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Sheikh Joaan crowns winners as Qatar claim team showjumping gold
Doha, Qatar: President of the Olympic Council of Asia and Qatar Olympic Committee H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, also the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 4th GCC Games, crowned the podium winners as hosts Qatar dominated the team showjumping competition to clinch gold at Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) Indoor Arena.
The quartet of Faleh Suwaid Al-Ajmi, Salman Mohammed Al-Emadi, Khalid Mohammed Al-Emadi and Bassem Mohammed yesterday excelled in the 145cm event, which featured two rounds and a jump-off, to secure the top podium place.
The United Arab Emirates team took silver, while Kuwait settled for bronze in third place after a competitive contest featuring strong regional line-ups. capturengo.org
QEF President Badr bin Mohammed Al-Darwish hailed the gold medal as a significant milestone for Qatari equestrian sport, crediting the result to sustained preparation, teamwork and strong technical planning.
He added that the achievement reflects the continued support for equestrian development in Qatar and the growing competitiveness of national riders on the regional stage.
VO2 MAX TESTING: WHAT THE LATEST RESEARCH SAYS
VO2 max is the gold standard measure of aerobic fitness, but its value goes far beyond a
single number. Here is what current research tells us about VO2 max testing, how it is used
by elite and recreational endurance athletes, and why getting tested in Dubai could be the
most useful thing you do for your training this year.
WHAT IS VO2 MAX AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
VO2 max is the maximum rate at which your body can consume oxygen during intense exercise. It is expressed in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min) and is widely regarded as the single best objective measure of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity.
The higher your VO2 max, the more oxygen your working muscles can use, and the greater your capacity for sustained high-intensity effort. For endurance athletes, runners, cyclists, triathletes, rowers, swimmers, VO2 max is one of the most reliable predictors of performance. An elite male marathon runner typically has a VO2 max above 70 ml/kg/min. Eliud Kipchoge, the world marathon record holder, has been measured at approximately 85. A healthy but untrained adult male sits around 35–45.
But here is what most people miss: VO2 max is not just a number to compare against others. The real value of a VO2 max test lies in what it reveals about your physiology, and how that information can be used to train more precisely, recover more effectively, and perform at a level that guesswork simply cannot deliver.
THE SCIENCE: WHAT CURRENT RESEARCH TELLS US
VO2 max is trainable — but has a ceiling
Research consistently shows that VO2 max can be improved through training, typically by 10–20 percent in untrained individuals and 5–10 percent in those already moderately fit. Highly trained athletes show smaller gains because they are already operating closer to their genetic ceiling. High intensity interval training (HIIT) and sustained aerobic volume both contribute to VO2 max improvements, but the relative contribution depends on the individual’s current fitness level and training history, which is exactly why baseline testing matters.
VO2 max predicts more than athletic performance
A growing body of research has established VO2 max as one of the strongest independent predictors of all-cause mortality, more predictive than blood pressure, cholesterol, or body weight. A landmark study published in JAMA Network Open found that low cardiorespiratory fitness carried a higher relative risk of death than smoking, diabetes, or hypertension. This has shifted the clinical conversation around VO2 max testing from purely athletic to broadly medical. Knowing your VO2 max is not just useful for race day, it is a meaningful marker of long-term health.
Lactate threshold matters as much as VO2 max
More recent sports science research has highlighted that lactate threshold, the exercise
intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate faster than the body can clear it, may be an even more powerful predictor of endurance performance than VO2 max alone. Two athletes with identical VO2 max values can have very different performance outcomes if their lactate thresholds occur at different percentages of their maximum.
This is why modern VO2 max testing, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) goes beyond measuring peak oxygen consumption. A comprehensive test identifies both the first lactate threshold (the point where breathing first becomes laboured) and the second lactate threshold (the point beyond which effort becomes unsustainable), giving a precise picture of the training zones that will produce the most adaptive response.
