Doha, November 08 (QNA) – HE Ambassador of Japan to Doha Satoshi Maeda said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is going to be an unprecedented challenge, but the cumulative experience of the State of Qatar in hosting numerous huge sporting events will be present as a real guarantee to overcome all difficulties and challenges and deliver a successful tournament.
In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Satoshi Maeda praised the tremendous efforts made by the State of Qatar since it has been chosen to host the World Cup many years ago, noting that these efforts were not limited only to building stadiums, but extended to the development of many social infrastructure and services projects, roads, bridges, ports, airports, metro stations, housing units, as well as developing the tourism sector and the free zone area over a period of 12 years, in addition to developing and improving the areas around downtown Doha and roads surrounding the Corniche to look as splendid as they are now.
He pointed out that this tournament is linked to a future vision that effectively addresses issues that humanity needs to address, such as environmental and sustainability issues, which are expected to have a profound impact on the world, making the World Cup Qatar 2022 a great opportunity to move forward.
He added that the huge infrastructure projects that were established during the past years will continue even after the tournament end, to enhance the status of the State of Qatar as a modern country.
HE noted that the cultural and moral legacy of this tournament will constitute the most prominent gains for the State of Qatar, which is rich in culture and traditions, and bears a great responsibility to present Arab culture in general, and Qatari culture in particularly, as the host country for the first ever World Cup to be held in the Middle East.
He assured that Japanese fans will be charmed by the captivating atmosphere of the famous Arabian generosity, delicious food, welcoming people and diverse cultures that Qatar offers to them.
Regarding the participation of the Japanese national team in the tournament, the Japanese Ambassador expressed his great happiness at Japan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the presence of the Japanese team in Doha, as part of the largest global event to celebrate football.
He expressed hope that at the end of the tournament, the Japanese fans will remember Doha as the “City of Joy” that ushered in a new future for Japan in the World Cup. He also pledged to do everything possible to ensure that the Japanese fans enjoy this wonderful experience in Qatar and remember Doha forever.
He said that the Japanese team, nicknamed “The Samurai Blue”, is participating for the seventh time in a row in the World Cup competitions, amid great ambitions to achieve a change to the usual result during the tournament this year. He recalled that Japan managed to reach the round of 16 three times previously, but could not achieve better results than that, hoping this time the team will play with a courageous spirit and without fear, and that the players will do their best in their pursuit of a new achievement.
His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador stressed that sports can bring people together without exception, and football in particular is one of the most popular sports in the world.
He added that organizing this global event in the Middle East is a strong message that reflects the commitment and deep desire to achieve peace, stability, inclusiveness, and sustainability, making it a historic opportunity to show the whole world the nature of Middle Eastern countries nowadays and the power this region has.
(QNA)