Tribune News Network
Doha
In the presence of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, the activities of Qatar National Sport Day 2026 kicked off on Tuesday morning, February 10, under the slogan “I Chose Sport”. The event witnessed wide participation from governmental and non-governmental entities, within a program aimed at promoting sport as a daily lifestyle and raising awareness of the importance of physical activity for all segments of society. The celebration came as part of the cooperation between the Qatar Olympic Committee and several national sports federations, coinciding with the annual National Sport Day held in Qatar on the second Tuesday of February to encourage physical activity and community engagement in sports.
The Qatar Basketball Federation was among the most prominent participants in this edition, organizing a comprehensive set of sporting and interactive activities that drew large crowds of citizens and residents.
Events were held across multiple venues nationwide, most notably Al Adaam Village at Al Saad Square in Lusail, alongside the Qatar Olympic Committee’s hosting of the second edition of the Half Marathon 2026. Other venues included Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum Park, Oxygen Park, Al Bidda Park, Stadium 974, and Aspire Park, offering opportunities for all age groups to participate and engage in sports activities.
The event at Al Adaam Village in Lusail featured the participation of Qatar’s Olympic and world high jump champion Mutaz Barshim, adding excitement and enthusiasm among the crowds. Special focus was placed on 3×3 basketball competitions, where the Federation provided fans with the chance to learn the basics of the game and develop skills under the supervision of the national teams’ technical staff for both men and women. This offered children and youth an enjoyable interactive learning experience, while professional competitions added a motivational touch for participating teams across the venues.
On the occasion, Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, stated: “National Sport Day is an important milestone to strengthen sports culture and encourage individuals to adopt an active lifestyle. Our participation this year through basketball competitions, open activities, and the Half Marathon aims to integrate sport into everyone’s daily life and highlight the importance of physical and healthy activity for all groups.”
Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Federation and Director of National Teams, said: “We are keen to provide interactive activities open to all, to introduce the public to the values of basketball and teamwork, and to build skills among youth and children. National Sport Day is an ideal opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our national teams and inspire the community to engage in sports, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to promote health and community activity.”
The participation of the Qatar Basketball Federation in this national event comes at a crucial preparatory stage, as Qatar gears up to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa. This reflects Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its position on the international sports stage, affirming the role of sport in sustainable community development, and enhancing active participation of all segments of society in sports and healthy recreation.
It is worth noting that Qatar celebrated its first National Sport Day in February 2012, following the issuance of Amiri Decision No. (80) of 2011, which designated the second Tuesday of February each year as National Sport Day. On this day, ministries, government agencies, and public institutions organize sports activities for employees and their families to raise awareness of the importance of sport and its role in the lives of individuals and communities.
Qatar is considered a regional and global pioneer in organizing National Sport Day, given the significance of this event for both individuals and society, and the health, social, and humanitarian dimensions it embodies, reflecting the country’s belief in sport as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development.
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