Qatar is gearing up for its annual National Sports Day in February 2026, with organizers announcing a comprehensive program of over 800 community sports events nationwide. The initiative, themed “I Chose Sports,” aims to promote physical activity as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and foster a more active society. The announcement was made during a press conference at Lusail Sports Hall, outlining plans for widespread participation across all segments of the population.
The National Sports Day Committee emphasized the event’s evolution from a single-day occurrence to a year-round platform for encouraging health and wellness. According to committee chairman Abdulrahman bin Muslim Al Dosari, the “I Chose Sports” motto reinforces the idea that prioritizing physical activity is a conscious decision with significant societal benefits.
Expanding the Reach of National Sports Day
The 2026 National Sports Day will feature a diverse range of sports, recreational, and cultural activities, hosted in public parks, sports facilities, and other locations throughout Qatar. Organizers are collaborating with both public and private entities to ensure broad accessibility and maximize participation. This collaborative approach is intended to reach communities across the country, from major cities to more remote areas.
Increased Participation in 2025
Building on the success of previous years, the Qatar Sports for All Federation (QSFA) reported a significant increase in participation during 2025. Executive Director Abdullah Al Dosari revealed that a total of 215,506 individuals took part in QSFA-organized events, a rise from the 206,000 participants recorded the previous year. This growth included a notable increase in women’s participation, with 8,000 women competing in 59 races.
Community running events saw a particularly large surge in interest, with 38,696 participants. Additionally, school sports events demonstrated increased diversity, involving 22,259 students across 60 schools. The QSFA also highlighted the success of sports championships, which attracted 6,984 participants across 74 competitions. These figures demonstrate a growing commitment to physical fitness among Qatar’s residents.
The QSFA’s “Sports for All” application, a platform for tracking participation in community events and individual activity, has also gained traction, with over 73,000 downloads this year. The app allows users to register for events, monitor their progress, and access information about health and wellness initiatives.
However, organizers acknowledge the ongoing need to address challenges related to promoting sustained engagement in sports beyond the annual National Sports Day. Efforts are focused on integrating physical activity into daily routines and fostering a culture of lifelong exercise. Al Dosari emphasized that sports should be viewed not as a temporary activity, but as a fundamental aspect of a healthy and productive lifestyle.
The committee is working to ensure that the 2026 events are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. This includes offering a variety of activities to cater to different interests and fitness levels. The focus is on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages everyone to participate.
Looking ahead, the National Sports Day Committee will continue to refine the event program based on feedback from participants and stakeholders. The success of the 2026 National Sports Day will depend on effective collaboration between government agencies, private organizations, and community groups. Further details regarding specific event locations and schedules are expected to be released in the coming months, with a full calendar of activities anticipated by the end of 2025.
