HBKU to Host 9th Sports Tournament for GCC Universities in February

Doha, September 28 (QNA) – Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has announced it will host the Ninth Edition of the GCC Sports Tournament for Universities and Higher Education Institutes from February 4-10, 2023. The tournament will bring together students to compete in six sports: football on grass courts, volleyball, table tennis, Paddle, athletics, and swimming.

HBKU was selected to host the tournament by the Committee of Deans of Student Affairs for Universities in the Arab Gulf during its 32nd meeting, held in the Sultanate of Oman in February 2022, under the umbrella of the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and with 37 GCC universities and educational institutes attending.

Speaking ahead of a press conference to announce the tournament, Dr. Maryam Bint Hamad Al-Mannai, Vice President of Student Affairs at HBKU, said: “The Ninth Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes constitutes the second most prominent sporting event for GCC countries. More than 20 universities and educational institutes from various GCC countries are expected to participate. All competitions will be held on the sports grounds and facilities in Education City and those of Aspire Zone Foundation, logistics partner for the tournament. The facilities will be fully devoted to organizing this tournament at the highest level in a manner that befits the distinguished international sporting reputation enjoyed by Qatar. It will be held only a few weeks after Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the first Arab and Muslim country to have this honor, and for the first time in the MENA region.”
The Tournaments Supervisory Committee conducted a preparatory meeting at HBKU on Sep. 28, and discussed HBKUs plans and latest preparations. During the meeting, the official logo of the tournament was launched. Dr. Al-Mannai explained that the logo was chosen following a contest open to students from across Education City, including HBKU. She pointed out that it aligns with the logo of the Secretariat General of the GCC Countries and refers to the strong cooperation ties between the countries. The logo includes the map of the GCC region, the number of the coming edition, and a running track. (QNA)