Qatar will be bustling with sports activities

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1 FEBRUARY 13, 2018

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4 4 Qatar will be bustling with sports activities as thousands of citizens and residents throng various locations to mark the seventh edition of National Sport Day aimed at raising awareness on the important role sports play in the society. National Sport Day was introduced by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani through Emiri Decision No. 80 of 2011 declaring the second Tuesday of February annually to be National Sport Day to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle and promote sports among the population. A plethora of sports and health and fitness activities will be held across various locations. The government and private sector companies organise scores of activities and events for employees and the general public to mark the event. Over a dozen activities are also in store for residents in Al Khor and Al Wakrah. Leading supermarkets, hypermarkets, malls and stores are doing brisk business and are witnessing huge rush to buy sport collectibles. Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is organising more than 20 thrilling sporting activities for community members of all ages to mark the celebration. This year s celebration in Aspire Zone, spread across it s world-class outdoor and indoor facilities, is expected to be one of the biggest in the country. Qatar s firstever Dodgeball competition will be held in Aspire Zone. This year, Dodgeball joins the wide range of activities that visitors have come to expect from AZF. The event will begin at 9am and will continue till 3pm. It takes place on Football Pitch 10. In collaboration with the Japanese Embassy in Qatar, AZF is bringing back the Japanese Kendo demonstrations. Kendo is one of the world s oldest martial arts which found its roots in Japan. Visitors will not only get to watch these exciting performances, but will also be able to take part in them from 9am to 1pm on Aspire Zone s football Pitch 10. Aspire Activities galore on National Sport Day Dome, the world s largest indoor multi-purpose arena, will house a variety of activities for families and friends. Aspire Dome s diverse and challenging activities attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Fun Run race, one of the most popular events in AZF s NSD programme in previous years, is back by popular demand and will be open to all members of the community, including men, women, families, children and persons with special needs. The race comprises a 2.5km course around Khalifa International Stadium. The Katara Cultural Village is set to receive thousands of visitors. A total 62 entities including 11 Ministries, 14 health institutions and 10 food companies will take part in the activities. Ten sports federations including boxing, wrestling, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, rugby, kayaking etc would participate in Sport Day activities at Katara. Many ministries, government bodies, companies and institutions would also hold their activities and provide various sports opportunities suitable for all ages, in addition to the participation of 24 health and food institutions and companies which would provide free counseling and other services to the visitors. Also, 50 hotels across Qatar will be offering attractive packages from February 12 to 14 in celebration of National Sport Day. This year, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) partnered with hotels from across the and 5-star categories which will offer various packages designed to promote healthy lifestyles among residents and visitors of all ages, including free access to hotel gyms, discounts on gym memberships of up to 50%, and free gym classes. Foodies can also enjoy healthy buffets at special prices, while those seeking a stay can avail of a bed-and-healthy-breakfast at attractive rates for the duration of the offer. The Qatar Olympic Committee will join forces with a number of its National Federations to offer the public a wide programme of sporting activity, including a unique Team Qatar Sport Village. Sports on offer will include activities ranging from basketball, gymnastics and athletics to taekwondo and weightlifting with the public simply needing to turn up at Aspire Park between 8.30am and 4pm on the day to get involved. The Qatar Football Association (QFA) too has completed its preparations for this year s National Sports Day this year by organising several events and activities in partnership with different local entities and organisations. The Qatar football family, which includes the QFA, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the Qatar Stars League (QSL), are collaborating once again to organise a staff football tournament at Aspire and will see teams from the football family compete for the title in a fun and non-competitive environment. Qatar is the only country in the world to dedicate a public holiday to mark this day and a colossal participation from people makes it a huge success every year. The National Sport Day has played a major role in making Qatar a major sporting nation in the world. CHAIRMAN Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid M. Al-Shafi ACTING MANAGING EDITOR Mohammed Salim Mohamed ADVERTISING MANAGER Ali Wahba COVER / DESIGN Abraham Augusthy