Heart rate zones based on feeling are not good enough
Most recreational athletes train using heart rate zones derived from age-based formulae such as 220 minus age. Research shows these formulae carry a standard deviation of approximately 10–12 beats per minute, meaning for a significant proportion of athletes, their calculated zones are meaningfully wrong. Training consistently in the wrong zones is one of the most common reasons athletes plateau, overtrain, or fail to develop the aerobic base they are working towards. A VO2 max test replaces population averages with your actual physiology.
WHAT A VO2 MAX TEST ACTUALLY INVOLVES
A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the clinical gold standard for VO2 max measurement is conducted on a treadmill or cycle ergometer while the patient breathes through a mask connected to a metabolic analyser. The test uses a graded protocol: intensity increases incrementally every one to three minutes while the analyser measures oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide output, ventilation, and heart rate in real time.
The test typically lasts between 8 and 15 minutes. It is uncomfortable at peak intensity, that is by design, as a true VO2 max requires maximal effort, but it is safe when conducted with appropriate medical oversight. At UPANDRUNNING, all CPET testing is supervised by Dr. Zahra Alizadeh, a Sports Medicine Specialist with specific expertise in exercise stress testing and performance optimization.
Following the test, results are interpreted and presented as:
- VO2 max — your absolute aerobic ceiling
- VT1 and VT2 — your first and second ventilatory thresholds,corresponding to your aerobic and anaerobic threshold training zones
- Heart rate at each threshold — your personalised heart rate training zones based on
actual physiology, not formula - Economy data — how efficiently your body uses oxygen at various intensities
- Respiratory exchange ratio — indicating substrate utilisation (fat vs carbohydrate burning) at different intensities
HOW ENDURANCE ATHLETES USE VO2 MAX TESTING IN PRACTICE
Establishing precise training zones
The most immediate application is replacing generic heart rate zones with physiologically accurate ones. Once you know the exact heart rate at which your lactate thresholds occur, every training session can be targeted precisely, whether the goal is building aerobic base, improving threshold capacity, or developing peak speed. This is the foundation of polarised training, the approach now used by most elite endurance coaches, which relies on knowing exactly where Zone 2 ends and Zone 3 begins.
Identifying limiters and tracking adaptation
A VO2 max test reveals not just your ceiling but how you are approaching it. An athlete whose VO2 max is high but whose lactate thresholds are low relative to their maximum has significant room to improve performance without any increase in their aerobic ceiling, the limiter is threshold capacity, not peak oxygen consumption. Retesting every three to six months allows athletes and coaches to track whether training adaptations are occurring as expected and adjust the programme accordingly.
Nutrition and fuelling strategy
The respiratory exchange ratio data from a VO2 max test reveals the intensity at which your
body transitions from primarily burning fat to primarily burning carbohydrate. This is
enormously useful for race nutrition planning — particularly for ultra-endurance events where
fat oxidation capacity is a critical performance determinant. Athletes who know their fat-
burning ceiling can train specifically to extend it, and can plan fuelling strategies around the
actual metabolic demands of their target event.
Medical clearance and cardiac screening
For masters athletes, those over 35, and particularly over 45, a CPET performed with ECG
monitoring provides meaningful cardiac screening alongside performance data. Exercise-
induced arrhythmias, ST segment changes, and abnormal blood pressure responses that
may not be apparent at rest can be identified during a maximal effort test. For competitive
athletes training at high volumes in Dubai’s climate, this is both clinically prudent and
increasingly requested by race organisers for masters competitors.
Returning to training after illness or injury
Athletes returning from significant illness, surgery, or extended training breaks often face the
question of where to start. A VO2 max test provides an objective baseline that removes the
guesswork, and for post-COVID athletes in particular, CPET has emerged as a valuable tool
for identifying exercise intolerance and guiding a safe, evidence-based return to training.
Whether you are managing an existing injury or simply want to protect your game, UPANDRUNNING’s team of physiotherapists, titlist certified chiropractors, and sports medicine doctors in Dubai can help. We offer comprehensive movement screens, hands-on treatment, and personalised rehabilitation programmes designed around your lifestyle and your golf game.
