The Qatar men’s basketball team has begun its overseas training camp in Seoul, South Korea, as part of their preparations for the 31st FIBA Asia Cup. Scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17, 2025, the tournament will feature Asia’s top 16 national teams.

During this training camp, Qatar will engage in two friendly matches against the host nation, South Korea. The first match is set for July 18, 2025, at 13:00 Doha time, followed by a second game on July 20, 2025, at 09:00.

Strategic Preparation and Team Composition

Under the guidance of Turkish coach Hakan Demir, the Qatar squad comprises 16 players, including notable athletes such as Omar Mohammed Saad, Abdulrahman Saad, and Ahmed Saeed Mohammed. The training camp marks the third phase of a comprehensive preparation program aimed at enhancing both technical skills and team cohesion.

President of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), Mohammed bin Saad Al-Mughaiseeb, highlighted the camp’s importance, stating, “This training camp is a critical step in our preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup. We are focusing on every detail to ensure the team is ready both technically and organizationally.” He also expressed confidence in the team’s potential to meet the expectations of Qatari fans.

Al-Mughaiseeb noted that the camp also allows for collaboration with the Korean Basketball Association, fostering growth and expertise through joint training activities and friendly matches.

Upcoming Matches and Tournament Structure

Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Director of National Teams and QBF Secretary-General, emphasized the significance of competing against a team of South Korea’s caliber. “Facing a team of South Korea’s caliber provides our players with high-level exposure that will directly enhance our collective performance,” he stated. “We are committed to preparing the team to its fullest potential for the continental championship.”

After the South Korea camp, the team will return to Doha for the fourth phase of their preparation. This includes participating in an international friendly tournament at Lusail Multipurpose Hall from July 28 to August 1, 2025, featuring teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Japan.

Qatar’s preparations began in June with a training camp in Turkey from June 19 to July 3, 2025, which involved intensive drills and scrimmages. Following this, the team held a domestic camp and played two friendly matches against India on July 11 and 13.

In the draw for the FIBA Asia Cup, Qatar finds itself in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. The team will kick off its campaign with a much-anticipated match against Lebanon on August 6, 2025.

The tournament will follow a group-stage format, where the top team from each group will advance directly to the quarterfinals. The second- and third-placed teams will compete in crossover playoffs to determine the remaining quarterfinalists.

Stacey Heale’s journey took a profound turn after the death of her husband, Greg Heale, when she received a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This diagnosis came five years after Greg, who was just 39 years old, lost his battle with incurable bowel cancer. For Stacey, understanding her ADHD felt like finally discovering a key to a door she had not known existed, illuminating her past experiences and struggles.

The couple had been together for a decade before Greg’s diagnosis. Their relationship was punctuated by familiar disagreements, particularly over Stacey’s organizational habits. She often found herself overwhelmed by clutter, distracted by multiple sounds at once, and lost in conversations that spilled over into movie time. These traits, which Greg found perplexing, were part of a larger pattern that became clearer after her diagnosis.

Following Greg’s passing, Stacey found herself engulfed in grief, which intensified her ADHD symptoms. For her daughters, aged five and seven at the time of their father’s death, Stacey aimed to maintain a sense of normalcy. Yet internally, she struggled with overwhelming emotions and a chaotic lifestyle.

After Greg died, managing daily tasks became increasingly challenging for Stacey. The initial support from friends began to wane, and she faced difficulties with even basic responsibilities. It took her two years to address essential matters, such as closing Greg’s bank accounts, which led to ongoing financial drain from unknown expenses.

Stacey’s coping mechanisms shifted dramatically. She turned to comfort eating and drinking, resulting in a weight gain of two stone within a few months. The emotional toll affected her ability to care for her daughters, as she often grappled with forgetfulness and disorganization. There were days when simple tasks, like doing laundry, felt insurmountable.

“I would be scrubbing the washing basket at 6 a.m., drying clothes with a hairdryer,” Stacey recalled. The constant battle to keep her household running smoothly led to embarrassment, particularly when it came to losing car keys and needing to call the school for assistance in picking up her daughters.

As other parents in the community began to notice her struggles, subtle reminders for school events started appearing in the class WhatsApp group. Stacey often found herself pulling up to the school gates, only to realize she had forgotten essential items for her children.

Stacey’s story illustrates how an ADHD diagnosis can provide clarity for individuals who have long battled with their identity and day-to-day functioning. The combination of her grief and ADHD created a unique set of challenges, reflecting the complexities of navigating life after the loss of a loved one.

