QATAR is close to concluding its superbly-conducted sports season, which once again proved to be a huge success despite unprecedented challenges brought by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Holding over two dozens of major international sports competitions besides completing it’s busy domestic season was a Herculean task but Qatar came out of the huge challenge with flying colours. Not just the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 host country staged those events for the sake of hosting, it made them blockbuster events by bringing together their vast experience of organising top-notch events. The biggest challenge for the sports authorities in hosting these competitions was to ensure health and safety of all stakeholders besides stopping the spread of coronavirus. For that, the sports federations with assistance from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) adopted a flawless plan, which included wholesale COVID-19 tests, quarantine for the visitors and creating bio-bubble for all participants particularly the athletes. The tireless efforts of the authorities paid off as Qatar ensured exciting sports action for the fans, who were craving for it after the pandemic halted sports for many months. There is hardly any country in the world which have hosted more international events than Qatar in the last few months. The major international events, which Qatar hosted in the season includes the FIFA Club World Cup 2020 and the AFC Champions League. Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer also made his much-awaited comeback in Doha when he played the Qatar Exxonmobil Open in March, which followed the Qatar Total Open, featuring top women’s tennis players. Qatar last night also staged the second round of MotoGP Championship – Tissot Grand Prix of Qatar – at the Losail International Circuit, which also hosted the first round – Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar last week. Doha also became the centre of European Tour, when leading golfers fought for glory at Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club last month. In addition to these events, Qatar also played host to many international events in equestrian, swimming, basketball, volleyball, fencing and judo etc. By organising such competitions, Qatar also salvaged championships of many global federations, getting praise from top athletes and sports officials. Apart from international events, Qatar is also set to complete its domestic season in a few weeks. The QNB Stars League and the popular Amir Cup are in the final stages. The Amir Cups and other annual competitions in various disciplines are either finished or close to completion. With hard work and commitment by sports and relevant authorities, Qatar lived up to its top billing as the hub of sports not just in the region or the continent but in the world.
