Qatar is looking forward to hosting the first World Cup in the Middle East, according to H.E. Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. The event provides an opportunity to bridge cultural gaps through the common celebration of sport. Reshmin Chowdhury, Broadcaster and Journalist for Eurosport, noted that the world has changed in the dozen years since the berth was awarded and wondered how the country’s vision has changed. Al-Thawadi explained that it was important to bring people together to celebrate our common humanity. As the first major global sporting event in the COVID era, Qatar hopes to welcome and provide hospitality to visitors from around the world.
Chowdhury pushed on some reported issues including labor infractions and concern from the LGBTQ community. Al-Thawadi explained that the government welcomed criticism and harnessed the transformational power of the opportunity to implement reforms that serve as a benchmark for the country and the wider region. He continued that everyone is welcome to the tournament, which Qatar expects to be an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate differences and learn from one another with respect. Moving on to infrastructure, Chowdhury asked what will happen to the venues after the event. Al-Thawadi explained that everything was built with legacy and community in mind. Stadiums were built modularly while infrastructure was accelerated, looking ahead to potentially hosting other major sporting events like the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
“Football bridges cultural gaps to create a common celebration.”
H.E. Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
“It’s always about embracing the commonalities.”
Reshmin Chowdhury, Broadcaster & Journalist, Eurosport
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