10 sports activities to keep your teens busy

With cooler weather approaching fast, this is a good time to take a look at different indoor and outdoor sports activities that would appeal to teenagers and older children.

If one looks around carefully, Qatar offers a wide variety of sports activities — both traditional and modern — that will appeal to people of all skill levels and interests.

From high-speed motorsports to traditional falconry, here is a look at some sports activities for teens and young adults that would improve their physical state, mental focus, and discipline.

Horse Riding

Horses have a deep-rooted history with Qatar’s past. Though a very traditional sport, lessons for horse riding have become advanced and more scientific. The Al Shaqab Riding Academy, inside Education City, offers the best option for youngsters who wish to start their equestrian learning journey. Expert coaches will guide you in show jumping, dressage, and endurance riding. For equestrian enthusiasts, Al Shaqab hosts many local and international competitions regularly.

Go-Karting

Every Formula One racer worth his salt started out in Go-Karting. While not every Go-Karter will become an F1 racer, it offers people a huge adrenaline rush each time. Children aged 5 to 17 can head over to the world-class Qatar Motorsport Academy at the Losail International Circuit for their first taste of go-karting, all in a safe and controlled environment. Who knows, the next Michael Schumacher could be around the corner.

Motorbike Riding

Qatar’s hosting of MotoGP races every year has helped motorsports earn a big fan following in the country. Teenagers who want to experience the adrenaline rush can head over to the Qatar Motorsports Academy, housed within the Losail International Circuit. Numerous instructors, under the watchful eyes of former 125, Moto 3, and Moto 2 rider Alberto Moncayo, will teach students.

Scuba Diving

Qatar, being a peninsula, provides enthusiasts with super easy access to the sea. Scuba diving, which lets people explore the nation’s rich underwater world, is a sport that is fast catching on. Dive centres like Doha Divers, Poseidon Dive Center, and Alghais Diving offer certification courses for all levels of divers. One can explore Qatar’s coral reefs and rich marine life in calm waters as one progresses.

Shooting

Shooting is a good choice for teens interested in highly-precision sports. The Lusail Shooting Club, at the state-of-the-art Lusail Shooting Complex, provides enthusiasts with exceptional outdoor competition facilities. If indoor shooting is your thing, head over to the Al Hadaf Shooting Range at Aspire Zone. At these ranges, teens can practice various shooting disciplines like pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Shooting improves focus, hand-eye coordination, and mental discipline.

Lusail Shooting Club contact: +974 44953114 or +974 44953103

Boxing

Boxing, though a high-contact sport, is fast gaining popularity. Several gyms and fitness centers offer boxing classes as part of their package. Boxing builds physical strength and endurance and enhances mental toughness and self-discipline. For those interested, facilities like Oryx Boxing Club and exclusive women-only training clubs like Knockout Boxing Studio are available.

Falconry

Falconry is one of Qatar’s most traditional sports and is deeply tied to its Bedouin heritage. Teens and young adults interested in learning the ropes of tending to falcons and flying them have a few options in the country. The Al Gannas Association at Katara Cultural Village and Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif are two good starting points for your learning journey about falconry.

Kendo

Kendo, the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship, may not be very well known in the country, but one will be surprised to know there is a small yet highly dedicated community that comes together to train in it, wearing traditional armor and wielding bamboo swords. The Doha Kendo Club offers training in the ancient discipline, which focuses on both physical and mental sharpness.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is a recent phenomenon that has taken the country by storm, thanks to the opening of facilities like the Fuwairit Kite Beach. The facility, which recently hosted the sport’s world championship, is an ideal location for both beginners and the more experienced. Wind and weather conditions are optimal throughout the year. Once you master the art of controlling the kite and riding the waves, there is no going back.

Parkour

Parkour, a sport that uses a person’s physical agility to run, jump, and climb over obstacles, was first made popular by the computer game Assassin’s Creed. Over time, more people began training in it, and enthusiasm for it has spread in Qatar too.

Teens and young adults wishing to master Parkour can do so in different urban spaces around Qatar. Training centres like Freestylers Tribe help teach the sport, which promotes strength, agility, and creativity.

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. 

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial