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DPS-Modern Indian School (MIS) hosted the seventh edition of TEDxYouth@DPSMIS recently. With the inability to host the event physically, it was translated to an online setting and premiered under the theme 'Changing Currents', depicting the unpredictability of life. The event featured five speakers – Mohamed al-Qassabi, an inventor who presented his idea 'Age is just a number'; Avinav Mukherjee, an Indian classical dancer who spoke on the 'Existentialism of Arts'; Neeshad Shafi, an environmentalist and social change advocate who emphasised the importance of 'Climate Action: Time for Arab Youth to Lead'; Dana Habayeb, an entrepreneur who discussed the phenomenon of the Hedonic Treadmill and its utility in everyday life; and Janhvi Maheshwari Kanoria, an innovator who elaborated on her experiences in teaching millions through 'A for Arrow'.    

DPS-Modern Indian School (MIS) student Tejaswi Manoj bagged the first prize in ‘The International Interschool Techno Fest’ organised by Alliance University, Bengaluru, India. It was a global platform for the students of Grades XI and XII to showcase their talent and to familiarise with their roles in tomorrow’s world. The virtual competition was conducted in three rounds and saw the participation of around 1,000 national and international students. In the first two rounds, Tejaswi’s PowerPoint presentations on the topics 'Are electric vehicles an answer to sustainable development' and 'The future of gaming industry in virtual societies' won a lot of acclaim by the panel of judges and were among the top entries. Her performance in the final round led her towards victory and, with the highest points, she bagged the first prize. She was awarded with a cash prize of 100,000 Indian rupees. School principal Asna Nafees congratulated her on her outstanding performance.    

Utkalika Qatar, an organisation comprising expatriates from the Indian state of Odisha, celebrated National Sport Day 2022 at Al Shamal Sports Club. The day's activities were organised while adhering to Covid-19 protocols. The slogan of the Sport Day was 'Let's sport today for a better tomorrow'. More than 130 participants, including children and families, took part in the daylong celebrations that started with the lighting of the torch by community leaders, followed by sports activities. Track events and various other games for boys, girls, male and female categories were organised. The event was conducted by a professional PE teacher. The day ended with a prize distribution ceremony for all the winners and participants. Families enjoyed the day and learnt about the importance of incorporating sports in their daily routine.    

Qatar Aslahees Group (Qatar USVA) held various events on February 8 to mark Qatar National Sport Day. Secretary Aslahi Shamsudheen Hudawi flagged off the event, which was held at the Wakra Sports Ground. Working secretary Aslahi Saifudheen Hudawi, treasurer Aslahi Ameerali Hudawi, and executive members Nyzam Hudawi, Ahmad Hudawi and Swadiq Hudawi led the programme. The event featured a friendly cricket match between the Reds and Blacks under the Qatar USVA Fitness Club.    

MES Indian School organised week-long sports activities as part of Qatar National Sport Day 2022. The activities included a virtual marathon, skipping rope, pushups, plank, yoga, etc, for students of classes KG-I to XII while adhering to the Covid-19 protocol. The activities conducted for the students aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of sports and physical activities among children of different age groups. The students enthusiastically participated in all the events with an effort to win accolades. The winners of the events were awarded with medals and certificates. "MES has always extended its wholehearted support to national events and ensures the optimum participation of students," said school principal Hameeda Kadar.    

MES Indian School (MESIS), Abu Hamour branch, celebrated Qatar National Sport Day on February 8 virtually under this year's theme 'Sports is Life'. MESIS celebrated Sport Day with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle among its population. The school conducted sport activities and competitions, including sports quiz, badminton, basketball, football and basketball free throw. There was a high level of participation and competition among the students. They competed with each other and also displayed laudable teamwork, sportsmanship and individual brilliance. Principal Dr Mohamed Haneef shared his thoughts on the importance of sports in daily life, noting that “to have a sound mind we must have a sound body first, and to have a sound body we must engage in sports". The students also showcased their talent in sports by sharing short videos of their favourite sports moments. The sports competitions were conducted by PE teachers Sajudheen and Jibins Jose.    

Malarvadi children's organisation (Rayyan zone) has conducted various competitions in connection with Qatar National Sport Day. A number of children in the five to 12 years age group took part in competitions that were divided into the Kids, Junior and Senior groups according to the participants' age. Malarvadi unit co-ordinators Saleena, Shehana and Faseela and zonal co-ordinator Shabna Shafi distributed the prizes.    

