Wednesday, February 13, 2019 19 NAtional Sport Day Thousands throng Aspire Zone HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani patronises Aspire activities, witnesses performance of Russian martial art Tribune News Network

The biggest annual sport festival in saw thou- sands of people descending on Aspire Zone Founda- tion’s (AZF) outdoor and indoor facilities to explore and enjoy the wide range of activities. This year, February is no longer just a month of sport as it has been crowned the month of sporting triumphs with Qatar’s historical vic- tory in the 2019 Asian Cup. In a 2019 exclusive, this year’s sporting festival was honoured by the presence of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Personal Representative of HH the Amir HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani at the Aspire Zone on Tuesday. Thani. Personal Representative of HH the Amir HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khal- Russian martial art ‘Sambo’ ifa al Thani also visited As- pire Zone, where he learned makes debut at Aspire Zone about Sambo – a Russian martial art – which was on display to the public on out- door football pitch no 10. He was joined by Ambas- sador of Russia to Qatar HE Nurmakhmad Kholov. AZF’s National Sport Day (NSD) celebrations were at- tended by more than 30,000 people of all ages. Qatar’s community members, fami- lies and children enjoyed 30 sporting events across Aspire’s world-class ven- ues: outdoor Football Pitch 10, and . Every corner of Aspire The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) hosted a successful Zone was occupied with a ‘Sambo’ Russian martial art event at Aspire Zone to mark Qa- sporting event. tar National Sport Day on Tuesday. The participants engaged in The activities begun interactive master-classes and workshops by the best Russian with the famous Fun Run. Sambo experts. The starting whistle was blown by Director-General of Aspire Logistics Abdul- pated in a walk around As- dom of the nation’s leaders of the country, the activities Academy is unique and dif- made by our graduates.” Chairman of AZF’s NSD lah Nasser al Naemi in the pire’s lake. in dedicating a national day of Aspire are very special. ferent from all the previous Aspetar’s Acting Direc- Organizing Committee presence of AZF’s CEO Mo- The 2-kilometre walk for sport. February is now On National Sport Day, As- editions because it coincides tor-General Dr Abdul Aziz al Nasser Abdullah al Hajiri hammed Khalifa al Suwaidi around the lake included linked to sport victories after pire literally turns into the with our celebrations with Kuwari said, “Aspetar staff said, “Aspire Zone today has who was accompanied by stops at various stations the amazing achievement of largest space for activities in the biggest victory in the his- work behind the scene to become a beehive serving hundreds of running enthu- along the walk-pathway at our national football team, the country, attracting more tory of sport in Qatar, the help sport stars to perform the Qatari community. Yet siasts. which the officials conduct- which was led by Aspire than 30,000 participants wining of the Asian Cup led at their best and allow them again, it has opened its doors The Fun Run covered 3 ed exercises that were led by academy graduates. this year.” by graduates of Aspire Acad- to unlock their potential. We and facilities to all members kilometres around Khalifa professional trainers from Naemi said, “This day is Deputy Director-General emy. Everyone now wants to are not only providing sup- of the community to learn International Stadium. Aspire Active. the biggest sport festival in of Ali Salem explore the academy and its port to world-class athletes, about its capabilities and ex- Following the Fun Run, Suwaidi said, “This year, Qatar. Although this day is Afifa said, “This year, the programs and get to know we are also raising people’s pertise, which are unrivalled Aspire Zone’s staff partici- we can clearly see the wis- celebrated in every corner National Sport Day at Aspire the secret of the achievement awareness about health.” anywhere in the world.” MIA Park plays host to FM takes part in MoFA celebrations THE Ministry of Foreign Af- fairs (MoFA) organised on 40 sporting activities Tuesday a number of activities to mark Qatar National Sport Day, with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Ab- dulrahman al Thani, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al Muraikhi, Secretary-General of MoFA HE Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al Hammadi, several diplomats and heads of diplomatic mis- sions, ministers, officials and their families. Held at the Diplomatic Club, the event featured a va- riety of sports such as football, volleyball, table tennis, biking, as well as some popular herit- age sports and social, cultural and entertainment activities. The ministry’s participa- Hisham Aljundi were available to instruct partici- Qatari flags toured Corniche and en- tion in Sport Day reflects its Doha pants on the sport. couraged visitors to practise cycling keenness to raise awareness Other activities included a daily to keep fit. on the importance of sports THE Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) marathon race along the Corniche Trying out a bicycle with his in developing individuals and Park wore a festive look on Tuesday and many other games for adults 4-year-old son, Indian expat communities and a kind of di- as it swarmed with sports enthu- and children that involved all fam- Pramod said, “I love cycling and am plomacy that brings peoples siasts engaging in a wide variety of ily members. very happy that Qatar has dedicated closer. (QNA) sporting and fitness activities as part People started to arrive at the tracks for cyclists on its newly built of Sport Day celebrations. park in the early hours of the day streets. I am planning to buy a bicy- Sponsored by Ooredoo, the park and participated in the open-air cle soon.” hosted more than 40 sporting ac- games there enjoying the fresh, sun- Various government institu- Chief of Staff attends Sport Day events tivities including a variety of games ny weather. tions and others from the private and competitions meant for families There were also some free games sector offered a range of services during the day-long event. for children as well as a mini train to the public at their stalls. The aim Some new games were also in- ride and a carousel for their fun. was to boost the culture of sport troduced at the park such as saber Besides, the events included cy- and help people maintain a healthy (fencing). Professional trainers cling in which several residents with lifestyle.

Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces HE Major General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al Ghanem participated in Qatar (Photographs by Jalal Pathiyoor) National Sport Day events on Tuesday.