By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter

Nigel has spent the last two months saving up to buy a pair of new rubber shoes in time for National Sport Day. The prudent decision had paid off and with a few hundred riyals more to spare, he was able to buy an extra basketball jersey and matching shorts.
The Asian national was among the many sports enthusiasts who signed up for the “3 on 3” games organised by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) held at the Katara Esplanade yesterday. With QR24,000 in prizes up for grabs, QBA technical secretary Essam Lotfy told Gulf Times 24 teams had signed up for the one-day sports event.
Despite strong and dusty winds, Lotfy said the weather failed to dampen the spirits of the players. “More than the prizes, everyone was looking forward to the games and enjoying the culture of sportsmanship espoused by National Sport Day,” he said.
Asked about the popularity of the sport, Lotfy said, “Right now, most people are still jubilant over the recently-concluded World Men’s Handball Championship games but I believe basketball is the second most popular sport in Qatar after football.”
This year’s event at Katara kicked-off in the presence of HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani and HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, and Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, director-general of the Cultural Village Foundation.
“Katara is a distinctive destination and esplanade for marking the National Sport Day by hosting more than 100 activities with the participation of 49 entities. This explains the significant turnout of visitors and their keenness to take part in the event,” the Minister of Economy and Commerce stressed.
Aside from the games, many visitors took advantage of the various fitness and gym equipment that were showcased during the event. Qgym’s Motaz el-Sherief said physical fitness equipment come in many forms and types, referring to a large tire used by mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes for stamina and strength building.
Khalid Abou Amine, founder and CEO of International Fitness Alliance, described the celebration of National Sport Day as an “appropriate occasion” to encourage more people to maintain a healthy lifestyle and “raise the standards of health and fitness.”
This was echoed by al-Sulaiti, who stressed, “Undoubtedly, culture and sports are prominent factors in our lives, which are the foundations of one’s mind, body and soul. These two factors have crucial and positive roles of spreading awareness and upgrading civilised thinking in the community.
“Sports and culture have fundamental roles in the advancement of civilisation and the illustration of the unity and harmony among people along with reinforcing the values of tolerance, love, and mutual respect.”
Minister al-Sada added, “Katara is a main tourist, cultural and family unique destination. We are lucky for seizing the opportunity to reserve this area of Katara for a significant participation in these festivities.”
Paul, a European national, was wearing a smile while watching his two sons, eight-year-old Aiden and 11-year-old Oliver, execute karate stances led by one of the instructors of Qatar Karate Federation (QKF).
“My sons were fortunate to join this group because the experience would teach them many values as well as boost their self-confidence,” he said.
Aside from karate, most of the events like the human foosball, gymnastics, beach volleyball and football, and mini golf, were instant crowd drawers, especially for families and kids. Also, many children took advantage of the playground and bouncing castle, as well as the camel and horse rides along the shoreline.