To mark Qatar National Sport Day, Bangladesh Community Qatar (BCQ) hosted a cricket match in collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association. The four teams that competed in the event were Bangladesh Seniors, Bengal Tigers, Prime Gladiators and Chittagong Super Kings, with Prime Gladiators and Bengal Tigers reaching the final. Bengal Tigers won the final by nine wickets. Emon Nishat was named the match's best player. Anwar Hossain Akon, president, BCQ, presented the trophies. He added that this year, under the slogan 'Sports is Life,' all sports activities and events will be held outdoors while adhering to the precautionary and preventive measures imposed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to prevent the spread of Covid-19. He praised Qatar's eagerness to promote sports and its progress towards hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Omar Farooq Chowdhury, Amin Rasul Saiful, Noor Mohamed, Aminul Islam, Mohamed Ismail Miah and Mahboobur Rahman were among the senior community members present. The event was overseen by Aminul Islam, Qatar Cricket Association's head of School Cricket (Boys). The match was held at Lusail's third cricket ground.    

 'The Pursuit of Sports', a special publication brought out by Mediaplus in connection with Qatar National Sport Day, was released at a ceremony held recently. Dr Mohan Thomas, president of the Indian Sports Centre, released the publication by handing over a copy to long-time Doha resident and global chairman of Anti-Smoking Society, Dr Mohamedunni Olakara. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Thomas underlined the importance of sports in life and called on the society to be physically active. National Sport Day is a reminder to raise awareness about the necessity of sporting activities in life. Jeby K John, managing director of Qatar Tec, attended the function as guest of honour. Mediaplus CEO Dr Amanulla Vadakkangara welcomed the gathering while marketing manager Mohamed Rafeeq proposed a vote of thanks.    

Cultural Forum, an Indian socio-cultural organisation, conducted a mega blood donation drive, titled 'Give Blood For Life', to meet the high demand for blood at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Blood Donor Centre. The event was held in connection with the Indian Republic Day celebrations and in solidarity with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark India’s 75 years of Independence. Some 130 donors from different sections of society gave blood after a health review and fulfilling other criteria. The drive was held at KIMS Health Centre in Barwa City, where doctors also conducted free health check-ups for donors, which was of particular help to low-income donors. KIMS managing director Nishath, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Ziad Usman and vice-president Vinod Nair, expatriate columnist Rahoof Kondotty, Cultural Forum president Muneesh A C, advisory board vice-chairman Shashidhara Panicker, general secretary Majeedali, state secretary K T Mubarak and Malappuram district president Rasheed Ali were accorded a brief felicitation during the blood donation drive's inauguration. Head of the Cultural Forum's community service wing and vice-president Mohamed Kunhi T K presided over the function, while general secretary Thaseen Ameen welcomed the audience and vice-president Sajna Zaky gave the vote of thanks. Cultural Forum vice-presidents Shanawas Khalid and Chandra Mohan presented tokens of appreciation to the HMC Blood Donor Centre and KIMS, respectively. Team Welfare members provided volunteer service at the drive. Cultural Forum state secretary Sidheeq Vengara, SWC member Radha Krishnan, Community Service wing secretary Najla Samad, wing members Sakeena Abdulla, Zainudheen Nadhapuram and Fathima Thasneem co-ordinated the blood donation drive. The Cultural Forum is planning to conduct more such blood donation drives in the future at various locations. "Also, this is in solidarity with Qatar and HMC for their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic," Mohamed Kunhi T K said.    

