Tiny gulf nation Qatar emerges as real champion

Vinay Nayudu | NT

Doha, Qatar: As if it was destined as a reward for all the hardwork for the organsiers of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the mega sporting extravaganza culminated with an incredible final – something of a rare phenomenon.

The World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar was as enchanting and exciting just as the first tournament of the Middle East and North Africa region was. Flawless and pristine, it wowed over a million of fans who travelled to the Arab host nation from all over the world and the billions who watched from every corner of the globe.

All attempts to stall and sully the host’s image fell in a trice as football lovers fell in love with Doha and Qatar, and its wonderful staging of a great World Cup – ‘Best ever’ as it was meant to be since Qatar bagged the rights way back in 2010. For the ‘privileged world’ it was something indigestible - and unbelievable in the end that Qatar could produce such a fabulous and flawless show.

The ‘tiny Gulf and oil-rich nation’ as they love to describe it, punched way above its weight showcasing true Arabic culture and true host quality for its guests. For the record, Qatar hosted the most compact edition of a FIFA World Cup in modern history, with fans revelling in the opportunity to see and attend four matches a day during the early stages of the tournament. During the length of 29 days, Qatar welcomed more than 1.4 million fans to the country.

While they enjoyed exciting football on the pitch, Qatar also hosted a vast number of entertainment events across the country, including the FIFA Fan Festival which welcomed more than 1.8 million visitors.

The many tourist attractions also provided an opportunity for fans and visitors to celebrate their shared love of football in what proved to be a beautiful exchange of cultures. Nasser Al Khater, CEO, of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, fittingly remarked, “When fans across the globe look back on Qatar 2022, they will remember exciting action on the pitch, fantastic stadiums and a memorable fan experience.

We delivered our mission to host a joyous celebration of the most popular sport on the planet – one where fans united through their shared passion for football. We are proud to have hosted the most compact, innovative and family-friendly FIFA World Cup ever.”

It would indeed be a very satisfying feeling for the organisers who had been taking hits and impediments especially from the western media which kept picking on one issue or the other in an attempt to paint Qatar as unworthy.

From the ‘heat’ (it actually was cold in December) to migrant workers, to gay rights it seemed Qatar was responsible for all of world’s worries just because of football. It all proved to be a hogwash in the end with players, officials and the common fan on the street giving their thumbs up to a memorable experience.

Hassan Al Thawadi, SecretaryGeneral of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) – the tournament delivering body in Qatar, and Chairman, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said, “Qatar is incredibly proud to have hosted a landmark and unforgettable edition of the FIFA World Cup. It has inspired billions of people across the Middle East, Arab world and globally.

Through football, we have bridged the gap between East and West and showcased the very best of our people and culture. The social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits of hosting this magnificent tournament will be felt for decades to come.” Indeed, the change is visible too.

The rise of Morocco as a football team and the coming together of Africa and Arab nations in its success has been an indication itself.From Iranian women fans to the thousands of Moroccons, Brazilians and Argentinians who swarmed the streets and stadiums in Qatar, the tagline ‘Expect Amazing’ of the organisers was truly delivered.

It’s also a salute to the great football of Messi, Mbappe, Ronaldo, Neymar and Lewandowski – the big stars among the many, many who simply mesmerized the lovers of this great sport across the planet.