Indonesia Organized The First-Ever ASEAN Sports Tournament In Qatar

Indonesia hosted the inaugural ASEAN Sports Tournament in Qatar

The echoes of cheers and the spirit of camaraderie linger as the inaugural ASEAN Community Sports Day on December 1, 2023, unfolds as a monumental success at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST). The Indonesian Embassy and its communities have successfully organized the first ever ASEAN community sport tournament in Qatar. The event was attended by seven ASEAN Ambassadors in Qatar namely H.E. Mr. Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar of Brunei, H.E. Mr. Ridwan Hassan of Indonesia (Host), H.E. Mr. Zamshari Shaharan of Malaysia, H.E. Lillibeth V. Pono of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Wong Chow Ming of Singapore, H.E.  Mr. Sira Swangsilpa of Thailand, and H.E. Mr. Tran Duc Hung of Vietnam. The President of UDST, H.E. Dr. Salem al Naemi and Mrs. Maryam Al Hammadi from the Ministry of Culture was also present at the opening of the tournament.

Seven ASEAN nation’s communities— Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand—came together in a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess and regional unity. The event transcended borders, creating an atmosphere where competition transformed into collaboration and diversity into shared pride. From thrilling football matches to intense badminton duels, the day celebrated not just sports but the harmonious blend of cultures within the ASEAN community. Exciting sports games took center stage as sports competitions and culinary delights enchanted spectators, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Ambassador of Indonesia, HE. Ridwan Hassan as the host of the event, quoting Nelson Mandela stated that, “Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does”. The event witnessed a participation of over 220 players, both men and women from the ASEAN communities in Qatar. The tournament included a number of Sports activities such as Football, Badminton, Table Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Tug of War. Spectators and families enjoyed a fun-filled event gathering with fellow ASEAN countrymen and women while also enjoying the traditional food delicacies from some of the countries at the food bazaar.

Indonesia has become the grand champion of the tournament, where it secured the gold medals for Football, Men’s Badminton, and Men’s Table Tennis.  As the sun set on December 1, the ASEAN Sports Day left an indelible mark—a testament to the power of sport in fostering regional pride and unity. The inaugural event sets the stage for future celebrations, promising a legacy of athletic excellence and shared camaraderie across the ASEAN nations in Qatar.

Source: Indonesian Embassy