Doha: Qatari newspapers on Wednesday emphasized Qatar’s strong commitment to sports, underscoring how it has firmly established itself on the global sports stage through its successful hosting of major international events and the development of a world-class, integrated sports infrastructure. This progress, they noted, stems from a well-defined sports strategy centered on organizing diverse tournaments, earning Qatar its well-deserved title as the Global Capital of Sports.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers agreed that Qatar’s official announcement of its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a natural continuation of its distinguished journey in global sports and a true reflection of its advanced standing in the international sporting arena.
In its editorial titled “Doha, the Global Capital of Sports,” Al-Raya emphasized that Qatar strategically leverages sports to strengthen its presence on the international stage and promote its image as a modern, innovative nation. The country has established itself as a global sports hub through its successful hosting of major international events, the development of world-class sports infrastructure, and the implementation of effective long-term strategies.
The newspaper noted that Qatar cemented its position on the global sports map by hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and continues to build on this momentum with its successful organization of events such as the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the 2024 FIFA Confederations Cup, along with previous tournaments like the FIFA Arab Cup and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Highlighting the state’s unwavering commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic movement, Al-Raya reported on Qatar’s active engagement in discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding its potential candidacy to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These talks reflect Qatar’s dedication to advancing global sport, building bridges of communication and mutual understanding, and empowering communities-especially youth-through sport, in line with the IOC’s new host city selection framework.
The editorial concluded by noting that Qatar has embraced the concept of “Sport for Peace” as a cornerstone of its national vision, using sport as a means to foster unity, bridge divides, and promote global stability. With each tournament it hosts, Qatar continues to redefine excellence in sports organization, setting new global benchmarks for service and delivery. The country also remains committed to advancing sports leadership through initiatives that enhance gameplay quality and deepen engagement between clubs and fans.
Under the headline “2036 Olympics: A Global Vision Turned into Reality,” Al-Arab highlighted that Qatar’s announcement of its official bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a natural extension of its remarkable sporting legacy and a true reflection of its advanced status on the international sports stage.
The newspaper emphasized that this decision did not emerge spontaneously but is rooted in Qatar’s impressive track record of accomplishments, accumulated expertise, and world-class infrastructure-all of which position it as an ideal candidate to host this historic event. In today’s world, sport has become a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, serving as a powerful tool for uniting people and promoting values of understanding and tolerance.
Al-Arab further underscored Qatar’s belief in the Olympics not merely as a sporting occasion, but as a global platform for civilizational convergence, dialogue, and peace. This vision aligns with the country’s long-standing commitment to the concept of “Sport for Peace,” a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. With state-of-the-art stadiums, advanced transport infrastructure, and an efficient mobility network, Qatar has all the necessary elements to successfully host an exceptional Olympic Games.
The editorial concluded by pointing to Qatar’s vital role in securing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which serves as international recognition of the country’s security capabilities and technological excellence. This has further solidified the Olympic community’s trust in Qatar’s ability to deliver a safe, innovative, and unforgettable edition of the Games.
Moreover, the deep passion of the Qatari people-citizens and residents alike-was powerfully expressed through the overwhelming volunteer response, with thousands from over 150 nationalities, speaking more than 30 languages and dialects, eager to contribute to this global endeavor. With this candidacy, Qatar is writing a new chapter in its international sporting journey, offering an inspiring model of excellence in organization, warm hospitality, and the unifying power of sport.