The National Sport Day (NSD) celebrations not only provided an opportunity for people to burn calories but also served as “a much-needed break” for thousands of 'single' workers and bachelors.

Walking in groups, workers from various labour camps across the Qatar trooped to the Corniche to spend the holiday with their colleagues and friends going from one place to another.

The whole stretch on Tuesday was packed with a large number of people since early morning, spilling over to nearby Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art Park.

“There is no need to exercise today because we already sweat a lot during the weekdays,” said Mark Pamatong, a Filipino worker. He was joined by a number of Indians and Nepalis.

Pamatong said they skipped their regular chats with their families at least for today to find time to bond and visit some places.

The group, who brought some bread and tea, stopped at an area where they could see the dhows, the Doha skyline and museum where Ooredoo was holding NSD events.

“We love to stay in these places to relax and enjoy the weather. We have to make most out of it before summer sets in,” stressed Pamatong, who refuses to go to the park.

“We terribly missed our families and to see other children playing in those playgrounds just makes things more painful for us,” he added. “Somehow, we are thankful to have a holiday even just for a day.”

From 4pm, the number of bachelors on the Corniche started to decrease. Pamatong said they have to leave and reach their accommodations before 7pm.

“We have to wake up early and work hard again for our families and children,” he added, as he put his headset on.