Mutaz Barshim, a world and Olympic high jump champion, is aware of the effects of hosting major athletic events and thinks Qatar’s FIFA World Cup offers a special chance to bring people together through a shared passion of football.
“The World Cup will have a good impact on our society by promoting our culture around the world and assisting individuals in forming relationships and networks. It is a fantastic chance to alter unfavorable perceptions of the area and forge fresh, meaningful connections, according to Barshim, a FIFA World Cup Ambassador.
Growing up, Barshim was inspired by his father, who was also a track and field athlete. Barshim would follow his father to the local training club before later joining the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence – where he soon became one of the country’s most promising track and field athletes.
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Barshim’s breakthrough year came in 2010 when he won the World Junior Championships. He has won a slew of medals since, including three World Athletics Championships titles, in 2017, 2019 and 2022. He claimed Olympic silver in 2012 and 2016 before bagging gold at Tokyo 2020 after sharing the high jump title with Italian Gianmarco Tamberi. Barshim is the first Qatari to win Olympic gold in a track and field event.
Barshim said: “I have lived the dream of being at a global event and it having a major impact on me. The things I have learned, the experiences I went through, the relationships I built, the friendships I formed and the milestones I have been able to achieve – they all made a really positive change in my life and I can’t wait to see that happen here in Qatar during the World Cup.”
Qatar 2022 will be held in eight state-of-the-art stadiums from 20 November to 18 December. The tournament will get underway when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at the majestic Al Bayt Stadium.
Barshim said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that won’t be repeated. We’re hosting the World Cup in an Arab country and a Muslim country for the first time. I hope everyone comes and makes the most of this experience to learn more about Arab hospitality and all different cultures.”
Qatar will host a wide range of entertainment choices during the World Cup in addition to world-class football, such as the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park and the 6km Corniche Activation.
Barshim exhorts all supporters to take advantage of the first World Cup in the region’s dynamic and inviting atmosphere.
“Fans will understand the rarity of this occasion when they witness everything for themselves and take in the joyous atmosphere. I hope everyone makes the most of this chance to come and enjoy themselves,” he said.
