Santhosh Chandran
DOHA
When football fans from all over the world go back to their home countries after the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches, what will remain fetched in their memories is the warmth of Arab hospitality they have experienced in Qatar.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, a number of football fans shared their experiences in Qatar, and on the way Qatar hosted the World Cup.
Alexio, from Portugal, said, "I came here with prejudices about Qatar and the Arab region, influenced by a section of the media. But during my 23 days in Qatar, I have erased the fabricated images about Qatar. I have experience a World Cup that is excellent and outstanding. What I have seen in Qatar is a modern and progressive country. I won’t forget World Cup Qatar and the friendly people of this country.”
The pleasant weather and a walk through the Souk Waqif, the traditional market in the heart of Doha, were the most exciting experience for many.
An Argentinian football fan said, "When we are inside the stadium, we are against our opposing teams, but we all fans are ‘one’ when we walk through the alleyways of the Souq Waqif. There, the whole world moves in harmony without discrimination and dances to the tunes of the music. I haven’t visited such a beautiful place anywhere else in my life.”
While many praised the transportation network that offers free ride to everywhere, some others were all praise for the infrastructure and beautiful WC stadiums.
Samel Isaac, a football fan from Ghana, said, "I believe, no one can beat the record set by Qatar by hosting the most compact World Cup ever. The state-of-the-art stadiums spread across a small area and the excellent transportation network made watching the matches easier and less expensive. The leisure activities like dhow festival, cultural programmes, exhibitions at world class museums and stay in luxury cruise ships have made Qatar World Cup memorable. Qatar, for sure, will become a major tourism destination and a hub of sports tourism.”
An Indian expatriate, Harish Sharma, said, "I have been in Doha since Qatar won the bid to host World Cup 2022. Within short span of time Qatar built world-class facilities, beating the challenges of Covid-19 and the baseless allegations levelled against the country. Now, millions of football fans must have understood how beautifully and efficiently Qatar organized the biggest global event.”