Qatar has once again affirmed its status as a global sports beacon, hosting a stellar lineup of international, continental and regional events in 2024. The year’s vibrant calendar featured over 100 competitions including major international, global and Asian events, underscoring the country’s enduring commitment to excellence in sports. The year opened with an unforgettable AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, hailed as the best in the tournament’s history. Held across nine cutting-edge venues including the FIFA World Cup 2022 venues, the event broke attendance and viewership records, captivating over 1.5 million fans. The home team’s thrilling victory over Jordan in the final added a golden touch to an already historic event. As AFC President Shaikh Salman aptly noted, the tournament showcased Qatar’s unmatched infrastructure, connectivity, and hospitality. In December, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup brought football’s elite to Qatar’s iconic Lusail Stadium and Stadium 974. The spectacle concluded with European champions Real Madrid’s emphatic triumph on the Qatar National Day, marking another milestone in the nation’s football legacy. The event also hosted the Best FIFA Football Awards, where Vinicius Jr. clinched the coveted Best Player title. Minister of Sports and Youth and Chairman of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 Local Organizing Committee H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani remarked that the tournament exemplified Qatar’s ability to deliver top-tier sporting experiences infused with cultural richness. The World Aquatics Championships in February marked another landmark as Qatar became the first MENA region to host the global swimming showpiece. Featuring nearly 2,600 athletes across six disciplines, the championship drew global acclaim. From shattered records to an inclusive Masters event, the competition highlighted Doha’s organisational prowess. “Doha has been an outstanding home for our aquatics family,” World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam commented while praising Qatar’s excellence hosting. The Lusail International Circuit also continued to shine in 2024, hosting the thrilling Qatar 1812 KM endurance race, MotoGP’s Qatar Airways Grand Prix, and the F1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix. These events showcased motorsport’s vibrancy, with figures like Max Verstappen and Francesco Bagnaia delivering standout performances. “LIC is a testament to Qatar’s motorsport ambitions,” stated Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF. Beyond football and motorsport, Qatar dazzled in horse racing, showjumping, tennis, squash, and golf. The H H The Amir Sword Festival, CHI Al Shaqab, ATP and WTA events, and the Diamond League exemplified the country’s broad sports appeal. Meanwhile, beach volleyball, cricket and chess further enriched the vibrant sporting landscape.
