Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
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Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed on Tuesday that his country will welcome the world and open its doors without discrimination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which kicks off on November 20.

Speaking before the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar is on the threshold of hosting the world's teams and their fans.

It is opening doors for all of them “without discrimination to enjoy the football matches and the amazing atmosphere of the tournament, in addition to witnessing the economic and cultural renaissance in my country,” he added.

He pointed out that Qatar took on the challenge of hosting the landmark event 12 years ago, which required absolute resolve, determination, planning, and hard work.

Sheikh Tamim explained that the Qatari people will receive with “open arms football fans from all walks of life,” adding that no matter how diverse the nationalities, religions, and ideas are, “our duty is to overcome obstacles, extend a hand of friendship, build bridges of understanding and celebrate our common humanity.”

He concluded his address to the General Assembly: “On behalf of my people and my behalf, I invite you all to come to Qatar and enjoy this unique tournament. You are all welcome.”



Japanese Amateur Boxer in Intensive Care after Latest Incident

Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) secretary general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on August 12, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)
Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) secretary general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on August 12, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)
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Japanese Amateur Boxer in Intensive Care after Latest Incident

Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) secretary general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on August 12, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)
Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) secretary general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on August 12, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)

A Japanese amateur boxer underwent brain surgery two weeks ago and has not regained consciousness, authorities said on Friday, as the sport in the country reels from the deaths of two professional fighters.

The Japan Boxing Federation (JBF) said the unnamed 39-year-old became unresponsive after sparring for three rounds at three minutes each in Tokyo on August 8, AFP reported.

He was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery, and is still in intensive care.

The JBF, which oversees amateur boxing in Japan, said the man had not fought a match for over 10 years and had been in training to make a comeback.

"We are praying he recovers as quickly as possible," said JBF president Tatsuya Nakama.

Japanese boxing is under the spotlight after super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, died days after injuries sustained in separate bouts in Tokyo on August 2.

Japanese boxing officials have held a series of emergency meetings and vowed to introduce new safety rules.

New measures to be implemented include urine tests for measuring dehydration and stricter rules on boxers' rapid weight loss.

Japanese boxer Yudai Shigeoka announced his retirement this month to support his brother, who has been in a coma since a bout in May.

Former WBC strawweight champion Shigeoka's brother Ginjiro collapsed after a fight in Osaka and underwent emergency brain surgery.

The 25-year-old remains in a coma but is no longer in a life-threatening condition, the Japan Boxing Commission says.