Qatar today marks its fifth annual National Sport Day, which falls on the second Tuesday of February in each year.
The National Sport Day was introduced through  Emiri Decree No (80) of 2011,  which provides that ministries, government departments, public sector institutions as well as other organisations in the private sector shall hold various activities on the day for their employees to participate in.
Sport is central to Qatar’s national vision. The country’s success in hosting the 2006 Asian Games, being awarded the World Athletics Championships in 2019 and culminating in being awarded the host country for the FIFA World Cup in 2022 — all  are testament to Qatar’s commitment to sport. Qatar now hopes to host the Summer Olympics.
 “We have a vision and a target, which is to host the Olympic Games one day,” according to Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) secretary-general Dr Thani al-Kuwari.
As Dr al-Kuwari pointed out yesterday, the infrastructure being developed for the IAAF World Championships in 2019, the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and the 2023 FINA World Swimming Championships means Qatar would have much of the facilities in place when it bids for the Games.
Qatar has already started work on eight FIFA World Cup stadiums, and with the construction of the metro and several expressways in full swing, the infrastructure part of the Games would be well taken care of.
Qatar was the first state in the region to have a National Sport Day.
Qatar’s evolution as a major sporting hub is part of the state’s ambitious National Vision 2030 that stresses on the importance of youth development so that they can face the challenges of the future in an increasingly globalised world.
All the major venues for National Sport Day celebrations are all set to welcome today a large number of people who will take part in various sport, recreational and physical activities.
Katara – the Cultural Village will host a 3x3 basketball competition, handball, gymnastics, Karate shows, wrestling, fast and slow chess, weightlifting, table tennis and sailing.
Aspire Zone will host several outdoor and indoor sport activities for all ages and family activities. The Museum of Islamic Art Park will welcome Ooredoo employees for several activities.
Al Saad Sports Club is hosting many sports events for employees of Qatar Airways Group and a number of organisations and groups. Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development marks the day  with more than 60 sports activities at the Education City for staff, people with special needs and women.
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