win for Atletico in Bruges will GROUP H a video posted online showed Champions League and UEFA see the Spaniards finish top Valencia vs M’chester United Group G the 24-year-old England interna- Europa League rights for Dig- but anything else will open the Young Boys vs Juventus Defending champions Real tional being shouted at by fans iturk – beIN’s subsidiary and door for Dortmund if they win in Madrid are through as group as he went to collect the ball the biggest pay-TV network in Monaco. winners with Roma hanging during City’s 2-0 Premier League Turkey – until 2021. Qualified: Atletico Madrid, Moscow could jump in if they on their coat-tails. Viktoria defeat at Stamford Bridge. More broadly this year, Borussia Dortmund win in Germany. Plzen, away in Rome, need to One of the supporters identified Martin has supervised mul- Europa League: Club Brugge Qualified: Porto, Schalke match CSKA Moscow’s result said that he had directed insults tiple tender processes with in Madrid to reach the Europa at Sterling but that they were major rights holders such as Group B Group E League. not racist in nature. “I’m deeply UEFA, the English Premier Barcelona have already quali- Bayern Munich head to Am- Qualified: Real Madrid, Roma ashamed by my own behaviour League and the International fied as group winners but could Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho during his team’s training sterdam to face Ajax in the and I feel really bad,” Colin Wing, Handball Federation. still influence who joins them session at Aon Complex in Manchester on Tuesday. (REUTERS) final round knowing a draw will Group H 60, was quoted as saying by the Commenting on the ap- in the last 16. If Tottenham win be enough for the Germans to Juventus and Manchester United Daily Mail. Wing said he used pointment, Yousef al Obaidly at the Camp Nou on Tuesday in with a chance of qualifying. goals to be sure of qualifying. If top the group. Both sides have have already stamped their tick- an expletive along with the word stated: “I’m delighted to an- they will go through on one Napoli currently top the group Napoli lose, they could still go already qualified while Benfica ets for the knockout stage, the “Manc” rather than “black”. nounce Martin’s appointment condition. They must match the and need just a point from their through if PSG lose in Belgrade. are assured of moving into the only question being which will fin- “I’ve been going to Chelsea for as Vice President of Sports result of Inter Milan, who host trip to Anfield to secure their Europa League. AEK Athens, ish top of the group. Juve are in 50 years now and, because of Content for beIN Media Group. the already-eliminated passage. If that happens then Group D meanwhile, will aim to score pole position as a win at Young where I sit, I’m picked up on the I’ve worked closely with PSV Eindhoven. PSG would also go through, 2004 champions Porto have their first point of tournament. Boys would make the United camera most weeks. If I had a Martin over the past seven Qualified: Barcelona although the French side can qualified as group winners with Qualified: Bayern Munich, Ajax result irrelevant. But if Juve slip history of saying this sort of thing years and his knowledge, ex- guarantee their own progress Schalke joining them in the Europa League: Benfica up in Berne, Joe Mourinho’s side I would’ve been caught by now,” perience and reputation across Group C with a win in Belgrade whatever draw. The Europa League spot will top the group with a victory he added. The supporter offered the industry is second to none, This is the most intriguing the result at Anfield. Liverpool, will go to Galatasaray if they Group F in Valencia. Qualified: Juventus, his apologies to the player and and will be a real asset as we group of all with Napoli, Paris on the other hand, have to can beat Porto in Istanbul. Fail- Manchester City have already Manchester United said he had lost his season embark on the next phase of Saint Germain and Liverpool all beat Napoli 1-0 or by two clear ure to do that means Lokomotiv qualified and need just a point Europa League: Valencia (AFP) ticket and his job. (REUTERS) our international growth.” 20 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 The Last Word

AMIR COMMISSIONS KAHRAMAA’S STRATEGIC MEGA RESERVOIRS PROJECT

‘Innovative project to achieve water security for Qatar’

Continued from page 1 Ô water production plants in the north of the country KAHRAMAA President with plants in the southern Eng Issa bin Hilal al Kuwari area. said the project had begun HH the Amir then as a vision and a creative toured the exhibition ac- and innovative solution in companying the ceremo- 2007 to achieve water se- ny, during which he was curity of Qatar, before suc- briefed about the project’s cessive efforts were made models and a number of to implement the project pictures that tell the stages and deal with the technical of its establishment and challenges for this unique development. project in this area. The Amir also visited By operating this large the reservoirs and the op- project today, he said sev- erations room where HH eral key issues would be listened to a summary of achieved within Qatar’s the mechanisms of the water security strategy, work. including increasing de- The inauguration cer- salinated water storage to emony was attended by 2,400 million gallons per Prime Minister and Min- day, which is enough to ister of Interior HE Sheikh meet the basic needs of the Abdullah bin Nasser bin State for several months Khalifa al Thani and a under different operating number of ministers and conditions. In addition, by senior officials in the ener- operating this project, Qa- gy, industry, electricity and tar will be able to connect water sectors.

