Gulf Times
The Aspire Embassies Futsal Tournament kicked off with eight thrilling matches last Thursday and Saturday.
The tournament, which concludes on April 27, features 16 teams from foreign embassies in Qatar and is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
The Jordanian Embassy team made a perfect start to the tournament with a comprehensive 8-0 victory over the Indian Embassy in the opening match of group A. The same group saw a team representing the Embassy of Mali defeat a team representing Syrian embassy 5-2.
In Group B, a team from the Embassy of South Africa secured a 8-2 victory over a team from the Iraqi Embassy, while Bosnia lost to Eritrea 7-1.
In Saturday’s matches, the Spanish Embassy team defeated a team from the Japanese Embassy (9-0); a team from the Embassy of Oman lost to a team representing the Embassy of Azerbaijan (15-0); Portugal beat Djibouti (4-2); and the MoFA for the State of Qatar defeated France (6-2).
After the victory by the Jordanian team during the opening match, the Second Secretary of the Embassy of Jordan, Fadeel al-Moqbel said, “The Aspire Embassies Futsal tournament demonstrates the productive co-operation between the embassies in Doha and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The involvement of the Jordanian Embassy during this tournament reflects our keenness to make a positive social and cultural contribution as well as engage in athletic and sporting activities. This tournament provides us with an opportunity to contribute to the diplomatic community in Qatar.”
He added: “We are proud of all that Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) has achieved. The organisation’s progress is characterised by careful planning and a firm commitment to cater to the interests of the community. The recent success at AFC Asian Cup 2019 demonstrates the effectiveness of Aspire’s approach. The Jordanian Embassy and all that work here are active partners in contributing to the broader growth, development and progress that the State of Qatar is making. And we’re committed to being active and engaged members of the broader community.”
Representing the protocol department at the MoFA, Mosaed Eid Abdullah Salem al-Mohannadi, said, “This is an excellent initiative developed by AZF as well as its partners and sponsors. Organising this event and bringing together so many embassies is a huge achievement. We’re delighted to take part yet again, now for the third year. We look forward to taking part in future editions.” He added: “This is a great opportunity for all of us to get out of the office and enjoy the informal atmosphere of friendly competitions between embassies and diplomatic missions operating in the country. We thank all the officials at Aspire Zone who worked so effectively together to facilitate everything that is needed to make the event a success.”
The tournament, which is sponsored by Vodafone Qatar, was developed on the back of the mini Aspire Ramadan Festival edition in 2015. It presents an excellent opportunity for diplomats and representatives of the country’s embassies to interact with one another in an entirely different setting other than the office, and to make the most of a lively and competitive sporting atmosphere. The next matches are on April 11 and April 13, and the action will begin at 4pm. The members of the public are open to attend matches and cheer for their team.