HBKU Gears Up to Host the Ninth Sports Tournament for GCC Universities

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has welcomed the Qatar Olympic Committee’s announcement of the establishment of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF) and how it reflects a great awareness of the importance of sports for university students. 

In this interview, Wadha Al Saud, Sports and Recreation Activities Supervisor at HBKU Student Affairs, highlights HBKU’s commitment to provide students with opportunities to practice various sports activities to help promote their abilities, and also encourages them to take part in organizing and managing these events. 

The university has always been a pioneer in cooperating with higher education institutions (HEIs) in Qatar. Prior to the establishment of the QCSF, the university organized many events that brought together these institutions, and has paid attention to cooperating with the QCSF, Qatar Olympic Committee, and Qatari sports federations. Reflecting these aims, HBKU is currently gearing up to organize and host the ninth Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes 2023.    

How did you receive the Qatar Olympic Committee's announcement of the establishment of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation?

HBKU welcomes the decision of the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee to establish the QCSF. We have been keen to communicate with the federation since the beginning of its establishment in order to benefit from the services it can provide to university students and to be part of achieving its goals. 

Tell us about HBKU’s participation in the GCC Universities and Educational Institutions Games.

The Committee of Student Affairs Deans decided, during its 32nd meeting, held in the Sultanate of Oman under the umbrella of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), that HBKU would organize and host the ninth Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes 2023. Since then, HBKU has been preparing for this big event, both at the level of participation and organization. A complete restructuring is currently taking place for the participating university teams to ensure a good representation for HBKU, especially as it is the host university. On the other hand, we have developed a comprehensive plan for hosting these games. Our university cooperates with the Qatar Olympic Committee, represented by the QCSF, as well as other Qatari sports federations.

What opportunities are provided by HBKU for its students to enhance their athletic talents and abilities?

HBKU is keen to form various sports teams in different games in which students can participate and develop their capabilities. This is not limited to sports participation only. The university also involves its students in organizing and managing these events. There are many students who take part in refereeing and coaching in addition to playing.

Are there initiatives for sports cooperation with other higher education institutions in Qatar?

HBKU has always been a pioneer in cooperating with Qatar’s HEIs. It has organized many events to bring together HEIs even before the establishment of the QCSF. This role also extends to cooperating with the country’s sports entities. The sports department at HBKU enjoys strong relations with many of the country’s sports authorities, such as the Qatar Olympic Committee, QCSF, Qatar Women’s Sports Committee, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Qatar Sports for All Federation, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. It has solid relationships with the Qatar Basketball Association, Qatar Swimming Federation, Qatar Taekwondo Federation, and Qatar Volleyball Federation. HBKU’s hosting of the ninth GCC Universities and Educational Institutions Games will provide a great opportunity to deepen and expand our cooperation with other institutions and all parties who will help the university organize such a major event.

Tell us about the sports facilities provided by the university to its students. 

HBKU uses the various sports facilities inside Education City. It also utilizes external facilities for some sports, including those of the sports federations, in addition to padel sports facilities. The university is keen to take advantage of these facilities at all available times, as part of its endeavors to provide diverse sports venues to encourage students to train regularly and raise their physical and skill levels in various sports activities. 

Are there training programs, activities and sports tournaments in which HBKU’s students participate?

HBKU regularly organizes training programs for its students in different sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, and squash. The university hires highly experienced sports coaches to develop the players’ skills, which paves the way for their participation in tournaments organized by Education City. HBKU also participates in organizing tournaments for all universities in Qatar, in cooperation with sports federations.

Does HBKU offer other recreational programs for its students?

HBKU pays great attention to organizing educational activities and trips for its students to introduce them to the sophisticated sports facilities in Qatar. We organize visits to important sports facilities such as the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and the Academy for Sports Excellence (Aspire) and tours to Al Shaqab, Education City Golf Club, and Doha Marine Sports Club. Seminars, sports workshops, and training courses contribute significantly to the development of students' skills in many sports. The most popular of these workshops include the basketball, tennis, and golf training sessions.