5 5 If we go with the words of Hannah Green, a well-known American author, Health is not simply the absence of sickness, clearly indicates that just because you are not ill, does not mean that you are completely healthy. At times, we feel that we are totally fit and fine, but there are things that we might have overlooked. Sometimes, there are symptoms that we ignore, just because they are not hampering our daily routine. It is unless and until we are bothered by something, we pay attention to it. Majority of us do the same in case of our health. Busy lives and hectic schedules are the major reasons so as to why we fail to notice our fitness issues. However, following some simple tips and keeping a few important factors in mind, one can improve and focus better on his overall health. Let s have a look: 1. Try to drink plenty of water Top 10 best fitness tips of all time and other fluids in your daily routine, as it helps in keeping your body optimally hydrated. 2. Performing a few light exercises such as walking, aerobics, a few push ups, early in the morning can help you remain fresh all the day. 3. For those who want to get toned body, can go for high-intensity cardio and strength improving exercises. However, the intensity, frequency and duration of workout should be in accordance with your physical capabilities. 4. After you workout, make sure your body gets adequate nutrition within 30 minutes. Recovery drinks such as protein shakes can be much useful. Moreover, give your body time to rest and recover after exercising. 5. Communicate your ideas and thoughts with someone you feel comfortable with. This will help you in gaining positivity and you will feel more confident than ever. 6. Try to adopt proper eating habits in your daily routines. Make sure you are consuming fresh eatables every time and avoid processed foods. You meals should be small and frequent. 7. Control the caloric intake in your daily life. Try to eat foods having low glycemic index, so that your sugar levels do not rise abruptly. 8. Keep yourself away from stress and anger. Practice yoga or meditation for a few minutes, to relax your mind and body. 9. Make a routine and set your deadlines to achieve certain health targets. This is an effective way to remain focused and productive. 10. Try to add small changes in your fitness routine, as it will help you in maintaining your interest and will keep you motivated. You can shift from one set of exercises to other level or try new varieties of nutritional foods. True fitness is only achieved when you are healthy from both your mind and body. No matter what sort of efforts you are making for your health; make sure you are doing it with absolute dedication. Plan out today!

6 6 Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is organising more than 20 thrilling sporting activities for community members of all ages to mark its seventh National Sport Day celebration. This year s celebration in Aspire Zone, spread across it s world-class outdoor and indoor facilities, is expected to be one of the biggest in the country. Speaking about this year s programme, Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri, Chairman of the NSD Organising Committee at AZF, said: The team at AZF has worked tirelessly to organise a range of unique and thrilling family-oriented sporting activities designed to create an ideal sporting atmosphere in a family-friendly environment. This year s programme offers the perfect blend of sports and family fun that ll bring local community members of all ages together to create memorable experiences. Our seventh National Sport Day celebration builds on AZF s ongoing efforts all year round to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among the people in Qatar in line with the Qatar National Vision Qatar s first-ever Dodgeball competition will be held in Aspire Zone. This year, Dodgeball joins the wide range of activities that visitors have come to expect from AZF. The event will begin at 9am and will continue till 3pm. It will take place on Football Pitch No , he added. Qatar s first-ever Dodgeball competition will be held in Aspire Zone. This year, Dodgeball joins the wide range of activities that visitors have come to expect from AZF. The event will begin at 9am and will continue till 3pm. It will take place on Football Pitch No. 10. In collaboration with the Japanese Embassy in Qatar, AZF is bringing back the Japanese Kendo demonstrations. Kendo is one of the world s oldest martial arts which found its roots in Japan. Visitors will not only get to watch these exciting performances, but will also be able to take part in them from 9am to 1pm on Aspire Zone s football Pitch 10. Meanwhile, the Nordic Walk will take place from 11am at Aspetar s West Wing. Nordic Walking is a form of exercise whereby participants use especially designed poles. Thanks to its low-impact nature, the activity can be enjoyed by non-athletes of all ages. Other activities organised especially for children on Pitch 10 from 9am to 3pm include Boot camp and Telematch competitions, 5-a-side tournaments, football, martial arts and slack line skills demonstrations. Face-painting, arts and crafts, Maize cones, a skipping rope and obstacle courses will also be set up in Pitch 10 from 8.30am to 12pm. Aspire Dome, the world s largest indoor multi-purpose arena, will house a variety of activities for families and friends. Aspire Dome s diverse and challenging activities attracts thousands of visitors each year. Sprinting, hammer throwing and vertical jumps will be organised from 10am to 4pm at Aspire Dome s Indoor Athletics Track. Whilst football skills demonstrations activities will take place in the Indoor Football Pitch. A set of entertaining multiskill activities in will be organised for little boys from 10am to 4pm in the Multipurpose Hall 01, whilst young girls can enjoy racket sports and gymnastic circuits activities in the Multipurpose Hall 02 from 10am to 1pm. A series of Team Building exercises that foster teamwork and cooperation will also be organised from 10am to 3pm at the Gymnastics Hall. The Fun Run race, one of the most popular events in AZF s NSD programme in previous years, is back by popular demand and will be open to all members of the community, including men, women, families, children and persons with special needs. The race comprises a 2.5km course around Khalifa International Stadium. Registration for the race will begin at 6.30am and will last until 7.30am. The race will then start at 8am in the designated area between Khalifa International Stadium and the Torch Hotel. 20 thrilling sporting activities at AZF

