The cold, overcast UK weather did not dampen the spirits of Qatar embassy staff, diplomats and students who played energetic football to mark the Qatar National Sport Day at an outdoor complex in south London on Tuesday. For the ladies there was a chance to play netball.
Qatar ambassador to the UK, Yousef Ali al-Khater talked to Gulf Times at the half –time break. He emphasised that it is important to exercise on a regular basis to build long-term good health. “We need to put this in the mind of everyone; this is not just one day in the year – it should be part of every day in your life to keep fit and healthy,” he said.
Al-Khater noted that today’s lifestyle is too sedentary with negative health implications. “Watching TV, sitting on the couch with the phone in your hand – the way of life is too passive - the human body needs energy and needs to be moved all the time.”
He makes a point of building time for exercise into his daily schedule. “I take at least an hour for walking and if I have time I will run for a couple of kilometres to keep the body healthy. I have in my phone an App that tells me how many kilometres I cover every day,” he explained.
Qatar is the first country in the world to have a National Sport Day with the aim of motivating the whole population to participate in exercise.
Cultural attache Mohamed al-Ka’abi, who used to play in the Qatar National Youth Football Team until injuries to both his knees put paid to his playing days is a strong believer in the importance of exercise. “From my experience I would advise everyone to run or go to the gym or do any activity because the real riches in life are not money but your health – to be fit and to be strong,” he said.
He added that the National Sport Day was also a great opportunity for colleagues to get to know each other in a social context.
“The aim of this day is not just for sport but to socialise and build the team. It’s nice to meet up with people from the different departments,” he said.
He laughed when he noted the difference between the weather in the UK and Qatar. “The weather of course is beautiful now in Qatar; not like here where the weather is freezing. But when you do sport you get warm!”
MBA student Jassim al-Attiyah said he had enjoyed taking on the embassy team. “It was a great game. We were proud to play with the military attache’s team which won the game against the embassy team,” he said.
Despite his delight in being in the winning team, he added: “In the end it is about participating and sportsmanship.”