DOHA: Sports culture is gaining ground in Qatar as sports facilities and players have risen significantly in the past few years. The number of sports facilities in Qatar reached 320 in 2013-14 from 309 in 2010-11, according to the ‘Annual Statistics Bulletin’ issued recently by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS) in collaboration with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC).
Among the sports facilities, pitches recorded highest increase which grew to 105 in 2013-14 from 90 in 2010-11. The number of players registered in various Qatari federations reached 21,343 (including 91 percent males), while the number of players with special needs registered at Qatar Federation for Special Needs Sports reached 105 players (32 percent females).
The statistics showed the total number of administrators accredited by sport federations is 318 (62 percent Qataris) while the number of coaches and assistant coaches is 1,148 (45 percent Qataris).
The data included in sports statistics show that 924 tournaments were held in 2013, including indoor and outdoor championships in different types of sports/age groups.
As for the monthly average of physical activities carried out at the Neighborhood Football Court (Al Furjan), the statistics disclosed that 1,269 male and female players were involved in different types of sports in 2013.
Realising the significant impact of sports on the development of infra-structure and promotion as well as diversification of its domestic income, the State of Qatar has focused special attention on this sector in the last few years. As a result, Qatar received an International recognition for its unprecedented sports facilities, which constitute a major factor for promoting the sports tourism industry in the country.
The Peninsula
