Expat children in action at the Inter-club Football Tournament 2018.
DOHA: The children of expatriates from various communities of different countries, predominantly from Indonesia, residing in Qatar took part in Inter-club Football Tournament 2018 recently.
The tournament was initiated and sponsored by Al Waha Club in collaboration with Indonesian community at Al Waha Football Field in Al Khor Community, Al khor.
According to the Head of Steering Committee of tournament, Muhammad Yunus Bani, football club teams of five categories, such as U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16, participated in the event. The tournament was opened by Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, Air Marshal (Ret.) Muhammad Basri Sidehabi.
The envoy welcomed the tournament which promotes sports, fitness and healthy lifestyle and also strengthens the relationship and cooperation among the communities of different countries.
The envoy spoke to the players not only about victory, but mostly about strengthening friendship and fraternity with other communities. Yunus Bani, who was acknowledged as an assistant coach by the Aspire Academy at the talent centre in Al Khor, said that the tournament plays pivotal role in selecting good players.
“It’s interesting to work with these boys. They belong to different nationalities and speak different languages,” said a Qatar Gas employee who has been in Qatar since 16 year ago. “Inspiring the children and keeping them motivated is a tough job,” said a former Indonesian Football player Under-23 team.
According to him, in order to be successful, the players need to have regular practices, having strong mental discipline as well as support from their parents.
According to an Indonesian Embassy official, Boy Dharmawan, the tournament supports the 2022 World Cup preparation in Qatar and also promotes multi-track diplomacy which enhance bilateral relations between Indonesia and Qatar, particularly after the visit of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Indonesia on 17-18 October 2017.
The event is also used to promote the 18th Asian Games which will be held in both cities of Indonesia, Jakarta and Palembang, on August 18 and Septembre 2, 2018.
