Sport
Khalfan scores for National Sport Day
Khalfan scores for National Sport Day
Sports Reporter/Doha
National team player and Al Sadd midfielder Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan, widely considered one of the leading talents in the Gulf, praised the concept of National Sport Day of which he was an official ambassador. |
The winner of the Asian Footballer of the Year award in 2006 said he was delighted to be associated with the National Sport Day and would strive his best to be a good role model for the youth in the country.
“It has been an honour to be chosen for this role representing young Qatari talents, and I hope to be the best role model for the youth of Qatar,” he said
Khalfan had words of praise for the National Sport Day, an initiative created by HH the Heir Apparent and Deputy Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to promote sport in Qatar.
“First of all, the importance of this event lies in its role in developing international and local communities; secondly because sport was recommended by our Holy Prophet and his companions. I think the National Sport Day was a great occasion to gather athletes from various fields of sports, as well as from various clubs, deepening interdependence among the Qatari athlete community.”
The star footballer also had words of advice for his less active countrymen, inviting them to start practicing sport for the sake of a healthier lifestyle.
“Exercising is a must whether you are an athlete or not; even if I wasn’t a professional football player, I would play any other kind of sport because it makes a huge difference in my life.”
National Sport Day Ambassadors represent a crucial role model for the younger generations, and Khalfan highlighted how his own family provided him with the inspiration to succeed in sport.
“My father Ibrahim Khalfan was a famous player in Al Arabi club and also in the national team; he wanted me to have the same life as a football player. I had to prove myself as a good athlete to honour the name of my father.
“I started playing at Al Arabi Club like my dad, then moved from there to Al Sadd club where my real career launched and my name became well known locally and of course internationally playing for the national team.”
Sport plays a huge role in the life of Khalfan, and has provided him with opportunities to improve on a personal level too; he hopes his contribution to the National Sport Day will play a part in inducing many others on to the road of personal development.
“Playing football taught me commitment, patience, not to over-joy while winning and also not to exaggerate in grief after any loss; in sports, especially football, there are many variables and ups and downs.”
“Personally, I really want to give back to sports in Qatar otherwise I won’t deserve this talent that God blessed me with. If I want to make a difference I should start with myself, I’ve made many changes in all aspects of my life. I would really like to change the concept of people about national player. “
The National Sport Day Ambassadors are a group of the top elite athletes in Qatar who pledged their support to the National Sport Day 2013. Their skill, spirit and commitment to sport embody the values of the National Sport Day.