The 5th edition of the War of Words Debating Championship (WWDC) 2026 took place from October 8 to 10 at DPS–Modern Indian School in Qatar, drawing 60 teams and 180 debaters from schools across the country. The event, conducted in the QatarDebate format, featured three days of rigorous discussions and competitive exchanges aimed at enhancing participants' critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills.

The championship opened with remarks from Muhammad Abdur Rehman, a debate instructor at QatarDebate, who offered encouragement and insights to the young participants. Principal Soma Bhattacharjee underscored the importance of debating in developing articulate and responsible global citizens, while Asna Nafees, group academic adviser at DPS Group of Schools, also contributed to the event’s significance.

Throughout the competition, students engaged with challenging motions and diverse perspectives, fostering a dynamic intellectual environment. The closing ceremony was attended by M I Farid, former president of the Executive Committee of DPS–Modern Indian School, who highlighted the role of debating and public speaking in building confidence and helping students unlock their potential.

Team Rocket from Philippine International School, consisting of Sophia Rae D Jamatoc, Kate Chelsie M Calibo, and Caitlin Hope G Carmelo, won the All-Round Champion title. The Runner-up position was awarded to Team DPS Lalita of DPS–Modern Indian School, made up of Saara Bharadwaj, Shikha Rajesh, and Sampriya Sanjay. Caitlin Hope G Carmelo was also honoured as the Best Speaker in the Final Round, with the top 10 speakers receiving recognition for their performance.

Organised by the school’s Debate Club students and faculty coordinators, WWDC 2026 reaffirmed its status as a key platform for nurturing young minds, enhancing communication skills, and promoting thoughtful dialogue among students.