One of Sheikh Hamad’s chief achievements is winning the right to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, the first event of its kind to occur in the Middle East.
The advent of football in Qatar dates back to the year 1946, accompanied by the arrival of oil companies.
This new game's popularity expanded immediately, which led to the establishment of Al Najah as the country’s first football club in 1950.
In fact under the supervision of the Qatar Oil Company, the first football tournament ever in Qatar was held at the city of Dukhan. Despite the participation of several Doha teams including Al Najah, host team Dukhan managed to win the 1951 Izzadeen tournament.
A member of the ruling Al Thani Qatari royal family, Sheikh Hamad was the ruling Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013.
A sportsman and an accomplished diver, Sheikh Hamad has played an active role in promoting and developing athletics in Qatar.
His activism has enhanced the country's involvement and performance in a number of international competitions, including winning an Olympic medal in track and field; hosting a wide variety of international sporting events such as the 15th Asian Games, GCC, Asian and World Youth soccer championships and initiating the Qatar Open Tennis Championship which has grown to become one of two premier tennis competitions in the Middle East.
During his reign several sports events have taken place in Qatar, including the 2006 Asian Games.
In May this year, Ranjith Rodrigo, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka was the Guest of Honour at the grand final of HH the Emir’s Cup 2013 held on 18th May, 2013 at the Al Kalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar.
During his brief 36 hour visit to Sri Lanka, Sheikh Hamad and the rest of the delegation will meet with HE President Mahinda Rajapakse, attend the opening of the much anticipated and long awaited Football Stadium in Jaffna, meet with the local football community, and participate in a banquet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of local football.
Pictured : Ranjit Rodrigo with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