The 8th Chaliyar Doha Sports Fest at Matar Qadeem Educare International Academy kicked off with a colourful start on the occasion of Qatar National Sport Day. The sports fest, which was held in accordance with the Covid-19 protocol, began with a march past. Chaliyar Doha members were divided into four teams - Al Sadd, Al Wakrah, Al Arab and Al Rayyan - and they participated in a football tournament, penalty shootout, tug-of-war and cricket-bowling contest. The Al Rayyan team won the football tournament, while Al Sadd won the shootout contest and the Al Arab team won the cricket-bowling contest. The Al Sadd team also won the tug-of-war and became the overall champions. Chaliyar Doha president Zameel Abdul Vahid Chaliyam presided over the function, which was inaugurated by Captain Mohan Atla, defence attaché, Indian embassy. General secretary C T Siddique Cheruvadi welcomed the gathering. Radio Suno (radio partner of Chaliyar Doha Sport Fest) RJs Appunni, Shafi and Ashtami spoke on the occasion. Trainer Vikas led the mass drill, which was organised as part of the inaugural ceremony. Indian Cultural Centre president P N Babu Rajan inaugurated the closing ceremony. Social activists Abdul Rauf Kondotty, Mustafa Elathur and Chaliyar Doha Advisory Board member Siddique Vazhakkad presented prizes to the winners. Chaliyar Doha officials announced that there would be continuous sports competitions in the coming months in solidarity with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Chaliyar Doha office-bearers Ratheesk Kakkov, Mohamed Layis Kuniyil, Dr Shafeeq Mampad, Adv Jouhar, Abdul Azeez Cheruvannoor, Sabiq Edavanna, Niyas Moorkanad, Thouseef Kavanoor, Fairos Pothukallu, Ajmal Areekode and Keshav Das Nilambur led the sports competitions. Treasurer Jabir Beypore proposed the vote of thanks.    

Expat Sportev celebrated National Sport Day (NSD) with an array of sports activities and events, including a welcome rally for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Shantiniketan Indian School, Al Wakra, while adhering to the requirements and guidelines for sports activities and events to curb the spread of Covid-19. Under the theme of ‘A day with fun engagement and relief for body and mind’ aiming to encourage people of all age groups to stay physically healthy and ensure mental wellbeing, the celebration was inaugurated by Dr Mohan Thomas, president of the Indian Sports Centre (ISC). Chandra Mohan, chairman of Expat Sportev, presided over the function. As part of the event, Dr Thomas handed over the flag of Expat Sportev 2022 to Sanjay Cherian, vice-president, Expat Sportev. Sport Day celebration torches were handed over by Dr Dipika, administration manager, KIMS Health, and RAK Holding executive director Faisal Kunnath to Nithya Subeesh, vice-president Nadumuttam, and Anas Jamal, convener, Expat Sportev, respectively. Coinciding with the NSD celebrations, the athletes also participated in a welcome rally for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 . Safeer Rahman (member, ISC), E P Abdurrahman (MD, Care n Cure) Asgarali (MD, Al Hayiki) Shabeer Kuttyadi (Festival Limousine) and Hafees (Bradma Group) were present at the inaugural function. Mohamed Kunji, Shanavas Khalid, Sajna Sakki, Majeed Ali, Thaseen Ameen, Abdul Gafoor A R, Ahmed Shafi, Siddiq Vengara and Dr Taj Aluva handed over trophies and certificates to the winners.    

The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ), an associate organisation of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum under the aegis of the Indian embassy, organised various sporting activities on Qatar National Sport Day in accordance with the precautionary measures imposed to limit the spread of Covid-19. Various sports activities, including soccer, races, badminton, cycling and kite flying, were organised for the participants. All the attendees took part in each event enthusiastically and with great confidence.  The event was held at Crescent Park, Lusail, under the managing committee of AMUAAQ presided over by Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani. The alumni of Aligarh Muslim University in Qatar are actively engaged in promoting welfare, social, healthcare, educational and sports activities in Qatar and in India. The participants and their family members said it was a "fun and fitness-based event where they realised the importance of games and sports". In a discussion on this occasion, Dr Jilani stressed the importance of encouraging sports and raising awareness in this regard, "as we all know that health is wealth." Dr Jilani appreciated managing committee co-ordinators Mohamed Faisal Naseem, (VP), Mohamed Farman Khan (GS), Dr Ashna Nusrat (VP-Ladies) and heads Farrukh Ali Farooqi, Mamnoon Ahmad Bangash, Dr Syed Intekhab Alam, Ghazala Yasmeen, Dr Shima Sadaf and Abad Khan. On the occasion of National Sport Day, AMUAAQ chairman Jawed Ahmad said: "Qatar is the first country in the world that celebrates a sports day that reflects life’s positive values, and this year has a special zest and slogan, 'Sports is Life', as Qatar will host one of the most important global sports event, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We all unitedly stand by and wish Qatar for the successful accomplishment of FIFA 2022." Najmul Hassan Khan, Lutfi Kakar, Syed Shahabuddin, Ali Imran, Omar, Khurshid Qamar, Anjum, Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr Zainab Malik, Waheeduzzaman and AMUAQ Toastmasters representatives graced the occasion. In the end, winners and runners-up in each category were presented with a certificate and gift while refreshments were provided by the committee members.    

