Doha:
The Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) successfully wrapped up its first course of the 2025 calendar year, titled "Skills for Dealing with Sports Media", with extensive participation from 50 trainees representing various professional and academic sectors. Held over five days, from January 19 to 23, the course was officially accredited by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), underscoring its significance as one of the academy's most sought-after programs.

The course was led by Dr. Tareq Al Jalahma, a prominent sports analyst for "beIN Sports" and a former player for Kuwait’s national football team and Qadsia SC. With extensive experience in media, sports, and academia, Dr. Al Jalahma has worked with leading networks like Al Kass, Abu Dhabi Sports, and Kuwait Sports channels. He has also collaborated with institutions such as Qatar University and holds coaching certifications from the Asian Football Confederation.

Key Highlights of the Course

The program covered a wide array of topics, including:

• Media Interaction Protocols: Guidelines on effective and professional communication with media representatives, ensuring credibility and enhancing the public image of organizations.
• Journalistic Writing: An exploration of various journalistic formats, such as news reports, features, investigations, and commentaries, with a focus on their unique structures and purposes.
• Building Media Relations: Training on establishing productive relationships with mass communication channels and mastering the art of effective public relations.

The course aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of media engagements, including crafting impactful messages, responding to inquiries effectively, and avoiding potential missteps during public appearances.

Executive Remarks

Mr. Khalil Al Jaber, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, emphasized the importance of the course:
"This annual program is a cornerstone of our agenda, designed to address the critical need for sports professionals to communicate effectively with the media. It empowers participants to handle media interactions with confidence, avoiding controversies and ensuring accurate representation of their organizations. The training also encompasses the fundamentals of writing for print, TV, and radio, which are invaluable in the sports industry."

Mr. Al Jaber extended his gratitude to the International Sports Press Association and its President, Mr. Gianni Merlo, for their continued support and belief in the academy’s mission to advance sports communication skills. He also praised Dr. Tareq Al Jalahma for sharing his wealth of experience with the trainees, enabling them to gain practical insights into the fields of sports and media.

The Qatar Olympic Academy reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class training programs that contribute to the professional growth of individuals in sports and media both locally and internationally.