The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) highlighted Qatar's volunteer legacy during the Asian Games 2026, held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. At Bayt Qatar, an initiative of the Qatar Olympic Committee designed to present an interactive display of Qatari heritage and sporting achievements, former volunteers shared their experiences from several major sporting events hosted by Qatar in recent years.
The volunteers represented those who contributed to high-profile events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and the Qatar Football Season 2025. The SC emphasized that the Qatar Volunteer Programme has played a pivotal role in creating world-class experiences at these events and remains central to the nation’s future plans for hosting regional and international competitions.
Haya Al Noaimi, the SC’s Event Workforce & Volunteers Executive Director, noted that the sporting legacy in Qatar has helped cultivate a robust culture of volunteering. She explained that through involving past volunteers at Bayt Qatar, the committee aimed to demonstrate how volunteerism is deeply embedded within the community beyond single events. Al Noaimi expressed hope that the stories shared would inspire increased participation in volunteering and help build a growing, skilled base of volunteers in Qatar.
Several volunteers participating at Bayt Qatar described the personal and cultural significance of their roles. Ali Al Khater, an oil and gas professional who volunteered in guest relations during the 2022 World Cup, said the experience showed how sport unites people across diverse cultures toward shared objectives. He added that meeting Japanese fans at the Asian Games allowed him to relive memorable moments from the World Cup and express a continued passion for sports and event organisation.
Lolwa Bu Karbal, an architecture student and fluent Korean speaker, served as a translator for the South Korean national team during the World Cup. She highlighted volunteering as an opportunity for cultural exchange and breaking stereotypes. Bu Karbal described the pride she felt in sharing Qatar’s culture with players and supporters and in connecting with the local community in Japan during the Asian Games.
Another volunteer, Katsuko Suzuki, a Japan-born resident of Qatar and avid football fan, recounted how her involvement in multiple sporting events deepened her appreciation for the work behind major tournaments. Having participated in the World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, and FIFA U-17 World Cup, Suzuki said volunteering allowed her to witness firsthand the global unifying power of football and reinforced her pride in living in Qatar.
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, over 20,000 volunteers contributed to the orchestration of the tournament, underscoring the scale and importance of volunteer support in Qatar's sporting ventures. The SC continues to view the volunteer programme as a key asset in sustaining the country’s readiness and capability to host large-scale international events.