Sport

Qatar conscripts civilians to secure World Cup stadiums

Published

3 years ago

September 28, 2022

Qatar has called up hundreds of civilians, including diplomats summoned back from overseas, for mandatory military service operating security checkpoints at World Cup stadiums, according to a source and documents seen by Reuters.

The deployment of conscripts, some of whom would normally defer national service because their work is considered vital, highlights the logistical challenge faced by the tiny Gulf state hosting one of the world’s biggest sports tournaments.

The conscripts are training to manage stadium security queues, frisk fans and detect contraband like alcohol, drugs or weapons concealed in ponytails, jacket linings or even false bellies, according to training materials seen by Reuters.

Qatar has a population of 2.8 million – of which barely 380,000 are Qatari nationals – and expects an unprecedented influx of 1.2 million visitors for the tournament. It already has an agreement with Turkey which is supplying 3,000 riot police.

In early September the civilians were ordered to report for pre-dawn duty at the national service camp north of the Qatari capital Doha, according to order papers seen by Reuters, less than three months before the 29-day tournament kicks off.

The civilians were told they had been called up to assist with the World Cup and that it was their “patriotic duty” to do so, the source said. “Most people are there because they have to be – they don’t want to get in trouble,” the source said.

Some volunteers are also training alongside the conscripted force, according to the source, who has direct knowledge of the plan and the training.

Asked for comment, a Qatari government official said in a statement that Qatar’s national service program would continue as normal during the World Cup.

“Recruits will provide additional support during the tournament as part of the regular program, just as they do every year at major public events, such as the National Day celebrations,” the statement added.

Since 2014, Qatari men aged between 18 and 35 have trained with the military for at least four months as part of mandatory national service introduced by the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Dodging the duty can incur a year in prison and a fine of 50,000 Qatari rials ($13,700).

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will take place from November 20 to December 18 and Afghan fans will not miss out on any of the action.

Ariana Television Network (ATN) in July secured the exclusive rights to broadcast what is undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting events in the world. As such, fans will be able to watch the matches live, in the comfort of their own homes.

Related Topics:#WorldCup featured Football Qatar Security

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Naveen-ul-Haq out of WI T20Is and 2026 World Cup; Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi in

Published

12 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a stress fracture in his right shoulder, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Saturday.

According to medical reports, the injury will require surgical intervention. Naveen is scheduled to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom, where he will be treated by a specialized surgical team to support his immediate recovery and long-term rehabilitation.

In response to his absence, the ACB has called up fast bowler Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi, who was previously part of the reserve pool, to replace Naveen for both the West Indies series and the World Cup.

Meanwhile, left-arm fast bowler Farid Ahmad Malik has been added to the reserve pool as Afghanistan continues to adjust its pace resources ahead of the major international assignments.

Sport

Afghanistan futsal team departs for Vietnam ahead of 2026 Asian Cup

The international fixtures form part of Afghanistan’s build-up to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, where the team has been drawn in Group C alongside Iran, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Published

16 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s national futsal team has departed Kabul for Vietnam as part of its preparations for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026.

Officials from the Futsal Committee of the Afghanistan Football Federation confirmed on Friday that the team will play two friendly matches against host nation Vietnam during the visit. The fixtures are aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of upcoming continental competition.

Following the matches in Vietnam, the Afghan team is scheduled to travel to Thailand to continue its training camp. In Thailand, Afghanistan will face the Thai national futsal team in two additional friendly matches.

The international fixtures form part of Afghanistan’s build-up to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, where the team has been drawn in Group C alongside Iran, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Team officials said the friendlies will provide valuable match experience and help assess the squad’s readiness as Afghanistan prepares for the Asian tournament.

Sport

Afghanistan U-19 stun South Africa at World Cup

Afghanistan U-19 will next face the West Indies on Sunday. The final of the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled for February 6.

Published

18 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s under-19 cricket team pulled off a notable upset at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, defeating South Africa by 28 runs on Thursday.

The match, played as part of the tournament co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, saw Afghanistan post a competitive total of 267 runs. In response, their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict South Africa and seal one of Afghanistan’s most significant victories of the competition.