Call 04 518 5400 or WhatsApp 04 343 9391 to book your appointment at one of our 6 locations across Dubai.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book an appointment with our doctors. We will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child see a podiatrist?
A developmental gait assessment between ages 5 and 7 is recommended even without symptoms, as this is the key window for identifying foot and lower limb conditions that are unlikely to self-correct. Children with pain, unusual gait, or flat feet causing symptoms should be assessed at any age.
What is Sever’s disease and how is it treated in Dubai?
Sever’s disease is an overuse injury at the heel’s growth plate, common in active children aged 8–14. It causes heel pain that worsens with sport. Treatment includes heel cushioning, calf stretching, activity modification, and orthotics where needed. Most children managed by
a pediatric podiatrist continue playing sport throughout treatment.
Are flat feet in children normal?
Yes, flat feet are normal and expected in children under 6. The arch develops gradually and most cases self-correct. Flat feet that persist beyond age 6–7 with associated pain, fatigue, or worsening alignment should be assessed by a pediatric podiatrist.
Why is my child walking on their tiptoes?
Toe walking is normal in toddlers up to age 2–3. Persistent toe walking beyond age 3 should be assessed, as it can indicate a shortened Achilles tendon, tight calf muscles, or in some cases an underlying neurological condition. A pediatric podiatrist can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Where can I find a pediatric podiatrist in Dubai?
UPANDRUNNING offers pediatric podiatry at clinics across Dubai. Appointments include gait analysis, developmental assessment, force plate testing, and orthotics where needed.
Call 04 518 5400 or WhatsApp 04 343 9391 to book.
Do Dubai children have more foot problems than children elsewhere?
Dubai’s environment creates specific challenges for children’s foot health — including long hours on hard marble floors, year-round flat sandals with no arch support, and intensive sports academy training from a young age. These factors make proactive podiatric assessment particularly valuable for children growing up in Dubai.
Kohli senses end after roaring back to form with IPL century
New Delhi: Virat Kohli said his love of cricket keeps him going but admitted his career "is going to finish one day" after ending a mini slump in form with a match-winning IPL century.
Regarded as one of the most accomplished batsmen of his generation, the 37-year-old Kohli is a hero to hundreds of millions of Indian fans.
"Cricket is absolutely something that I truly love," he said. "I just give my heart and soul out there on the field, whether I'm fielding or batting, because it's going to finish one day."
Kohli bounced back from two consecutive ducks to hit an unbeaten 105 and lead defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a crucial win on Wednesday.
He scored his ninth hundred in the Indian Premier League -- but first this season -- as Bengaluru chased down 193 with five balls to spare against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kohli also became the fastest player to 14,000 runs in T20 cricket.
He achieved the feat in 409 innings, bettering Chris Gayle's 423.
Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 internationals, guided Bengaluru to their maiden title on the 18th attempt last year.
"I just love batting, even after all this. That is my core feeling," Kohli said on Wednesday after being named player of the match.
"What an honour to be playing at this level, what an honour to be competing with the very best in the world still," he added.
"This is all I've done, all my life."
Kohli is third on the batting charts in this IPL season with 484 runs including three fifties and one ton, at an average of 53.77 in 12 matches.
'Joy still there'
Kohli's 60-ball knock was laced with 11 fours and three sixes, as he equalled Jos Buttler's record of three IPL centuries in successful chases.
Called "King Kohli" for his prolific run-scoring, the opener got off the mark with a single in the first over of the chase, punching the air in mock celebration after his successive ducks.
He raised his fifty in 32 balls, and then his first hundred of the season.
"I want to make the most of every day that I'm on the field, and just enjoy myself, and have a lot of fun," he said.
Kohli said he enjoys being tested.
"I look forward to a pressure situation, look forward to scenarios where I'm feeling a bit of heat," he said.
