Women watch as children play on the Corniche, yesterday.
DOHA: Many female sports enthusiasts felt left out yesterday as, other than the walkathons along the Corniche, there were no sporting activities earmarked for them as part of National Sport Day activities organised by various institutions.
Several events were held at the Corniche, especially in front of the General Post Office. Different areas had been assigned for various activities.
However, there were no events specifically for women.
Many people who turned up for National Sport Day events suggested that activities for women and families should be introduced.
“They don’t have activities for ladies. Most are for children, and some for men. I suggest the organisers should also have events for ladies, and some in which people can take part as families,” said Juhi Sharma, an Indian expatriate visiting the area with her family.
“If you look at the footfall, it is a good number, but many of them are just sitting, and their kids are playing,” she added.
Most families, especially the women, were seen sitting near the eateries set up for the occasion, while their children or husbands took part in various activities.
“No different events for ladies here. My husband played tennis and my sons are playing, we are waiting for them to finish,” said Afaf, a Sudanese expatriate waiting at one of the eateries.
Some women took part in walkathons in the morning, but could not participate in other activities. “We took part in the walk in the morning; there are no other events I came across for women. My son wants to play basketball, and we are waiting for him,” said Sania, a Serbian expatriate waiting for her six-year-old to finish playing.
Rafeek Abideen, an Indonesian expatriate who went for National Sport Day events with his wife and six-month-old child, said, “We participated in the walk. Now we are looking to see if there are any events to take part in... seems like most of them are for children. I would take part in some games, but she (his wife) will have to wait here and watch.”
THE PENINSULA
