Qatar Citizens and Residents Vow Fitness Training on National Sports Day

Doha, February 12 (QNA) - A section of citizens and residents who swapped traditional and corporate attire with track suits, bermudas and sneakers to participate in Qatar National Sports Day (NSD) events on Tuesday vowed to regularly pursue a fitness and healthy diet programme. Thousands of people turned at the NSD hubs designated either by the organising committee or various government ministries, public and private sectors all over Qatar to participate in various sports events organised for all age groups. Citizens and Qatar's multi-national expatriate population headed to hot spots like the Corniche, Aspire Zone, Katara Village, West Bay, Al Bida Park, the Museum, sports stadia spread over from Doha, to Al Wakra, Al Gharafa, Al Khor and Mesaieed and participated in exercises from walking, jogging, running or engaged in day-long football, volleyball, handball, cricket, table tennis, tennis and traditional games. Although most people preferred to participate in events organised by their respective organisations, companies or sports associations, popular hubs like the Corniche and Aspire Zone and sports stadia drew maximum attendance. Doha Corniche was a sea of humanity with participants as young as three years to 70 plus either walking briskly or jogging along the seven-kilometer long promenade. Some of the participants from Sidra Medical and Research Center (SMRC) who had thronged at the Corniche told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that "this is not going to be just a one-day event" and they would "start a fitness training regimen and involve all members of their families". Other vowed to follow a healthy diet and avoid foods loaded with bad fats (saturated and trans) and cholesterol like red meat, butter, ice-cream that increase risk of diseases and ingest more of good fats or monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. SMRC Communications Project Director Khalid Al Mohannadi, who was staggered by the large turnout at the Corniche said, "I'm amazed by the response. It indicates people are getting serious about participating either in team sports or individual events to keep fit." Al Mohannadi who vowed to go on a health diet comprising cereals and fruits and avoid foods with fats said, "Qatar's push for organising top international sports events like the tennis championships (WTA Qatar Total Open currently in progress in at the Khalifa Tennis Complex) in Doha, besides football, squash and golf is inspiring people to start exercising and keep fit. Healthy people means a healthy nation." The response to Qatar's second NSD has exceeded all expectations, he added. Besides the Corniche, among other hubs to attract huge crowds was the Aspire Zone Foundation events comprising 'Step into Health' programme to incorporate recreational exercise into ones daily routine to a lifestyle change for the better. Aspire walking tracks starting from 3,000 steps to 17,000 steps attracted a good number as well as the 4-km 'Fun Run' that was flagged off from the Khalifa Stadium. 'Light the Torch' the other event involving bicycles that participants could pedal furiously to generate power that will be used to illuminate the lights of the Torch Hotel. NSD activities were also organised by various prominent government departments, private companies and sports organisations like the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior, Kahramaa, Ras Gas, Supreme Education Council, Civil Defence, Qatar Investment Authority, General Retirement and Social Insuracne Authority, Qatar Chamber, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Diabetic Association, National Human Rights Committee, Qatar Women's Sports Committee, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Cricket Association. Private organisation too participated in large numbers. One of Qatar's oldest consumer electronics retailer, LG and Jumbo Electronics organised football, cricket, basketball and table tennis tournaments for its entire group involving over 480 staff at Al Wakra stadium. Jumbo's Director and General Manager C V Rappai said, "This is not going to be a one-off event. We have plans to organise competitive tournaments regularly involving other teams as well." With sports being a key pillar of 2030 Qatar National Vision, the high turnout for NSD only reaffirms the country's leadership focus on promoting sports and taking beyond high standards is on the right course. (QNA)