Ashghal to award more infrastructure Over 1,000 to participate in Flag Relay tomorrow projects directly to local contractors THE second edition of Flag cancer survivors, and 200 par- Relay 2018 will be held on ticipants from the public. Thursday. It will see the Qatari International football su- Four contracts signed with local companies as part Ashghal’s ‘Qualification of Small-scale Contractors’ initiative flag tour the country, carried perstars Wesley Sneijder and proudly by hundreds of par- Samuel Eto’o will also be part SANTHOSH CHANDRAN ticipants. of the relay. DOHA The event aims to share Participants will carry the pride, unity and inspiration in Qatari flag across 19 iconic AS part of its plans to provide celebration of Qatar’s National landmarks around the coun- a suitable environment for the Day five days later. try, starting from Team Qa- growth of Qatari companies, the At a press conference, Jas- tar’s Winter Camp at Sealine Public Work Authority (Ash- sim Rashid al Buenain, secre- at 6am. ghal) will award more road and tary-general of Qatar Olym- The Flag Relay will try to infrastructure projects directly pic Committee, outlined the break the Guinness World to local contractors. programme that features at- Records for most people in a After signing the contracts tempts to break two Guinness cycling relay and the largest for four road improvement World Records. number of participants run- projects directly with local More than 1,000 people ning a 100m relay in an hour. companies and two drainage will take part in Flag Relay Walking, jogging, cycling, projects with two other com- Ashghal President Eng Saad bin Ahmad al Muhannadi with representatives of local companies in Doha on Tuesday. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) 2018, including current and driving, swimming, rowing panies on Tuesday, Ashghal former Team Qatar athletes, and sailing are among the ac- President Eng Saad bin Ahmad in the future.” mentation. A new initiative will Madar Contracting (Road Im- Ali Al Kaabi from the Roads ambassadors and diplomats, tivities that will continue the al Muhannadi said, “By par- Ashghal had earlier provid- be launched in 2019 to qualify provement Works in Northern Projects Department gave a nearly 800 schoolchildren, 10 maroon flag’s trip. (TNN) ticipating in major projects as ed local companies with build- new local contractors, and pro- Areas in Al Shamal, Al Khor presentation on Ashghal’s 2019 subcontractors, a number of ing projects and subcontracts ject tenders worth QR50million and Al Thakhira Municipal- plan for citizens’ sub-divisions local companies have proven in major infrastructure pro- will be opened for them. Ash- ity with a total value of QR14.9 projects. The plan includes their competence. Ashghal’s jects. This is the first time it has ghal has also pumped out over million) and City Square Con- awarding 20 contracts cov- new initiative will inspire the awarded road projects to local QR2 billion to purchase local tracting & Trading (Road Im- ering the areas of Smaisma local investors in the construc- contractors directly. products from 33 local manu- provement Works in South of South, Rawdat Al Jahhaniya, tions sector. Signing the new As part of the initiative, Ash- facturers,” Ashghal president Greater Doha at a total cost of Ain Khalid North, Al Kheesa, contracts for road improve- ghal announced the signing of added. QR14.9 million.) Al Khor West and Al Egda. This ment projects is part of Ash- four contracts for road improve- Local companies signed Drainage Projects signed is in addition to the areas of Al ghal’s ‘Qualification of Small- ment at a total cost of about contracts with Ashghal on on the occasion include Design Ebb and Leabib, Kharaitiyat scale Contractors’ initiative, QR59 million and two contracts Tuesday including Ramco & Build Contract for Industrial and Izghawa, Al Mashaf South, launched this year, aiming to for building drainages worth Trading & Contracting (Road Area Sewage Treatment Works Umm Slal Mohammed, Al provide local Qatari investors more than QR620 million. Improvement Works in Great- (Larsen & Toubro Limited for Mearad, Muaither South West, in the contracting industry “The initiative also aims to er Doha worth QR14.2 million), QR351.85 million) and Reha- , Duhail South, with the opportunity to ex- provide support for the new Castle Infrastructure Contract- bilitation of Doha South Sew- Umm Lekbha, and Mubaireek. ecute small-scale projects that contractors through training ing (Road Improvement Works age Treatment Works or Nu- These projects will commence QOC Secretary-General Jassim Rashid al Buenain and Director of qualify them for working on and introducing them to the in Al Rayyan Areas with total aija plant (VA Tech Wabag Ltd soon and will serve more than Marketing and Communications Sheikha Asma al Thani at a press the country’s strategic projects best practices in project imple- value of QR14.8 million), Al worth QR275.2 million). 12,970 land plots. conference in Doha on Tuesday. (HANSON K JOSEPH)