Football resumed in Qatar last week with an exciting Round 18 of the QNB Stars League, signalling the return of full-fledged sports action in the country. As Qatar started the third phase of the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on July 28, the prestigious league resumed in accordance with the precautionary measures as per the general plan and protocol developed by the QSL in co-operation with Ministry of Public Health on July 24, bringing an end to over four months of wait.
It was a memorable occasion as the season-resuming round was dedicated to the front-line workers. A special logo was placed on all players’ jerseys as they paid tribute to healthcare workers and all those combating the pandemic for their tireless efforts.
A doctor performed the honorary kick-off before the week’s opening match between Al Gharafa and Al Arabi at Al Janoub Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue . The same day, reigning champions Al Sadd came out in health sector uniform in a show of appreciation to the medical staff for their great services.
Currently, the league is in its second week since return, entertaining the citizens and expatriates during the Eid Al Adha holidays with thrilling matches. It is still a three-way fight for the QSL title among Al Duhail, Al Rayyan and Al Sadd, with the battle expected to go down to the wire. In another pleasant development recently, Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez – the Barcelona legend – recovered after contracting the coronavirus and resumed his duty. The 40-year-old announced last Saturday that he had tested positive following routine screening of players and staff in Qatar’s top-flight, missing Al Sadd’s 2-1 victory over Al Khor. Xavi thanked all the authorities for an early detection that avoided more spreading of the virus. The QSL is continuing the test process periodically, twice a week, for all those involved.
While football has made a successful return, events in other sports disciplines are also expected to resume in the coming weeks as the Qatar Olympic Committee is taking several measures, which includes tests process of the athletes.
The situation is getting back to normalcy gradually in Qatar as the cases have decreased significantly due to effective policies of the authorities. However, it is also the responsibility of the people to combat the disease by strictly adhering to the precautionary measures. All stakeholders in country’s sports circle must also follow the same preventive steps to help the federations in bringing back the much-awaited world-class events for which Qatar is popular all over the globe.
