Qatar has a prominent status in Asia and around the globe in the world of sport. Eight years ago, the wise leadership of Qatar decreed the second Tuesday of February as an annual celebration of sports and active lifestyle, with the hope of instilling sport and exercise as a part of residents’ daily routine. Since then, the month of February itself has become a month of sports victory.
Qatar’s thrilling win at Asian Cup has added extra zeal to this years’ National Sport Day. The team’s emphatic victory in the final match, after defeating the UAE’s team in the previous match, has further rekindled the sporting spirit of citizens and residents alike.
Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali said the National Sport Day reinforces the moral foundation on which sport is based as a message that disseminates love, brotherhood, sportsmanship and mutual respect among all members of society. The day reflects, from year to year, the commitment of the Qatari people to the gains that have been achieved in the State and gave it a privileged position on the map of sports in the world.
A beehive of spectacular activities and diverse programmes have been planned by government and non-governmental entities. Qatar’s Football Family — the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Qatar Stars League (QSL) — will celebrate the country’s vibrant sports culture in Aspire. Qatar Foundation will be bustling with activities at Education City. Aspire Zone Foundation has lined up more than 27 sporting activities. Katara too will be hosting a lot of activities.
Promoting sports as an important part of daily life is also part of the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 as it helps in the sustainable development of human capital. One of the objectives of the initiative is to build an active, healthy society that enhances the individual’s capabilities and promotes social interaction.
With a well-established world-class sports infrastructure, Qatar has a long history of successfully hosting international sporting tournaments such as the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, 2015 World Men’s Handball Championship, 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships, as well as the 2006 Asian Games, and many others. And this year, Qatar will be hosting 58 sporting events in all. The 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championship to be held in September will be one of the top international events to be staged in Doha this year, the Qatar Olympic Committee announced recently. MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar at the Losail International Circuit, the Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club and the CHI Al Shaqab will be some of the other key international events dotting the sports calendar this year.
Thousands of Qatar’s residents are set to participate in the several sports activities planned in various parts of the country. By organising such events, Qatar has set example which other societies should follow as this paves way for a strong and vibrant society.
