Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem during the opening of the championship.
Doha, Qatar: Under the patronage of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, the second sports football championship of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for departmental employees kicked off on Tuesday evening, (January 20, 2026).
The tournament is being held at the Ministry’s stadium in the Abu Hamour area, with the participation of 20 teams divided into four groups.
The Minister attended the opening ceremony, which took place in a vibrant sporting atmosphere reflecting the spirit of camaraderie and positive competition among ministry employees. The championship is part of the Ministry’s community initiatives aimed at strengthening teamwork, promoting sport as a way of life, and encouraging employees to adopt healthy lifestyles that enhance job performance and institutional harmony.
The opening day featured four group-stage matches marked by excitement and competitiveness. The Financial Affairs Department – Security Section team defeated the Legal Affairs Department team 2–1, while the Islamic Affairs Department team recorded a strong 5–1 victory over the Da’wah and Religious Guidance Department (B) team.
In a closely contested match, the Engineering Affairs Department team drew 2–2 with the Zakat Affairs Department team. Another thrilling encounter saw the Islamic Network team from the Da’wah and Religious Guidance Department edge past the Planning, Quality, and Innovation Department team with a 5–4 win.
On the sidelines of the tournament’s launch, Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Khalifi, a player from the Legal Affairs Department team, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for his generous patronage of the championship. He also praised the role of the Public Relations and Communication Department for its outstanding organisation, noting that the tournament embodies the state’s slogan “Sport for All” and contributes to strengthening sportsmanship and positive interaction among employees.
Meanwhile, Muadh Raad Al Hussein from the Planning, Quality, and Innovation Department expressed his happiness at his department’s first participation in the championship. He emphasised that the initiative enhances familiarity and rapport among employees from different departments and provides a sporting environment that helps strengthen fraternal relations within the workplace.
The Ministry affirmed that organising this championship reflects its commitment to supporting sports and social activities for its employees. Such initiatives contribute to strengthening institutional belonging and promoting a culture of sport and physical activity, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasises building a well-balanced individual both physically and professionally.
The championship competitions will continue in the coming period according to the approved schedule, leading up to the knockout stages and the final match, amid aspirations for contests that reflect sporting and ethical values and reinforce the Ministry’s message of integrating institutional work with meaningful community activities.
