Doha: The Malaysian Foreign Minister, Hanifa Aman, says the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will leave a lasting legacy for the region.
He made the remarks when he met the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi, and panel members. The Malaysian Ambassador, Ahmad Jazri bin Mohamed Johar, was also present.
Talks dealt with innovative ways of using modern infrastructure following the Cup, which will held for the first time in the Middle East.
“At the end of the day, it’s a game for the people,” Aman said. “The committee has set the bar and I have no doubt that everyone will be trying to live up to the standards of what we will see in 2022,” he said, adding “the most interesting part is the legacy it will leave for this region.”
Legacy was one of the topics of the meeting, which included a presentation on preparations so far.
Al Thawadi said work was proceeding well and Qatar was making the most of the opportunity presented by the tournament.
“There is a lot of work to be done, but we’re moving forward. For us the Cup is always going to be an opportunity, not a goal by itself,” he said, highlighting Qatar’s announcement of reforms to the labour legislation.
“The Cup is a catalyst for continued progress and we’re also developing our sporting industry. Part of the nation’s vision is economic diversification.”
The meeting also discussed the cooling technology successfully tested by Qatar during the Brazil 2014 Fan Zone in Doha for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“We’re committed to learning and adapting to developing technology. This will be the first World Cup in the Middle East and West Asia.”
Al Thawadi also spoke of Josoor Institute and the need for developing regional talent in sports education. “An event like the World Cup is like no other in terms of opportunities,” he added.
QNA
