Al Mawlawi relives fond memories

Qatar’s Chef de Mission at the Doha Asiad, Ahmed Ali Al Mawlawi, waxed eloquent about the goodwill the country earned after hosting the quadrennial games.
“The successful conduct of the first Asian Games in Middle East brought about a huge change in the way the rest of the world saw us. The fact that Qatar fielded women athletes, who went on to win a team medal, gave a huge facelift to the nation,” said Al Mawlawi.
In charge of a 359-member team (which was the largest ever Qatari contingent in Asiad), Al Mawlawi has fond memories of the Games.
“The colourful Opening Ceremony is still vivid in my memories. Also the day when we won the first medal — in equestrianism. And who can forget that day when Qatari girls bagged a team bronze in shooting. I can recollect each and every moment of 2006 Asiad, but these three stand out,” he added.