Doha - The diplomatic, consular and representative missions of the State of Qatar abroad organized various sporting events on the occasion of the National Sport Day, in accordance with the precautionary measures to limit the COVID-19 spread.
In Vienna, the State of Qatar's Embassy to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Mission to the United Nations and International Organizations in Vienna held sporting events on the occasion of the National Sport Day in a sports center in the Austrian capital Vienna, with the participation of the diplomatic and embassy staff.
In a speech on this occasion, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Austria, and the Permanent Representative to the UN and International Organizations in Vienna HE Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri said that the State of Qatar, with the support and direct guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has been encouraging sports and achieving awareness of its importance and role within society, so that it has become a way of life, and an incentive to practice it regularly.
He noted the great importance that the state attaches to sports, pointing out that this annual celebration has become a distinctive mark added to Qatar's achievements at the international level.
HE the Ambassador noted that sports have become a strategic choice for the country, pointing out to the emergence of many creative and innovative initiatives in the sports sector, and the establishment of many huge sports facilities, which made Qatar the capital of sports in the Middle East, by hosting the most prominent sporting events during the recent period, including the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In Brussels, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the European Union and NATO HE Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki held a celebration on the occasion of the National Sport Day.
The events, which included various activities and exercises, were limited to a certain number of officials from the various EU and NATO bodies, due to health conditions.
Several EU officials participated in the events, including Chair of the Sport Intergroup and Member of the European Parliament HE Marc Tarabella, HE Ambassador Gabriel Munuera Vinals, representing the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Member of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula and Member of the European Parliament HE Jose Bauza Diaz.
In a speech on this occasion, HE Abdulaziz Al Malki praised the annual tradition of the State of Qatar of celebrating a national day dedicated to the sport, under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and his wise vision.
He pointed out the importance of exercising and the many benefits that accrue to both individuals and society alike. His Excellency touched on the stadiums that will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches, and the advanced infrastructure in the country, noting that it takes into account the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change.
In Ottawa, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Canada organized a sporting event on this occasion. Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada HE Khalid bin Rashid Al Mansouri and the diplomatic and embassy staff participated in it.
The event, which coincided with Canada's annual winter celebration, included walking and jogging.
Ambassador HE Khalid Al Mansouri affirmed the importance of persevering in exercising sports to maintain physical fitness and prevent health problems, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Munich, the Consulate General of the State of Qatar in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany, organized a sports event on the occasion of the National Sport Day with the participation of Consul General of the State of Qatar in Munich HE Radi bin Sowayed Al Ajami, diplomats and local employees. A number of sports activities were practiced.
In Tripoli, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Libya held a sporting event on this occasion, with the participation of the Acting Chargé d'Affairs Ahmed bin Ali Al Kubaisi, and the embassy staff.
In Minsk, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Belarus held activities on the occasion of the National Sport Day, with the participation of diplomats and embassy staff, which included various sports activities, including walking and jogging.
In Mexico City, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United Mexican States organized events on the occasion of the National Sport Day, in which Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mexico HE Mohammed bin Jassim Al Kuwari, diplomats, embassy staff, and a number of community figures participated.
The events included a cycling tour of the main streets of the capital, Mexico City, organizing a football tournament with the participation of various accredited embassies in Mexico, in addition to holding a football match, in order to embody the importance, values, and meanings of this occasion in the lives of individuals and their families.
In Canberra, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Australia held events on this occasion, in which Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Australia HE Saad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the embassy's diplomatic staff, employees, and a number of community figures participated.
The activities that were held in an enthusiastic atmosphere included football matches, the use of sports equipment in the indoor hall, and long walks.
HE Ambassador Saad Al Mahmoud considered that dedicating an official day to encourage all members of society from all walks of life to practice sports and provide the services and facilities necessary for that, is a qualitative initiative that complements the internal efforts to establish sports culture as a lifestyle in Qatari society, and it is associated with the efforts of the State of Qatar in supporting international sports.
His Excellency pointed out Qatar's current preparations to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In Panama City, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Panama organized an event on the occasion of National Sport Day.
The event was attended by Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee of Panama Jose Pino, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Panamanian Football Federation, and a number of ambassadors and diplomats accredited to Panama.
The event included a reception and a football tournament with the participation of the embassy team and a number of embassies teams, which interacted greatly with this event.
In San Salvador, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of El Salvador held an event on the occasion of the National Sport Day, with the participation of the diplomatic staff and embassy staff.
The event contained a sports program that included spinning, yoga, and boxing, among others.
Acting Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of El Salvador Tariq Othman Al Othman, affirmed that this occasion is one of the most important occasions that show the extent of Qatar's interest in sports, and its keenness to consolidate the sports culture to create a healthy and strong society, with the aim of promoting public health and encouraging healthy, peaceful lifestyles.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Malaysia organized events on this occasion, which included cycling, walking, and jogging.
Participation in the events was limited to embassy and military attache employees, due to the restrictions imposed to limit the COVID-19 spread.
The participants delivered speeches, expressing their happiness at the uniqueness of the State of Qatar in dedicating this day, which embodies the link between productivity and a healthy body through stimulating the practice of sports on an ongoing basis to develop capabilities and hone skills.
In San Jose, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Costa Rica held an event on the occasion of the National Sport Day.
The event included organizing a football match, which was attended by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Costa Rica HE Dr. Khamis bin Rashid Al Kaabi, the diplomatic staff, and representatives of the Arab community residing in Costa Rica.
In Colombo, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka organized an event on this occasion, in which Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Sri Lanka HE Jassim bin Jaber Al Sorour and the embassy staff participated.
The event included sports activities such as walking, football, volleyball, and tennis.
In New Delhi, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of India held an event on the occasion of the National Sport Day, in which the embassy staff, including diplomats and local employees, participated, in addition to several community figures.
The event included matches in football, handball, cricket, a walking race, and various games and exercises, in addition to an exhibition of introductory and promotional photographs of the stadiums of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In a speech on this occasion, Acting Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to India Ali bin Mohammed Al Badi expressed pride in participating in the National Sport Day, pointing out that the occasion confirms the leadership's keenness and interest in the well-being of the society.
He noted the state's interest in sports and athletes, and its support for the moral foundation on sports, as a message of love, brotherhood, and respect among all members of society.
In Manila, the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Republic of the Philippines held sporting events on the occasion of the National Sports Day, in which Charge d'Affairs, at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Philippines Mohammed Yousef Al Malki, Third Secretary Hassan Muhana Al Ajmi and the embassy's local staff participated.
The events included a variety of activities, including football, volleyball, and other games, in addition to some recreational competitions.
In Djibouti, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Djibouti organized events on this occasion, which included football and walking exercises.
Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Djibouti Khaled Al Hasm, the embassy staff, and several guests attended the activities.
