By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

There is a shortage of indoor recreational and sport activities venues in Doha, a cross-section of residents have observed. Though many want to spend their free time at such facilities, they are often crowded or fully occupied by regular players.

“The staff of a sports centre in Doha told us that their afternoon and evening schedules for bowling are already fully booked for one week,” a female Asian expatriate told Gulf Times.

Only a few people or sometimes none at all play in the morning and many of the slots are free, but the timing does not suit a vast majority of residents who work from 7am to 5pm.

"Bowling is a good option to stay physically active and fit, and could work very well as a group activity too," she suggested. In the absence of enough venues for indoor recreation, many residents end up going for mall walking, especially in the summer when the outside temperature and humidity are adverse.

“But, once we go to malls, there is a very high possibility of us ending up sitting down at a cafe to chat and eat, which is preferably not a good habit, especially if done regularly," the resident said.

Another group of expatriates who want play badminton just to lose weight shared the same sentiment. For Filipino expatriate Jeriel, playing badminton is one of the best indoor recreational activities to burn more calories.

However, in the past two years, he has not been able to find a good venue to play the sport with his friends and colleagues.

“If there is an indoor recreational centre with at least eight to 10 courts for badminton and table tennis, I believe a lot of people will come and play,” he added. “It will be a big hit for sure, provided the rates are affordable.”

Residents who had been looking for a venue to play badminton have posted similar posts and comments online and on social media.

One said the venue he visited was always crowded in the afternoon until evening all week. He tried to look for another facility but he said there was none.

“We also tried playing in some of the parks in Doha but guards told us it is prohibited,” he said. “I hope they will build more indoor facilities soon.”

One employee who also plays badminton back home opted to go to a gym instead. But he lamented that the fee is exorbitant, especially for an average income earners.

After a year, he stopped and shifted to table tennis in which he finds the strokes similar to badminton. Still, like other enthusiasts, he also had issues with the schedule.

“Good thing my friend who stays in a spacious place bought a table (tennis) recently,” he said. There are residents who visit some of the community schools in Doha and play with students and teachers.

Like badminton, bowling and table tennis enthusiasts, residents who are passionate about billiards also experience the same dilemma.

Since the main venue is fully booked until midnight, particularly on Thursdays, most of the players and families prefer to spend the evening either watching movies or in a mall.