"Then I challenge myself to say, 'you know what, just go for it'", he added.
"And, when you cross the line, it makes you a better player. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. And that joy is still there."
The number India 18 jersey worn by Kohli is by far the most popular piece of merchandise worn around grounds across the country.
He ended his T20 career with a match-winning innings in the 2024 World Cup final victory in Barbados.
حقق 5 ذهبيات وفضية وبرونزية.. أدعم السباحة يواصل التألق
واصل أدعم السباحة تألقه في منافسات دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة «الدوحة 2026»، بعدما عزز رصيده بالحصول على 7 ميداليات، بواقع بخمس ميداليات ذهبية بجانب ميدالية فضية والاخرى برونزية.وحقق «الأدعم» ذهبية سباق 400 متر حرة تتابع، مسجلا رقما قياسيا خليجيا جديدا بزمن بلغ 3 دقائق و23 ثانية وجزءا واحدا من الثانية.
كما واصل السباح سعد الدين سامي سعد الدين عروضه المميزة في البطولة، بعدما أحرز ذهبيته الثانية عقب تتويجه أمس بسباق 800 متر سباحة حرة، ليضيف امس ذهبية سباق 400 متر سباحة حرة، محققا رقما قياسيا خليجياً جديدا بزمن بلغ 3 دقائق و50 ثانية و80 جزءا من الثانية، وحل السباح إيميل فوزي في المركز الثاني بزمن 3 دقائق و56 ثانية و5 أجزاء من الثانية،
وأضاف السباح عبدالله الغمري ذهبية جديدة لقطر بفوزه بسباق 200 متر ظهر، بعدما سجل زمنا بلغ دقيقتين و5 ثوان و91 جزءا من الثانية،
وفي سباق 100 متر سباحة حرة، أحرز السباح علي تامر حسن الميدالية الذهبية بعدما سجل زمنا بلغ 49 ثانية و78 جزءا من الثانية،
واختتم السباح محمد محمود سلسلة الذهبيات القطرية بإحرازه ذهبية سباق 50 متر سباحة صدر، بعدما سجل زمنا بلغ 28 ثانية و38 جزءا من الثانية فيما جاء حمزة شعلان ثالثا بزمن 29 ثانية و53 جزءا من الثانية.
الشيخ عبدالله بن سعود:قطر تبرهن مجدداً على ريادتها العالمية
أكد سعادة الشيخ عبدالله بن سعود آل ثاني، رئيس لجنة التسويق والاتصال لبطولة دورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة -الدوحة 2026، أن دولة قطر تبرهن مجددا على ريادتها العالمية في تنظيم الأحداث الرياضية الكبرى بفضل الرؤية السديدة للقيادة الرشيدة، معربا عن بالغ اعتزازه وفخره بالإشادات الإقليمية الواسعة والردود الإيجابية التي تتلقاها اللجنة المنظمة من الوفود الأشقاء بمجلس التعاون الخليجي، والذين أثنوا على دقة التخطيط وحفاوة الاستقبال ومنظومة العمل المتكاملة.
وقال في تصريحات صحفية» هذا النجاح التنظيمي المشهود والزخم الإيجابي الذي يرافق منافسات الدورة منذ يومها الأول لم يكن ليتجسد على أرض الواقع لولا التناغم والتعاون الوثيق بين مختلف اللجان العاملة والكوادر الميدانية؛ حيث تبذل هذه الطاقات جهودا استثنائية ومستمرة على مدار الساعة في كافة المنشآت والمرافق الرياضية العشرة المخصصة للبطولة، لضمان توفير بيئة تنافسية مثالية وفق أرقى المعايير والمواصفات الرياضية الدولية»
واختتم رئيس لجنة التسويق والاتصال حديثه بالإشادة بالدور المحوري لوسائل الإعلام المحلية والخليجية، في نقل الصورة النابضة والمشرفة للبطولة إلى العالم.
