With a number of precautionary measures being undertaken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the National Sports Day (NSD) 2021 is being organized in line with the amended list of conditions and guidelines that were reinstated recently. Besides the set of outdoor activities that are permitted this year, NSD will also host online sporting events. 

The NSD committee in coordination with the MoPH has reiterated the need for people to follow the updated list of COVID-19 precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the interest of community safety. 

According to reliable sources, all sports activities will be aired live on the social media channels of the Qatar Sports for All (QSFA) Federation on 9 February 2021. 

Along with the sports events, some interesting facts, such as sports exercises and health tips, would be broadcasted from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A special program featuring sports exercises for the elderly would be broadcasted from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by another featured exercise program, focusing women and children, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

For more details, follow the Federation on Facebook (QatarSportsforAllFederation), Twitter and Instagram (@qasportsforall), or the QSFA app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. 

There are restrictions with regard to the kind of sporting events that can be hosted this NSD; however, to keep up the spirit of the NSD, Qatar Foundation is hosting online workouts and exercise for children, along with inspirational talks and inclusive sporting demonstrations. 

To motivate the community, an array of virtual activities will be hosted by the Foundation to commemorate NSD, which is a national celebration of sport and well-being. This is intended at encouraging people to stay active and embrace a healthy life style, without violating the COVID-19 protocols in place. 

Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) on Sunday, tweeted that it would be keeping the seating and play areas at the park closed to prevent any sort of gatherings on NSD, to prevent the spread of the disease. Further, AZF added that only individual sports activities would be allowed in line with the commitment to safe distancing. 

The below guidelines were stated in an advertisement published by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, QSFA and the NSD committee:

• No physical contact:

People, at all times, should avoid close interaction, such as shaking hands, hugging or kissing. The organizers have requested people to not share clothes, towels, soaps or any other personal items. Participants are required to wear face masks at all times, except during the sporting activity itself. 

• Vulnerable groups should be cautious:

Vulnerable and high-risk groups, including people aged 60 years and above, and people with chronic illnesses are discouraged from attending the sports events for their own safety.

• No group activities are allowed:

Contact sports that require physical contact between players, such as football, are not permitted. Individual sporting activities, such as cycling, jumping and swimming are permitted.

• Open outdoor activities:

Only open outdoor sporting activities are allowed. It is required that all sporting activities are conducted in outdoor settings and individually. 

• Social distancing:

The participants should maintain a safe distance of at least 3m at all times during any sports activities.

• 4 Passengers in a vehicle:

In case vehicles are required to reach the locations of different activities, make sure that no more than 4 persons, including the driver, are in the vehicle.

The MoPH has been reiterating through a series of posts that high-risk individuals, especially those at higher risk of COVID-19 complications, should exercise at home or outdoors. 

The MoPH stated that people should practice social distancing at all times for their safety as well as for the safety of those around them. They further added that the pandemic might make people feel stressed and anxious, but indulging in regular physical activity can help reduce the negative feelings and aid in the release of happy hormones. 

A senior official at Hamad General Hospital insisted that people should strictly adhere to the COVID-19 measures, including maintaining a safe physical distance from others – especially those unknown to them, wearing facemasks and washing hands regularly. 

Dr Yousuf al-Maslamani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital urged people to practice sports for their well-being and overall health. He added that physical activities help make people feel more vital and happy as these activities aid in the release of endorphins. In addition to improving physical and psychiatric health, people who practice sports regularly have fewer chronic diseases and live longer.

He stated that the frequent practice of sports, around five times a week for 30 minutes each day, would positively impact the lives of people, in ways they cannot imagine.