We expect lot of Indians to visit Qatar during 2022 World Cup - Supreme Committee

Fatima Al Nuaimi, executive director of communications, Supreme Committee (Qatar World Cup) says the Qatar is 98 percent ready to host the 2022 World Cup, in terms of stadium and infrastructure.

Fatima Al Nuaimi, executive director of communications, Supreme Committee, Qatar World Cup. - GETTY IMAGES

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will see a sizeable number of Indian football fans, feels Fatima Al- Nuaimi, the executive director of communications, Supreme Committee of Qatar World Cup.  

“Qatar and India have had ties for centuries and we consider India as our strategic partner. Apart from the geographical proximity of the two countries, Qatar Airways connects to a lot of Indian cities. This shows how close our ties are. "We are expecting a huge number of fans from India to visit Qatar and enjoy the football festivities during the World Cup,” Al-Nuaimi said during an interaction on Thursday. “Qatar had extended the goodwill by allowing the Indian national football team to train for the World Cup qualifiers (in June this year) in our country," she said.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup, and it is now 98% ready for the quadrennial event. “When it comes to stadium and infrastructure, we are 98% ready. I am hopeful that the World Cup will be the biggest sporting event after the COVID era. "We expect 100% fan attendance. Because of Qatar’s unique location, there will be quite a few footfalls from the Middle East and the rest of Asia. "I am sure there will be many fans from countries like India and China even though their teams are not participating,” Al-Nuaimi said.