Much has changed in the sport sector since the launch of National Sport Day in 2012. From increased Qatari presence in international sports tournaments, to surge in women participation, to an overall raise in awareness on healthy lifestyle, the government’s move was in fact a ‘revolution in itself’, according to a veteran Qatari footballer.
“The sport day initiative has encouraged a healthy lifestyle among the people here. A number of Qataris have now started leading an active life; for many exercise has become a part of daily routine,” Hassan Ali Abdullah Al Baker (pictured), a veteran footballer and sport enthusiast told The Peninsula. Al Baker in his late 60s is an inspiration for many youngsters. He started involving in sport activities after college studies. He is the supervisor of a neighbourhood playgrounds in Nuaijah. Al Baker joins various groups playing football at the playground on every alternate days. On other days, he walks around the field at times giving instructions to teams on the ground.
“Both the old and the young Qataris are now actively involved in sporting events. There are some 7 to 8 Qataris who come to the ground routinely and on weekends more Qataris turn up to break a sweat. We see active participation from the expatriates too,” he said. The government has allocated neighbourhood playgrounds, with mini-pitches, in residential areas throughout the country, to promote sports. This has helped boost peoples participation in various sporting activities. “With increased facilities people have become keen on playing. Government has built similar playing courts which have synthetic turf, in residential areas, and has boost the activities. Earlier, people were reluctant to play in open areas. Much difference is seen in public participation. At my football pitch some four matches are held every day and on weekends, it can double. In fact groups call me up to schedule time for matches,” he said.
Women participation has also increased with support from the authorities. Qatari women can access facilities at some of the schools for various activities . “These facilities are opened up exclusively for women and a number of Qatari women are regular. All sporting activities as football, basketball and handball, are practised in these facilities.”
“In past, women participation in sport was very less. We have achieved major strides having national teams for different sporting activities. More Qatari women are entering the sector and they are given much support,” he said. Sporting events have changed much over years according to Al Baker. Some of the traditional Qatari games have been lost in time, he says.
“Prior to the introduction of football, we used to play a variety of outdoor games. Dahouri, the hoop chase with a stick was favorite of the boys along with ‘Telah’ played using marbles. Today children do not know how to play these games, with the hi-tech gadgets and video game addictions,” he said.
“However, government is working to bring active sporting back into mainstream. More Qataris are joining sporting activities. We have increased number of clubs and tournaments to involve the people here. These initiatives will surely be reflected when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup 2022,” Al Baker said.
