Friendly fencing match during the launch of the new season of Ladies’ Sport Night at Oxygen Park in Education City.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation (QF) launched a new season of its Ladies’ Sport Night yesterday, reaffirming its commitment to promoting active and healthy lifestyles among women and girls.
One of the Foundation’s most popular community programmes, Ladies’ Sport Night has drawn nearly 13,000 participants in 2025 alone, underscoring the power of sport to inspire, unite, and empower women.
The new season of Ladies’ Sport Night opened with a panel discussion featuring United States Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Qatari triathlete and long-time advocate for women’s participation in sport, Fatma Al-Ghanim at the Oxygen Park in Education City.
“Community events like Ladies Sport Night leave a lasting legacy, one where the next generation of women in this region grows up knowing that they belong in every space, on every field, and in every arena,” said Muhammad, a fencing world champion, best-selling author, and the first American woman to compete in the Olympics wearing the hijab and emphasised on the impact of inclusive sports events.
United States Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad interacting with young fencers during the launch of the new season of Ladies’ Sport Night at Oxygen Park in Education City.
“Faith and resilience have guided my journey as an athlete, but its community that gives it meaning. I’m so happy to be part of Qatar Foundation’s vision in creating spaces like Ladies Sport Night, where women and girls can come together to feel empowered, confident, and connected,” said Al-Ghanim, who is the Assistant Secretary General of the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation, Vice President of the Arab Cycling Association, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Asian Cycling Confederation.
The discussion was moderated by 17 year old Qatari National volleyball team player and QF student Hana Al Khater.
The new season builds on the programme’s success with a broader and more structured lineup designed to engage participants in diverse ways.
It features regular fitness classes, opportunities to try new sports, and sessions that encourage learning, play, and connection.
Participants can also look forward to talks and workshops led by athletes, coaches, and wellness professionals, offering practical insights and inspiration for leading healthier, more active lives.
Activation Specialist at QF Anusheh Zaman, speaking to The Peninsula, said, when participants enter Ladies’ Sport Night, they’ll be able to choose from a variety of different activities to participate in. Classes will now be held more regularly, giving people more opportunities to join on a consistent basis.”
Qatar national volleyball team player Hana Al Khater; Qatari triathlete Fatma Al-Ghanim; and United States Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad took part in a panel discussion during the launch of the new season of Ladies’ Sport Night at Oxygen Park in Education City. Pic by Amr Diab/The Peninsula.
She added, “The impact has been quite significant because Ladies’ Sport Night offers a welcoming, private, and secure environment for women to participate in sports comfortably.” Reflecting the spirit of empowerment behind Ladies’ Sport Night, Hana Al Khater spoke about how the initiative motivates young women to pursue their passions through sport.
“I’m really glad that Qatar Foundation has broadened its sports offerings. You’re not limited to one sport; you can try fencing, paddle, or many others. I personally chose volleyball because it’s what I truly enjoy, but I appreciate the wide range of options available,” she said.
“This expansion has encouraged many of my friends and peers to take up sports, which I think is a wonderful step toward empowering women and giving them a way to express them through physical activity,” she added.
The event also featured several sport activities including friendly fencing matches, which were conducted in collaboration with Qatar Fencing Federation.
“As coaches, we encourage everyone to try fencing. It’s a respectful, disciplined, and rewarding sport, almost like a school of life. It combines both mental and physical strength, and we hope more people will enjoy and take part in this initiative,” said a Fencing Coach at Qatar Fencing Federation, Luisa Montalto, adding that interest in fencing is growing rapidly, especially among girls.
Ladies Sport Night will continue every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 6 to 10pm, and will be open to women and girls aged 12 and above.
The new edition of Ladies Sport Night is sponsored by Oryx GTL, whose support is helping create meaningful spaces for women’s participation and leadership in sports.
