DOHA : Aspire Zone Foundation launched the 12th edition of its Ramadan Sports Festival on Sunday evening, drawing large crowds and kicking off 12 days of competition and community events across its venues in Doha.
Held annually during the holy month, the festival runs from Feb. 22 to March 6, with activities staged daily from 8 p.m. until midnight at facilities within Aspire Zone.
The event has grown into one of Qatar’s most prominent Ramadan sporting occasions, combining competitive tournaments with community-based activities aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy living during the fasting month.
This year’s programme features 11 sports and fitness events catering to men, women, juniors and people with special needs, underlining the inclusive nature of the initiative.
Among the headline competitions is the “Embassies” football tournament, being played on pitch number five from Feb. 22 to March 6, with 24 teams divided into eight groups. The strong turnout and lively atmosphere on opening night highlighted the popularity of the event.
Action continues on Monday with Finland facing Algeria in Group D, followed by Syria against Ghana in Group E and Togo meeting Russia in Group F.
The preliminary round will run until March 1, with the round of 16 scheduled for March 2-3, quarter-finals on March 4, semi-finals on March 5 and the final on March 6.
The festival programme also includes the Aspetar Football Championship, the Corporate Football Championship, basketball tournaments for men, women and juniors, a table tennis event for people with special needs, swimming competitions at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, the Aspire Academy Beach Volleyball Championship and women’s padel and futsal tournaments.
A Family Night Race, organised in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, will take place at Aspire Park, reinforcing the festival’s community focus.
With its broad calendar and rising participation, the Ramadan Sports Festival continues to cement its status as a flagship sporting and social event during Ramadan in Qatar.