Through her experience, she highlights the importance of understanding mental health, particularly in the context of grief. Stacey’s journey reveals not only the profound impact of losing a partner but also the significance of recognizing and addressing one’s mental health needs. As she continues to navigate her new reality, she hopes to share her story to encourage others facing similar struggles to seek help and find understanding.

The Qatar Chess Association (QCA) has launched the 3rd edition of the Qatar Rail Open Chess Championship in collaboration with Qatar Rail. This year, the tournament coincides with World Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20.

Exciting Tournament Format and Participation

The preliminary rounds commenced today at the Qatar Chess Training Center, featuring the participation of 100 players. This competition will unfold over nine rounds in a blitz format, determining which players will advance to the final stages.

The final rounds are scheduled for Sunday at the Al Bidda Station of the Doha Metro, where twenty players will compete in a nine-round Swiss system. The QCA has assured that all arrangements are in place for a smooth commencement of the competition, including the selection of qualified arbiters to oversee the matches.

Fostering Chess Culture and Talent Development

Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the QCA, expressed pride in continuing the tournament for a third consecutive year. He highlighted the ongoing partnership between QCA and Qatar Rail, which aims to promote chess culture within society. Al Mudahka hopes for further collaboration that will strengthen QCA’s mission to develop the game and build a robust player base.

He noted that many national team players are participating, with the tournament designed to identify and nurture new talent for future national team representation. Al Mudahka emphasized that this event plays a critical role in the QCA’s strategy to enhance the quality of chess and attract emerging players.

Abdullah Ali Al Mawlawi, Head of Communications and Public Relations at Qatar Rail, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the QCA in organizing the championship, especially following the success of the previous editions. He remarked, “Our sponsorship of the championship aligns with our commitment to promoting community and sporting activities, spreading the culture of chess, and encouraging local talent.”

Al Mawlawi also highlighted the significance of hosting the finals at the Al Bidda Station, which supports Qatar Rail’s strategy to position the Doha Metro and the Lusail Tram as preferred venues for various community events throughout the year.

The Qatar Rail Open Chess Championship is set to be an event that not only showcases competitive chess but also fosters a community spirit around the game, contributing to the development of chess in Qatar.

The practice of “reparenting” oneself is gaining attention as a means of achieving emotional well-being. This concept, which involves healing the “inner child,” aims to address emotional needs that may have been overlooked during childhood. Individuals like Laura Wells, a 54-year-old fitness coach from Fort Worth, Texas, are exploring this approach to enhance their happiness and emotional health.

Wells initially felt awkward when she first attempted to give herself a hug, a technique she uses as part of her reparenting journey. However, she soon discovered its benefits, stating, “it really helps.” This practice of self-hugging represents just one of many methods individuals use to nurture their emotional needs, reflecting a broader trend in psychological well-being.

Understanding Reparenting

Reparenting is not a new concept; it has been discussed in psychological circles for decades. Yet, its popularity has surged in recent years, coinciding with an increased focus on trauma-informed therapy. This approach seeks to empower individuals by acknowledging past traumas and fostering self-compassion.

The rise of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has also contributed to the visibility of reparenting. Countless users share personal stories and practical advice, creating a community that encourages exploration of this emotional healing technique. Hashtags related to reparenting have gained millions of views, indicating a growing interest in the subject.

Psychologists emphasize that reparenting involves recognizing and validating emotions that may have been dismissed in childhood. This process can include various activities, such as journaling, self-reflection, and engaging in creative pursuits. Experts suggest that by nurturing the inner child, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and foster resilience in adulthood.

Expert Insights and Benefits

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Williams, the benefits of reparenting can be profound. “It allows individuals to reconnect with their emotional selves,” she explains. “By acknowledging past experiences and providing the love and support they needed, people can cultivate a deeper sense of self-worth.”

Research indicates that individuals who actively engage in reparenting often report improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety levels. The practice encourages self-compassion, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life. For many, it serves as a valuable tool for personal development and emotional healing.

While reparenting can be beneficial, experts caution that it may not replace professional therapy for those with significant trauma. Instead, it can complement therapeutic interventions and enhance the healing process. Individuals are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals when delving into their emotional histories.

As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, reparenting emerges as a promising avenue for many seeking greater happiness and emotional fulfillment. Whether through self-care practices or community support, the journey towards nurturing one’s inner child is becoming a focal point for those striving for emotional well-being.