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DOHA: Doha is bidding to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, authorities said on Tuesday, as the wealthy Gulf state sets its sights on yet another major sport event to diversify its energy-reliant economy.

One of the smallest and wealthiest states in the Gulf, Qatar had already hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Should it be chosen, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympic Games, said Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

“The official bid submitted by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games represents a new milestone in Qatar’s journey,” he said in a statement shared on the official Qatar News Agency.

“The bid builds on Qatar’s proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

Amnesty International and other rights groups claimed thousands of migrant workers died in the lead-up to the 2022 tournament, though Doha has said only 37 workers on World Cup projects perished – and only three in work-related accidents.

President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani said Doha had “made sport a central pillar of our national strategy.”

“We currently have 95 percent of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games, and we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100 percent readiness of all facilities,” he said.

Countries are no longer required to make their Olympic bids public.

The Games are meant to rotate continents every season. With the 2024, 2028, and 2032 editions set for Europe, North America, and Oceania, there are high chances the 2036 Olympic Games will be held in Asia – or in Africa, which would be a first.

Choosing the next host of the games will be the first major project for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) new president Kirsty Coventry, who last month became the first woman to lead the body.

RIYADH: Week two of the 2025 Esports World Cup wrapped up here with four new champions, as thousands of the world’s top players continue to battle for a share of the record $70 million prize pool and Club Championship crown.

The Club Championship leaderboard had several teams secure points across multiple games.

Gen.G make League of Legends history

South Korea’s Gen.G Esports captured their second international title in just over a week, defeating AG.AL 3-2 in a thrilling League of Legends grand final.

Their undefeated run through the Esports World Cup, combined with their MSI 2025 title, has extended their winning streak to 26 matches, marking one of the most dominant eras in history.

With this win, Gen.G becomes the fastest team to secure back-to-back international League of Legends titles.

Team Spirit dominate in Dota 2

Team Spirit emerged as the champions of the Dota 2 tournament, dropping just one game across the entire event, and dismantling Team Falcons 3-0 in the final.

“There is not really much emotion as the grand final was not that hard,” said captain Iaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov.

Team Vitality perfect in MLBB Women’s Invitational

Team Vitality stormed to a flawless 4-0 victory over Gaimin Gladiators in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational, reclaiming their crown after falling short last year.

They also broke the MWI fastest match record twice, reclaiming it with a 9 minute, 36 second victory in the grand final.

Sisters Cindy “Cinnyyy” Siswanto and Michelle “Chelll” Siswanto secured their first EWC title, following a heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2024.

EVOS Esports triumph in Free Fire

Indonesia’s EVOS Esports dominated the Free Fire tournament with consistent performances and clutch plays.

They reached match point by Game 6 of the finals and secured the championship after a dramatic final battle against Team Vitality.

The spotlight also shined on 15-year-old phenom Rasyah “Rasyah” Rasyid, who became the youngest MVP in EWC history, earning the SONY MVP Award and $10,000 in prize money.

Other key results had Honor of Kings finalize its top eight playoff teams, with Paws Gaming, Nova Esports, and AG.AL leading the charge.

Meanwhile ��������’s Team Falcons claimed the Overwatch Champions Series Midseason Last Chance Qualifier, defeating ZETA DIVISION to secure their place in the OWCS Midseason Championship beginning July 31.

Club Championship standings 

At the close of week two on July 20, Team Vitality lead the Club Championship standings, with Gen.G Esports in hot pursuit. Team Falcons and AG.AL are close behind.

With eight clubs now holding titles across different games, teams earning points in multiple disciplines are beginning to separate from the rest of the pack.