7 7 Drink water and stay healthy It doesn t matter how many healthy lifestyle choices you make, what you do postworkout could cause weight gain just as easily as maintaining weight or losing it. There are habits that can help you with your weight loss and fitness goals before and after workouts. If the number on your scale keeps increasing when you re exercising regularly and you don t know why, consider these postworkout habits that cause weight gain and learn how to kick these habits to succeed Not Drinking Water: Dehydration is a common issue among athletes and health enthusiasts because of how it can impact your physical abilities and fitness goals, not to mention the avoidable but serious health risks. Your body sweats out a lot of water during your workout and you need to replenish. With the way water can affect your body and health, it s not surprising that skipping hydrating post-workout is a bad habit that can cause weight gain. Water affects how your muscles function and your body needs it to work properly. Not drinking water can cause you to store fat that should be burned instead. Being thirsty is also often confused with being hungry, so when you don t drink enough water after your workout you can end up eating way too much and gain weight. Feelings of hunger can go on for hours when you re not hydrated. The more you eat when you don t need it, the more chance you have seeing the number on the scale rise. Your best bet is to stay hydrated all the time, including before and after workouts. Calorie Overload: What and how much you eat after a workout matters. Most people know that protein and carbs are a good choice for the post-workout ritual. Instead of automatically eating the amount of calories you just burned right after, your best bet to refuel is to choose low-fat snacks with carbs and protein. You could also go for foods with fiber to help you stay full for longer while also meeting the needs of your body post-workout. Not Eating: While what you eat post-workout can cause weight gain, what you don t eat can do the same. Not getting enough calories after working your body hard can actually increase fat storage. Your muscles will also suffer because your body needs fuel to keep you strong and your muscles healthy. Eating carbs and protein post-workout helps with muscle development. Muscle plays an important role in losing weight because it impacts your metabolism. The more muscle you develop and the good habits you employ before, during and after a workout, the higher your metabolism will be.

