In 2011 The Emiri Decree No. 80 selected the second Tuesday of February of each year as the Sports Day for the State of Qatar.
First held in 2012, Qatar National Sports Day aimed to educate and encourage the public on ways to embrace a healthier more active way of life to avoid health risks elated with an inactive lifestyle. The national holiday endeavours to highlight Qatari culture and merriment spirit with friendly games, exhibitions and competitions
This year Qatar celebrated its 11th National Sport Day, with ‘Sports is Life’ as this year’s mantra.
In a continuing effort to raise awareness of the importance of sports, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated on Tuesday 8 February in the activities of the National Sports Day by walking in Al Bayt Stadium Park’s walkway with primary school students. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, H.H. took Al Bayt Stadium, which will host the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, encouraging the younger generation to adopt a healthier standard of living.
His Highness also took to Twitter to wish everyone a happy sports day, calling it a day in which everyone can practice their sports and hobbies for the betterment of their health and their communities.
The Embassy of the State of Qatar in London marked the occasion with its own day of sporting activities. Diplomats, staff family and friends kicked off the day at Westway Sports Centre in London, with cheerful gathering and reminiscing between colleagues and friends before the day’s sporting games began.
The event comprised of a full day of friendly, competitive activities, including football tournaments, climbing, table tennis, yoga and other multi-sports activities, with staff, friends and family playing and competing in various sports.
All those who participated were raring to take the opportunity to show their sporting abilities in friendly competitions.
Unsurprisingly, the friendly football tournament was amongst the most popular activity of the day. Members of staff from the embassy, medical, cultural and military attaches as well as children of participants played a highly competitive tournament. In the end, ‘Blue’ was the colour and the blue team were crowned champions.
On the other side of the arena competitions in wall-ball, ping-pong and tennis took place, although no overall winner was announced it was the spirit of comradery and friendship that took first place while others relaxed enjoying moments of reflection and relaxation with yoga.
The essence of Qatar Sport Day was visible throughout the day as participants got the opportunity to connect with each other in celebration of the Qatar National Sports Day, a day that promotes a healthy society and unity among family, friends and colleagues through sports.