الشيخ فهد بن خالد:قطر تفتح ذراعيها دائما للأشقاء
أعرب سعادة الشيخ فهد بن خالد آل ثاني، رئيس الاتحاد القطري للملاكمة والمصارعة، عن اعتزازه البالغ باستضافة الدوحة لدورة الألعاب الخليجية الرابعة الدوحة 2026، مؤكدا أنها تجسد روح الإخاء والترابط المتجذر بين أبناء الخليج مشيدا في الوقت ذاته بالمستوى التنظيمي الرفيع الذي ظهرت به البطولة منذ لحظاتها الأولى وقال سعادته في تصريحات صحفية «قطر تفتح ذراعيها دائما للأشقاء في عرس رياضي يجمع ولا يفرق. هذه البطولة تمثل محطة استراتيجية بالغة الأهمية فهي ليست مجرد ميدان للتنافس على الميداليات، بل هي فرصة مثالية للاحتكاك المباشر وتطوير المستوى الفني للاعبينا».
وشدد الشيخ فهد على فلسفة الدورة بقوله: «إن التعاون والتلاقي بين الأشقاء أهم بكثير من المنافسة في حد ذاتها»، وأوضح سعادته رؤيته لحفل الافتتاح والمستقبل الرياضي بقوله: «لقد كان حفل الافتتاح من أروع ما شهدته البطولات الرياضية، وكان الإبهار هو العنوان الأبرز الذي يليق بسمعة قطر التنظيمية».
مبارك الخيارين:عاصمة الرياضة العالمية تواصل تميزها
أكد مبارك حمد الخيارين المدير التنفيذي للاتحاد القطري للبليارد والسنوكر ورئيس الاتحاد الدولي، أن قطر تواصل تأكيد مكانتها كعاصمة للرياضة العالمية بفضل نجاحها الكبير في تنظيم مختلف البطولات الرياضية.
وقال الخيارين إن الجميع يعجز عن وصف مستوى التنظيم الرائع الذي تقدمه قطر، مشيراً إلى أن الاتحاد القطري للبليارد والسنوكر يلمس ذلك بوضوح عند استضافة البطولات، حيث تحظى الوفود واللاعبون بأجواء مريحة وتنظيم مميز على المستويات الفنية والإدارية واللوجستية، إلى جانب النجاح المعنوي والمادي الذي يرافق هذه الفعاليات. وأشاد الخيارين بالمنافسة القوية التي تشهدها دورة الألعاب الخليجية الدوحة 2026 في نسختها الرابعة، مؤكداً أن تحقيق أي إنجاز في هذه الدورة يُعد إنجازاً كبيراً ومميزاً للرياضي الخليجي، نظراً للمستويات العالية التي يقدمها الرياضيون المشاركون.
برونزية للطاولة بمسابقة الفرق
حقق عنابي كرة الطاولة الميدالية البرونزية لمنافسات الفرق في ثاني أيام دورة الألعاب الخليجية وتمكن الأدعم من حصد البرونزية بعد ان حل بالمركز الثالث للترتيب برصيد 4 نقاط جمعها من فوز على المنتخب العماني بنتيجة (3 -صفر)، وخسر بنتيجة (3 -1) أمام منتخبي السعودية والبحرين، فيما حل المنتخب السعودي بالمركز الأول برصيد 6 نقاط وحصد الميدالية الذهبية، وجاء المنتخب البحريني ثانيا برصيد 5 نقاط وفاز بالفضية، وحل المنتخب العماني رابعا برصيد 3 نقاط، وبختام المنافسات، توج الفائزين بالمركز الثاني الدكتور ثاني الكواري النائب الثاني لرئيس اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية، فيما توج الأمير فهد بن جلوي آل سعود نائب رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية والبارالمبية السعودية الفائزين بالمركز الأول، وتوج المهندس داوود الهاجري رئيس الاتحاد الاماراتي الفائزين بالمركز الثالث.. بحضور الأمير محمد بن عبد الرحمن آل سعود رئيس الاتحاد السعودي لكرة الطاولة، وحمد احمد الحمادي رئيس الاتحاد القطري للعبة وأعضاء مجلس إدارة الاتحاد القطري.
