President of Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation Youssef Jaham Al Kuwari poses for a photograph with officials and Qatar national cricket team players during a gala dinner held at the Doha Marriott Hotel on Friday. Picture: Abdul Basit/The Peninsul
Qatar's cricket boss Youssef Jaham Al Kuwari has vowed to make the game a major sport in the country, saying he will take all steps possible to popularise the sport among young kids.
Al Kuwari was speaking at a gala dinner at the Doha Marriott Hotel this weekend, organised to mark Qatar’s title-triumph at the ICC World Cricket League Asia Division 1 earlier this month in Thailand. Al Kuwari is the President of Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation (QRHCF).
All members of national team were awarded mementos and cash prizes on the occasion. Besides, the event also saw a prize distribution ceremony for the Qatar Airways Cricket Tournament 2017.
While congratulating the national team, Youssef Jaham said the team displayed remarkable performance throughout the tournament to capture the first International Cricket Council (ICC) title for Qatar.
“Our national team showed tremendous progress and all the members of Qatar team deserve the praise for their achievement,” Al Kuwari said while addressing the ceremony.
Qatar won five out of their six matches including a crucial game against title rivals Saudi Arabia to win the championship. The triumph saw their promotion to ICC World League Division 5 tournament to be held in South Africa in September.
“The team has a lot of challenges ahead. The South Africa tournament is another important test for the team. But, I am confident if Qatar play with the same dedication they can achieve positive results in this tournament,” Al Kuwari said.
He pointed out that apart from the national team; the cricket body was also facing general challenges for the promotion of the game in country.
“We lack facilities and we have other challenges also. But this game has a potential to grow in the country and we will take every possible steps to make it one of the major sports of the country,” he said.
On the occasion, Manzoor Ahmed, the Manager Cricket Operations, praised President Al Kuwari’s contribution for promotion of the game.
“We are very thankful to the president for his continuous support for cricket. We have all his backing and this gives motivation to do well,” said Ahmed.
“Since our next challenge is the ICC tournament in South Africa, we will give the best possible preparation to the national team," he said.
It may be mentioned that Qatar have been placed in Group A in the ICC World League Division 5 competition, which also includes Italy, Cayman Islands and Guemsey while Group B comprises Jersey, Vanuatu and Ghana with one team from European qualifiers also to join the group.
Qatar will take on Cayman Islands in their opening match on September 3. The Al Anabi will play their second match against Italy on September 4 before taking on Guemsey in their last group match which is scheduled on September 6. The final of the tournament penciled in on September 9.
