Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s sports fraternity mourned the passing of the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, paying tribute to a visionary leader whose legacy transformed the country into a global sporting hub.
From successfully staging the Asian Games Doha 2006, the first major multi-sport event of its kind in the Middle East, to securing the hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the first edition of football’s biggest tournament to be held in the Arab world, H H the Father Amir’s vision laid the foundation for Qatar’s emergence as a global sporting hub.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth paid tribute to the late Father Amir, saying he dedicated his life to serving the nation and left “a lasting imprint on its path of development and a national legacy that will remain a source of pride for generations to come.”
The Qatar Olympic Committee echoed the same sentiment, remembering a leader whose vision helped shape Qatar’s sporting identity. The Qatar Football Association mourned the passing of H H the Father Amir, describing it as a great loss to the nation.
The Qatar Basketball Federation expressed its sorrow, saying the late H H the Father Amir was a great national figure whose contributions to Qatar, the Arab world and the Islamic world would remain lasting.
Lusail International Circuit also condoled the passing of H H the Father Amir, while the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation and Shooting Sports Club paid tribute to the beloved leader and his service to the nation.
The Qatar Athletics Federation and Qatar Athletics Association were among the other national sports bodies expressing their condolences.
Among the sports clubs, Al Gharafa Sports Club extended its deepest condolences, while Al Rayyan Sports Club described the passing as a great loss to the homeland.
Al Wakrah Club, Al Sailiya Sports Club and Al Shaqab also mourned the sad demise of H H the Father Amir, highlighting his enduring impact and legacy.
Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain offered condolences, praying for mercy and forgiveness for H H the Father.
Executive Director of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Amro Al Hamad said the late Father Amir “shaped the state of Qatar as we see it today”, transforming the nation into a major global hub for energy, diplomacy and sports.
Qatar’s leading athletes also joined the tributes.
Rally legend Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah offered condolences to Qatar and the Arab and Islamic nations, describing the late Father Amir as a leader who carried the concerns of his nation and contributed to making Qatar “an oasis of enlightenment, and a home of security, stability and dignity.”
Qatar’s high jump superstar Mutaz Barshim prayed for mercy for H H the Father, saying his legacy and the love he earned among people would remain remembered.
Qatar’s top squash player Abdulla Al Tamimi expressed his grief, saying: “We are truly saddened by the passing of our Amir, our father, and the beloved of our hearts, H H the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.”
