Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, Air Marshal (Ret) Muhammad Basri Sidehabi during the inauguration of the sports tournament.
DOHA: Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, Air Marshal (Ret) Muhammad Basri Sidehabi, opened sports tournament to celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of Indonesian independence.
The event entitled “Our Work, Achievement of the Nation”, started in the Embassy in Doha on July 17, 2018. Due to the extreme temperatures in Qatar, sporting events are to be held in indoor during the summer session.
The series of events is held in collaboration with the Indonesian Community Organisation in Qatar (Permiqa) led by Prihandoko. The involvement of Indonesian community is to give an opportunity to them to celebrate of Independence Anniversary of Indonesia.
In his opening remark, the envoy said that the purpose of holding the series of sport event is not only to have physical and mental health but also improve the spirit of sportsmanship. He added that the tournament is also as part of a multi-track diplomacy which will enhance bilateral relations between Indonesia and Qatar.
The opening event was marked by serving a table tennis ball by Ambassador Basri who was paired with Andi Una, Chairwoman of Indonesian Women Organisation in Qatar (Perwiq) and received by the Tournament organizing committee, Muhammad Yusuf who paired with Soraya Alyahya.
Muhammad Yusuf said that the celebration includes various sport events such as table tennis, badminton, bowling, and other various traditional games. All Indonesian citizens including children and adults, men and women will participate in the competitions and games until at the end of summer session. The event is also a gathering event with various Indonesian communities in Qatar.
According to Indonesian Embassy’s official, Boy Dharmawan, the celebration is also used to provide the opportunity for Indonesian community who want to actively participate in promoting the positive image of Indonesia in the country of accreditation.
He added that the tournament is not only as Indonesian community’s continuous support to the 2022 World Cup preparation held in Qatar but also to promote the 18th Asian Games which will be held in Jakarta and Palembang of Indonesia on August 18, 2018 to September 2, 2018.