Cric Qatar, a leading cricket tournament organiser in Doha, organised the Annual Sports Day at the Cric Qatar grounds. Syed Rafi, chairman, Cric Qatar, thanked all the eight teams for their participation in the cricket tournament and for showcasing sportsmanship, and declared the sports meet open. Vinod Nair, Indian Community Benevolent Forum vice-president, was the chief guest of the day along with Gadde Srinivas, president of the Telangana Praja Samithi Qatar. Kudos to Rafi for organising the event successfully, said Nair, while Srinivas expressed happiness at taking part in Cric Qatar events and activities. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Jai Prakash, Rakesh Goel, Ashok Raj of Central Indian Association along with Kamla Thakur of the Indian Cultural Centre. The teams participating in the tournament were HIQ Cricket Club, Golden Stars CC, Blue Moon Boyz, Airopedia Travels, BCC United, Sharks XI, Royal Strikers and Star CC. The final was played between Sharks XI and HIQ Cricket Club, with Sharks XI winning by seven wickets. Vinoth was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant knock of 67 runs in just 27 balls with four boundaries and seven sixes. For HIQ Cricket Club, Syed Tausif was the highest scorer with 43 runs in 18 balls. Rafi thanked the Cric Qatar management committee members, Syed Mukarram, Mohd Atif, Mohd Irfan and Faqru, for making elaborate arrangements. All the participating teams expressed happiness at taking part in the Annual Sports Day tournament. At the end of the Sports Day celebration, the winners and runners-up were honoured with trophies and cash awards.    

Youth organisation Focus International - Qatar Region organised various sports events as part of National Sport Day. The event was inaugurated by Qatar Region CEO Haris P T at a park near Al Wakra Old Souq. In the post-Covid-19 world, maintaining mental and physical health is an essential. Daily sports activities will not only enhance physical fitness but also provide mental refreshment, Haris said. The event was based on the theme of a mental health campaign, 'Don't Lose Hope'. The event, which was attended by a large number of people, including women and children, featured lemon spoon race, football and a walkathon. Sports manager Anees C Haneef, event manager Moideen Shah, admin manager Ameenurahman A S, HR manager Faiz Elayodan, Midlaj Latheef, Ashiq Beypore, Dr Raseel, and Focus Ladies representatives Suada Ismail and Sijila Safeer led the programme. COO Ameer Shaji, CFO Safeerussalam and Fazlurrahman Madani spoke at the event.    

Qatar Aslahees Group (Qatar USVA) held various events on February 8 to mark Qatar National Sport Day. Secretary Aslahi Shamsudheen Hudawi flagged off the event, which was held at the Wakra Sports Ground. Working secretary Aslahi Saifudheen Hudawi, treasurer Aslahi Ameerali Hudawi, and executive members Nyzam Hudawi, Ahmad Hudawi and Swadiq Hudawi led the programme. The event featured a friendly cricket match between the Reds and Blacks under the Qatar USVA Fitness Club.    

 Bangiya Parishad Qatar (BPQ) organised a blood donation camp, in association with the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), on January 28 to celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (Parakram Divas) in line with the 73rd Republic Day celebrations under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The event was attended by Sachin Dinkar, first secretary, Culture & Education, Embassy of India; P N Babu Rajan, president, ICC; Ziad Usman, president of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF); Vinod Nair, ICBF vice-president; Kuldeep Kour Bahl, MC member, ICBF; Safeeru and Boban, MC members, Indian Sports Centre; and Anish, MC member, ICC. Biswajit Banerji, president of BPQ, expressed his sincere gratitude to all the blood donors who participated in the noble cause.    

Telangana Praja Samithi (TPS) Qatar organised a blood donation camp on January 28, with support from Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Blood Donor Centre team, on the occasion of India’s Republic Day celebrations. The camp was held from 8am to 2pm at the Hamad Blood Donor Centre in Doha. The camp was successfully managed - from the point of registration to health check clearance, blood drawing and the issuance of appreciation certificates. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal was the chief guest of the day, while Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) president P N Babu Rajan, ICC general secretary Krishna Kumar, ICC Advisory Council chairperson K S Prasad and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. All blood donors received an appreciation certificate from the Indian ambassador, ICC president and other dignitaries present at the venue, which was appreciated by all. Dr Mittal thanked the TPS team, HMC staff, management and the Indian community for taking part in the blood donation camp. The camp was conceptualised and executed by Telangana Praja Samithi Qatar under the leadership of Gadde Srinivas, who thanked the entire team for making the programme a grand success. Venkat Reddy, general secretary of TPS Qatar, thanked all the volunteers for coming forward to donate blood.    

