A security guard urging a young rider to place his mask properly was a noteworthy sight at the Qatar Equestrian Federation's (QEF) Indoor Arena over the weekend. With riders and backroom staff seated - at a safe distance - from one another, it was smooth sailing for the organisers of the show jumping event at the same venue as fans welcomed the start of the new riding season.
The same day but elsewhere in the city, football giants Al Sadd beat Al Arabi in the final of the Ooredoo Cup, another event that came to a safe conclusion at Al Duhail Stadium. Also on Saturday, at Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, table tennis giants Qatar SC and Al Sadd - in front of a small yet socially distanced crowd - reached the final of the Amir Cup Championship. Also on Saturday, regular season competitions in motorsport, handball and basketball also brought teams and players together for sporting battles that fans had been waiting for months.
Four days ago, FIFA President made a quick stopover to Doha to meet the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan and then a couple of hours later, he was seen playing football with the officials of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy at the brand new Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. "It is an absolute pleasure to play football at this amazing stadium, where on 21 November 2022, we will kick off the greatest FIFA World Cup ever. Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a true football stadium. It has a real football feel and a local touch.
The tented shape makes it truly unique, and the Arabic patterns in the roof are just beautiful. I am speechless," Infantino said after playing football for a short while. The FIFA President was also shown around the new Al Bayt Stadium to witness the pace of progress at one of Qatar's eight World Cup venues. Two days ago, in another football related development, it was announced that the East Zone matches of the AFC Champions League will also be held in Doha in the coming weeks.
The last one week has been nothing short of pure delight for the sports fans in the country. With COVID-19 pandemic stalling life around the world, a determined Qatar has successfully put together a sports feast for fans despite immense difficulties arising arousing out of the pandemic sweeping the globe.
In the coming days, Qatar, which sets sports as one of its top priorities, plans to stage top-notch events included in the Qatar Olympic Committee's sports calendar, while ensuring safety for all those involved by adhering to health protocols strictly.