أحمد الطيب:تمثل محطة إعداد قوية
أكد أحمد الطيب مدير إدارة الشؤون الفنية والرياضية باللجنة الأولمبية الإماراتية ومدير الوفد الإماراتي المشارك في دورة الألعاب الخليجية، على عمق الروابط الأخوية التي تجمع أبناء الخليج، معربا عن خالص شكره وتقديره لدولة قطر ولسعادة الشيخ جوعان بن حمد آل ثاني رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية، على حفاوة الاستقبال البالغة والتنظيم الاستثنائي؛ مشيرا إلى أن حفل الافتتاح جاء مبهرا ومجسدا للوحدة الخليجية والإرث التاريخي المشترك.
وقال «هذه الدورة تمثل محطة إعداد قوية وبروفة حقيقية قبل خوض منافسات دورة الألعاب الآسيوية «ناغويا 2026» في اليابان سبتمبر المقبل، كما أنها تمنح فرصة ذهبية للاعبين واللاعبات البعيدين عن منصات التتويج للاحتكاك مع أقرانهم بدول مجلس التعاون واكتساب المزيد من الخبرات الفنية، مما يساهم بشكل مباشر في رسم خريطة طريق متطورة للرياضة الخليجية مستقبلا».
PSG clinch fifth straight Ligue 1 title
Lens, France: Paris Saint-Germain secured their fifth straight French Ligue 1 title on Wednesday as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's strike set up a decisive 2-0 win away to nearest rivals Lens.
The Georgian netted his 19th goal of the season just before the half-hour mark and substitute Ibrahim Mbaye added a late second as PSG took an unassailable nine-point lead at the top with one match of the season remaining.
Luis Enrique's team had all but clinched another league triumph last weekend when they beat Brest 1-0 to go six points clear of Lens with two games left while also boasting a far superior goal difference.
That meant even a Lens victory here could not realistically have prevented the Parisians from extending their domestic dominance.
PSG have now won a record 14 French titles overall with 12 of them coming in the last 14 years, a period in which they have been transformed under Qatari ownership.
Five in a row is the longest streak of successive Ligue 1 titles since Lyon claimed seven on the bounce between 2002 and 2008.
This latest league title adds to their trophy haul for the season, in which they had already won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup and French Champions Trophy.
There might yet be more to come, as the defending European champions face Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30 -- they will become just the second team in the modern era to win back-to-back European Cups if they defeat the Gunners.
'Prepare Champions League final'
"We wanted to come here and win, but we especially want to prepare for the final on May 30," last year's Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele told broadcaster beIN Sports.
"We have one more game to come on Sunday (against Paris FC). We will celebrate this because it's official now, we are champions."
Lens, meanwhile, are now guaranteed to finish second, securing a spot in the league phase of next season's Champions League as they prepare to return to that competition for the first time since 2023/24.
The northern side will also face Nice in the French Cup final on Friday, May 22.
This game could have taken on far greater significance had it been played on its scheduled date in April. But it was postponed to allow PSG to rest in between the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
That ultimately took the sting out of the occasion, and the visitors came into the contest without key players including Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, captain Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Warren Zaire-Emery in their starting line-up.
Despite the changes, PSG went ahead at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis when Dembele intercepted a Malang Sarr clearance and this week's winner of the Ligue 1 player of the year prize released Kvaratskhelia to control and score.
Abdallah Sima hit the post for Lens on 74 minutes and Florian Thauvin had a goal disallowed for offside late on, before Senegal international Mbaye made it 2-0 in stoppage time after being set up by Desire Doue.
Wednesday's other game saw Strasbourg win 2-1 at Brest with goals from Valentin Barco and Sebastian Nanasi.
However they cannot finish higher than eighth and will not therefore qualify for Europe next season.