An Unforgettable Day at the National Sports Day in Qatar: An Italian Perspective

By Mario Figlioli for Kulassa, featured in Italian Gaze: Discovering Qatar

I want to share with you an experience that has significantly enriched my life here in Qatar: National Sports Day. This celebration, which I had the pleasure of experiencing a few weeks ago, has left an indelible mark on my heart, demonstrating how deeply sport is rooted in Qatari culture and society.

National Sports Day in Qatar is not just an event, but a national holiday dedicated to sports and well-being, celebrated for the first time on February 14, 2012. The initiative, desired by the Vice Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, aims to promote an active lifestyle and strengthen the country’s social fabric. This day transforms parks, beaches, and open spaces into true sports arenas, offering everyone the chance to practice their favorite physical activity. For me, a fitness and martial arts enthusiast, it was the perfect opportunity to train on the beach, enjoying the energy and stimulating spirit that only Qatar can offer.

Sports Day presents itself as a grand open day of sports, making every discipline accessible to the public. The activities, taking place in both traditional and unusual locations, transform the entire country into a gigantic sports stage, offering everyone, regardless of age, the chance to try, learn, and have fun.

But Sports Day goes beyond mere sports practice. It’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in Qatari culture through traditional dishes, music, and dances, promoting not only physical well-being but also social cohesion. Families and friends come together to share moments of joy and fun, creating unforgettable memories.

This year, under the slogan “The Choice is Yours,” I was able to witness Qatar’s commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. With the participation of about 250 entities, the program was rich in activities for all tastes: from golf to yoga, from martial arts to running races, ensuring there was never a dull moment.

National Sports Day reminded me of the importance of sport in our lives, not just for physical well-being, but also for the values it promotes: respect, dedication, and team spirit. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of taking care of one’s health.

Living National Sports Day in Qatar was a unique experience that allowed me to appreciate this country I now call home even more. It was an eloquent demonstration of how sports can unite people, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers, and how Qatar is at the forefront of promoting a message of health, happiness, and unity through sports.

Writing for Italian Gaze gives me the opportunity to share these unique experiences, offering an Italian perspective on Qatar: a country that continues to surprise me and teach me the value of community, sports, and well-being.