Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior organized a variety of events today in celebration of the National Sport Day, attended by Minister of State for Interior Affairs HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, along with several directors of the Ministry's departments and Ministry personnel.
The events, which took place at Qatar Sports Club as well as in 14 other locations across different departments and public areas, featured a range of sports activities, including football, volleyball, walking, table tennis, padel, basketball, stationary cycling, endurance skills, and various other athletic activities.
HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani expressed his pleasure at the widespread participation of Ministry of Interior personnel in the Sport Day activities, emphasizing the Ministry's commitment to promoting sports and supporting the various activities of the Qatar Police Sports Federation (QPSF) throughout the year.
His Excellency stressed that sports are a key priority for the Ministry of Interior and its personnel due to the nature of security and police work, which requires maintaining continuous physical fitness, highlighting the importance of sports in daily life and their positive impact on individual health and community well-being.
His Excellency underscored that practicing sports throughout the year is the fundamental standard to ensure achieving the desired benefits, and that the National Sport Day serves as a reminder of the importance of incorporating sports into daily life, encouraging all members of society to make sports a lifestyle.
For his part, Director of the Human Resources Department at the Ministry of Interior Major General Khalifa Nasr Al-Nasr stated that participating in the National Sport Day each year is a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the significance of sports in daily life and public health.
He pointed out that the participation of Ministry personnel in this event reflects their ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of sports and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life, which contributes to overall performance improvement and excellence. He added that sports are not just a means of maintaining physical health but also an opportunity to build strong relationships among individuals.
Similarly, Director General of Passports Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al-Ateeq noted that participation in the National Sport Day is not merely a physical activity but an essential part of daily life, positively impacting both physical and mental health. He explained that sports enhance endurance, strengthen relationships among individuals, and contribute to improving performance and concentration, making it an important habit that should be maintained.
Meanwhile, Director General of Civil Defense Major General Hamad Othman Al Duhaimi emphasized that sports contribute to building endurance, focus, and discipline, qualities essential for civil defense personnel in their daily duties.
He highlighted that this day serves as an incentive to maintain regular physical activity, ensuring high fitness levels that enable them to perform rescue and firefighting operations efficiently and effectively.
He also underscored that the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Civil Defense, is a member of the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers, reflecting its commitment to integrating sports as part of its operational responsibilities.
Director of the Facilities and Entities Security Department, Maj. Gen. Dr Ali Khajim Al Athbi, affirmed that the National Sport Day confirms the significance of sports in life to upscale the competences of the MoI's personnel.
He highlighted that sport largely enhances the ability to professionally discharge duties and builds the spirit of teams and cooperation, thereby enhancing coordination and increasing the ability to effectively work in a team, underlining that the department is committed to adopting sport as part of daily activities and essential factor in improving public health and protection from traumas.
For his part, Director of the Community Police Department Brig. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Al Sameeh said that this day is a reminder of the importance of sport in daily life, whether through improving physical health or protecting mental activity, emphasizing that sport is not merely a recreational activity, but a core part of a healthy daily life that prevents numerous diseases and generally enhances life quality.
Vice President of the Qatar Police Sports Federation Lt. Col. Ahmed bin Hamad Al Thani thanked HE the Minister of Interior and HE the Minister of State for Interior Affairs for their unflagging support for sport and athletes, something that confirms the keenness of the wise leadership to give foremost priority to sport in Qatar and reflects its vision in achieving sporting excellence. He affirmed that Qatar's experience in sport has become of the leading experiences as one of the preeminent countries that significantly invested in advancing sport sector, thereby making the country a central hub for sports globally.
In addition, he thanked Qatar Sports Club, which had been steadfast in opening its doors to the MoI throughout the previous editions of National Sports Day, pointing out that it is imperative for sport to be a lifestyle, especially for the MoI's staffers whose work requires high physical fitness.
Assistant Director of the support department at the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security Lt. Col. (naval) Abdullah Khalid Al Meraikhi stated that the National Sports Day lies in promoting public health and fitness for all and for the personnel of the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security, emphasizing that sport is integral to daily life, enhancing both physical and mental capabilities, thereby boosting efficiency and operational readiness with proficiency.
Assistant Director of the Airport Security Department Major Zayed Rashid Al Nuaimi stated that sport should be a lifestyle for individuals because of its significance in the community, highlighting that regularly practicing it overtly boosts the immune system and ultimately prevents a raft of diseases, such as tension and promotes positive thinking.
The Qatar Police Sports Federation organized 14 events across multiple locations, attracting significant participation from ministry personnel, their families, and the public. Activities included football, volleyball, running, fitness exercises, table tennis, tug-of-war, and many more.