The Filipino Expatriates Sepak Takraw Association (Festa) in Qatar recognised the winners of its Friendship Cup 2021 tournament, which saw the participation of teams from different expatriate communities in Doha. The Philippines A team bagged the championship, besting Malaysia A (first runner-up), Philippines B (second runner-up) and Malaysia B (third runner-up). Other teams that took part in the event – held at Pearling Season International School in Mansoura – were Japan and Thailand. “I hope this renewed interest in our passion despite the Covid-19 pandemic will foster unity and promote the sport among citizens and residents as Qatar is set to host the Asian Games in 2030,” Festa Qatar president Janno Rhey Soriano said. Founded in 2014, Festa Qatar has been promoting Sepak Takraw (kick volleyball) in Qatar and regularly holds various initiatives aimed at helping players and students back home, including those who are in need. Sepak Takraw Community of Malaysia in Qatar founder Ariff said it was a privilege to participate in the tournament, saying they enjoyed playing a Southeast Asian sport in the Middle East. Japan team captain Yo Osugi said, “In the first place, I did not have any idea that we had a Sepak Takraw sports (tournament) here in Qatar. The last time I played was when I was in Osaka with my teammates.” Sueksa, a Thailander working in a spa in Qatar, added: “We played our traditional sport in Qatar that was amazing and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”    

Doha Music Lovers Group, a well-known musical group in Qatar, recently celebrated its first anniversary at the Integrated Indian Community Centre (IICC), which was attended by many intellectuals, delegates and music-loving personalities. Doha Music Lovers Group is a community club comprising expatriates from India, Pakistan and Nepal. The group was launched on January 8, 2021, to provide a musical platform to budding artistes in Doha to showcase their talent to the world. To that end, Doha Music Lovers Group tied up with Channel 5 as its media partner. Since its inception, the group has been joined by many young and talented singers and dancers from Doha. Dignitaries present at the first anniversary celebration of Doha Music Lovers Group were Ziad Usman, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) president; Vinod Nair, ICBF vice-president; K S Prasad, Indian Cultural Centre Advisory Council chairperson; Rajani Murthy, Medical Camps in-charge at ICBF; Gadde Srinivas, president of Telangana Praja Samithi; Dinesh Gowda, head of Insurance at ICBF; Venkappa Bhagavatula, president of Andhra Kala Vedika; Prem Kumar Boddu, general secretary of Telangana Gulf Samithi; Harika, vice-president of Telangana Jagruthi Qatar; Rakesh Goel, vice-president of Central Indian Association; Ashok Raj, treasurer; Vandana Raj, joint cultural secretary; and Richa Goel. The programme was organised by the group's chairman, Syed Rafi, and his team with performances by Doha Music Lovers Group singers and dancers, namely Mohinder Jalandhary, Jaweed Bajwa, Shiva Priya, Jamshaid Bajwa, Arif Rayees, Venkappa, Madhu Vanteru, Aslam Cheniyery, Rejin, Kavita Murugan, Pooja Murugan, Shruti Kadapa, Muthumeenal, Arun Lakshmanan, Vinod Nair, Sara Ali Khan and Fathima Shaja. The attendees of the anniversary celebrations enjoyed and appreciated the performances. Usman congratulated Rafi for conducting a wonderful programme and expressed his desire to be part of all his events. Nair said it’s not an easy task to conduct such a programme with so much ease and professionalism, lauding Rafi and his team for surpassing all expectations. Prasad and Srinivas, too, appreciated the conduct of the programme. Vandana Raj, a prominent poetess, and Murthy also expressed their appreciation. Rafi thanked all the dignitaries and invitees for their presence at the event, and also thanked team members Mohamed Atif and Fahad Bajwa for co-ordinating the event and making the necessary arrangements. Jaweed Bajwa, a prominent expatriate singer from Pakistan, said he was glad to be a part of Doha Music Lovers Group. The show concluded with a vote of thanks by Mohinder Jalandhary, a prominent Punjabi singer in Doha, who also hosted the programme along with Vandana.