| Issue 4
plans for the 2022 World Cup. We are increasing
training and organising friendly matches, fostering a
high performance culture, providing a comprehensive
performance analysis system and providing periodic
training courses to referees, coaches, club officials, and
players on the rules of the game to ensure our national
team has what it takes to compete.”
Al Ansari previously headed operations at the QNB
Stars League, which has attracted talent such as Xavi
Hernandez and Wesley Sneijder.
He says: “Having names such as Hernandez and Sneijder
shows just how much the league has developed over the
years. These are world-known players that can exchange
their knowledge and expertise with our local players and
help bring the competition level of the league to a higher
level. Having them definitely gives the league a great
reputation amongst other leagues in the region and
the continent.”
More widely, he sees that sport is central to Qatar’s
future. He explains: “Qatar has made a name for itself
at the local, regional and international sports scene.
Academy was set up to discover and develop the best
Qatari athletes in all sports, and is a prime source of
new talent for the national teams.
Indeed, the Aspire football program has been a
resounding success, with all players on the Qatar U-19
national team that won the AFC U-19 Championship in
Myanmar, and qualified for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World
Cup in New Zealand, coming from the Academy.
At the same time, Aspetar plays a significant role in the
performance aspect of all the players. Al Ansari says:
“It has been instrumental in improving the fitness and
performance levels for many athletes over the years.
“Aspetar has established itself as a leading specialised
orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and the very
first in the Gulf region.”
Together, all these parts should come together as a
recipe for sporting success. Al Ansari says: “The entire
football ecosystem which has been set up in Qatar works
seamlessly in the development and improvement of the
sport and the athletes.”
“We have a day in the year on which the whole country
has a public holiday to take part in their favourite sport.
The National Sport Day is dedicated to ensuring that the
whole population has the opportunity to adopt a healthy
lifestyle through sports. QNB Stars League
“Our country’s 2030 vision places special emphasis on
sports and the importance of having an increased sports
participation within the local community.” • Launched in 1972
To this end, the QFA runs many social responsibility
initiatives, community-specific leagues, and grassroots
programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle for all Qataris.
The Association also works with world-renowned
institutions such as Aspire and Aspetar. The Aspire
46
• The top professional football
league in Qatar
• Comprises 12 teams
• All-time most championships
won: Al Sadd SC with
13 titles
• Overseas players: 103,
or 22% of the 12 squads