Qatar 2022 World Cup official emblem unveiled at Souq Waqif yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit
Over a thousand people, including citizens and expatriates, gathered at Souq Waqif yesterday evening to watch the live telecast of the launching ceremony of the official emblem of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Thousands of excited residents also witnessed the synchronised projection of the emblem onto a number of country’s most iconic buildings including Burj Doha, Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre, Ministry of Interior, and Al Zubarah Fort.
A jumbo TV screen was arranged at Souq Waqif for large number of enthusiasts to get a clear view of the emblem. The excited crowd joined the countdown of launching the emblem and chanted slogans when the emblem surfaced on the screen.
Speaking to The Peninsula, the fans described the emblem as elegant and the best in the history of FIFA World Cup. A large number of families including young children and women also joined the event at Souq Waqif.
“This is the best emblem in the history of FIFA World Cup. We are very happy to see the emblem. We are proud of hosting this mega sporting event which not only gives honour to citizens and expatriates in Qatar but is also a source pride for all Arab countries as it will be hosted in any Arab country for the first time,” Jaber Al Hajari, a Qatari citizen told The Peninsula.
He said that the preparation for hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup are nearing completion with every passing day and the remaining projects would be completed much ahead of 2022. “I came to know through local media that jumbo screens would be installed at several places across the country to telecast unveiling ceremony of the emblem,” said Al Hajari, adding that he had come with his friends to join the gathering.
He said that people had come from neighboring countries like Oman and Kuwait to celebrate the historic moment and share joy with Qatari citizens and expatriates.
Badar Mohamad Ali, another citizen said that the emblem was amazing. “I do not have words to explain the grace of emblem. It is simply the best one,” said Ali.
Abdul Satar Mueedo, an Indian national, who is residing in Qatar from three decades was present at Souq Waqif with his family to become part of historic moment. “I left my office early today as my family was insisting to attend the event for a couple of days. The emblem is very beautiful. Qatar will surprise the world by hosting an excellent sporting event. We are very proud of being part of this great event,” he added.
“It’s a very simple and elegant logo. In the years to come, it will be remembered as one of the best FIFA logos,” said Mahmood Ahmed, a Pakistani national residing in Qatar for five years.
“It is a very good logo. Since it will be the first World Cup in the Arab world, the region’s culture is efficiently showcased in the logo,” said Abudul Rashid, a Sri Lankan citizen.
