Former Brazilian footballer and SC Ambassador Cafu speaks about his FIFA World Cup triumphs as the Trophy Tour concludes in Doha, yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha: As thousands thronged the shoreline of the Cultural Village (Katara) to send off the FIFA World Cup trophy as it goes on a worldwide tour before, Khalid Al Naama, Director of Digital Media at Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), stressed that the turnout reflects Qatar’s thriving community.
The World Cup trophy will tour around 50 countries and return to Qatar before the Qatar 2022, that will take place from November 21 to December 18.
Fans were treated to several activities, including colourful cultural performances from Africa, Asia and Latin America, games for kids and the opportunity to win World Cup tickets and to take photos with the trophy.
“We did expect such a big crowd, and I think that reflects how hungry the people in Qatar are to welcome everyone later this year. We saw tens of thousands of people celebrating with the trophy. We are very proud of this event, and we can’t wait to have the trophy back in November before the kickoff of the tournament,” Al Naama told the media on the sidelines of the event, which concluded a series of activities to mark 200 days to Qatar 2022.
“It is indeed a good reflection of Qatar’s community. We saw different nationalities celebrating together. We have chosen strategic places with high footfall to celebrate, one of which includes the industrial areas.
“We keep insisting on sharing such great moments with our colleagues and the workers. We know reaching this level of readiness wouldn’t have been possible without their great efforts. Places like Souq Waqif, Lusail and Katara, I think, showcase the beauty of Qatar. Hopefully, we have given a fitting send-off for the trophy,” he added.
From May 5-10, the trophy visited a host of tourist hotspots across the country, including Aspire Park, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Place Vendome and Doha Festival City. The trophy was also hosted at Mohammed Bin Jassim House and visited several businesses and organisations across the country, including many in the health and education sectors.
Meanwhile, Brazilian legend and two-time World Cup winner (1994 and 2002) Cafu noted Qatar would host a fantastic tournament. The former captain, who lifted the trophy in 2002, participated in four World Cups, reaching three finals. “It’s always an amazing feeling winning the World Cup. As an ambassador for this World Cup, it’s a pleasure to be here. I am sure and have no doubts that this would be one of the best competitions organised,” the SC Ambassador said.