8 8 The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) will join forces with a number of its National Federations to offer the public a wide programme of sporting activity in celebration of National Sport Day, including a unique Team Qatar Sport Village. The seventh edition of the special day, which has been emulated across the region since its introduction by Qatar in 2012, will see exciting sporting activities offered for all ages and abilities at the stunning Aspire Park, with the public encouraged to try new sports or pick up old ones. Sports on offer will include activities ranging from basketball, gymnastics and athletics to taekwondo and weightlifting with the public simply needing to turn up at Aspire Park between 8.30am and 4pm on the day to get involved. QOC Secretary General Jassim Al Buenain said: We can t wait for National Sport Day! This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with 12 federations organising activities that will give everyone the opportunity to have a go at sport. When we say everyone we really do mean it! This is a day for all ages, all abilities and all our people to come together and enjoy the thrill of being active. Whilst festivities like this are rooted in a desire to provide a fun and informal environment for all those who want to take part, they are also extremely important if we are to nurture our next generation of superstars. That s why this year we will also be joined by Team Qatar s very best athletes who will show the way and support everyone who puts their hand up to give a sport a go. The 14 National sporting federations to form the Team Qatar Sport Village will include Gymnastics, Athletics, Weightlifting, Basketball, Judo, Taekwondo, Hockey, Tennis, Sailing, Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling, Golf, Table Tennis, Volleyball and School Sports. All federations will be organising taster sessions and demonstrations, providing an opportunity for the public to be active and discover hidden talents. The Gymnastics Federation will be focal to all activations on NSD in a bid to inspire more young people to get excited and inspired by the sport. Team Qatar s Ahmed Nabil will be on hand to meet the public and share his experiences for a chance to educate and spread the sport of gymnastics. Further Team Qatar Olympic heroes will be joining in the Aspire Park NSD celebrations to share their experiences and advice with everyone, as the nation come together for a seventh consecutive year to participate in and enjoy sport. Other National federations are also holding their activities across Qatar on NSD. The public are able to try out shooting at an Team Qatar Sport Village ready to add colour open day at Lusail Shooting Range, golf activities will be taking place at Katara, together with handball, equestrian, rowing, cycling, triathlon, air sports, karate and rugby activities. A swimming open day will also be taking place in Hamad Aquatic Centre, while Qatar Women s Sport Committee will hold its activities at its premises in Al Waab. 62 entities line up activities at Katara The Katara Cultural Village is set to receive thousands of visitors who will attend the seventh edition of the National Sport Day in which around 62 public and private sector organisations will participate. Alongside thousands of people, a number of Ministries, sports federations, public and private institutions and companies will participate in Sport Day activities at Katara. A total of 62 entities including 10 sports federations, 11 Ministries, 14 health institutions and 10 food companies will take part in the activities. Katara s preparations for the Sport Day are complete and Katara would open its playgrounds, facilities and beach for young and adults of all nationalities to play their favourite games. The 7th edition of the NSD at Katara focuses on community participation which allows participation of all segments of society whether general public, athletes, children, women or persons with special needs. The move was in line with Katara s efforts to spread sports awareness, promote healthy lifestyles and achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which has made sport a vital part of the lives of every individual living in Qatar. For public there will arrangements for medical examinations and health advices. In all, 10 sports federations including boxing, wrestling, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, rugby, kayaking etc would participate in Sport Day activities at Katara in addition to 24 health and food institutions and companies which would provide free counseling and other services to the visitors.

9 9 Shining performances all over the world Chinthana Wasala Qatar taking giant strides towards becoming a global sports hub. With the country playing host to number of global sports extravaganzas in the recent years, Qatar is gearing up for more. This year, FIG Artistic World Gymnastics Championships will be held in Doha and the global track and field stars will be here for the IAAF World Championships next year. The Qatar FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever sports gala the Middle East will witness. In 2023, the FINA World Championships will take place in Doha while a number of other international events are also lined up. The Qatari athletes are already making vast strides in the global arena, making Qatar s presence felt in major competitions. This year has been no exemption so far and it has been a memorable one for Qatar. ASIAN HANDBALL TITLE TRIUMPH IN SOUTH KOREA The sporting glory witnessed during the month of January includes Qatar s title-triumph at Asian Handball Championship in South Korea. In the final they defeated Bahrain and, in doing so the handball giants also qualified for the 2019 World Championship to be held in Germany and Denmark. It was the third straight title win for Qataras they also clinched titles in 2014 and 2016 by beating the same opponents in the finals. QATAR OLYMPIC TEAM EARNS THIRD SPOT Two days before that Qatar notched their third successive Asian title in handball, the Qatar s Olympic squad stunned a strong Korean Republic side 1-0 to seal the third position at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Football Tournament in China. Qatar relied on the strike from attacking winger AkramAfif to secure third-place finish at the 16-team tournament. At the same event held in Doha in 2016, hosts Qatar ended the tournament in fourth place. Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatar impressed pundits with their attacking brand of football. Feared striker Almoez Ali emerged as the Golden Boot winner, netting six goals. Star striker finished the hugely popular tournament with three strikes to his name. Meanwhile, Qatari giants Al Gharafa shocked Uzbek powerhouse Pakhtakor 2-1 to secure a Group Stage berth at this year s AFC Champions League on January 30, the biggest football competition in the continent. Dutch star and team captain Wesley Sneijder and team-mate DiogoAmodowere on target as Al Gharafa became the fourth Qatar club to feature at the AFC Champions League. The other sides are Al Duhail, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. AL ATTIYAH CONTINUES TO SPARKLE In motorsport, Qatar s multitalented sports icon, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah became the runner up of the 40th Dakar Rally on January 20. The two-time Dakar champion was part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA during the gruelling 14-stage rally which covered more than 9,000 kilometres from Peru to Argentina. BARSHIM S AHCIEVEMENTS LEAD FABULOUS 2017 Qatari sportsmen and women were successful in brining glory last year too. The year was studded with a number of achievements with Qatar s gravity defying Mutaz Essa Barshim stealing the limelight with several honours. The Olympic silver medallist Barshim emerged as high jump world champion at the London 2017 Games before becoming the champion of the 2017 Diamond League after winning the first place in the five rounds (Doha, Shanghai, Oslo, Birmingham and Zurich).

10 10 Barshim won the 2017 Best Athlete of Asia Award, presented by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), and these achievements resulted in him being named International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) male Athlete-of-the-Year. It was the first time in history that a high jumper won the coveted IAAF award. World Championships in London also witnessed the excellence of the runner Abdalelah Haroun who won the bronze medal in 400 meters. FARES SILVER MEDAL AT WORLDS IN THE US The promising Qatari weightlifter Fares Ibrahim accomplished various achievements in 2017, most notably two gold and one silver medals at the Junior World Championships in Tokyo and two gold and one silver medals at the Asian Youth Championships in Nepal. Additionally, Fares won a 94 kg silver at the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, California in early December. RICH MEDAL HAUL AT GAMES Qatar participated in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan s capital of Ashgabat, and managed to land 11 different medals; four gold, four silver and three bronze. Additionally, Qatar participated in the Islamic Solidarity Games in Azerbaijan s capital of Baku and won 12 different medals; two gold, three silver and seven bronze medals. Other outstanding accomplishments were the achievements of the special needs team who won two gold, two silver and one bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017 in Ramsau, Austria. Furthermore, the special needs team won a gold and a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Championships in London. The beach volleyball team won four out of five Asian championships in 2017: Bara Master in Satun in Thailand, Qatar Masters in Doha, Grand Osaka in Japan and South Sumatra in Indonesia. The team also won the 26th edition of the Arab championship in Oman. The beach handball team won the sixth Asian championship in Thailand and qualified for the 2018 World Championship in Russia and achieved the bronze medal at the 10th World Games in Wroclaw, Poland. This year, State of Qatar will host more than 80 local, continental and international competitions in different games, affirming their importance in the global sports calendar and confirming the great position the country has reached as a capital for sports in the world. It is no secret that the National Sports Day is one of the driving forces behind Qatar s vision to become a powerful sporting nation in the world.

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