By Abdullahi Yusuf

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) crowned a Ugandan community team as champion of the second edition of the Ramadan Human Rights Football Championship, after they defeated the Indian community team on penalty kicks.

The coronation ceremony was attended by NHRC Secretary-General H E Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, Ambassador of Uganda to Qatar H E Mohammed Baswari Kezaala, Events Coordinator at the Qatar Sports for All Federation Awad Al Shammari, and several officials from the NHRC and officials from the communities participating in the tournament.

The Ugandan community team reached the final match after defeating the Nigerian community team on penalty kicks. In contrast, the Indian community team reached the final after defeating the Nepalese community team 2-0. At a time when the Kenyan, Bangladeshi, and Ghanaian communities were eliminated during the group stage, the Filipino community withdrew from the tournament.

Al Jamali said: “The Ramadan Human Rights Championship, organised by the NHRC in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, was held in an atmosphere of brotherhood, competition, and enthusiasm.

“During the championship matches, we witnessed how sports, in general, can be an ambassador of tolerance and coexistence among different peoples.” Al Jamali added: “Following the success of the first and second editions of the Ramadan Human Rights Football Championship, we plan to open the door to participation to all active communities in Qatar.”

He pointed out that there was widespread interaction from community coordinators and their members, who came to support their teams in a family atmosphere, adding a significant social dimension to the tournament, contributing to the realization of the messages and objectives of the National Human Rights Committee in organizing this tournament.

Al Jamali emphasised the ability of sports to practice and encourage a spirit of cooperation and brotherhood among societies with their different cultures, customs, and beliefs.

He said, “Sports also can unify the language of communication for all in a world of love and peace.”

Ali Jumaa Shawl, Head of the African Community, congratulated the Ugandan national team for winning the Ramadan Human Rights Football Championship, the Indian community team, which won second place, and the Nigerian community team, which won third place after a tough match against Nepal.

He said: “The competition between all participating communities was characterised by great sportsmanship, teamwork and determination, which led to the great success of this tournament.”

Shawl expressed the gratitude of the African Community (AUQATAR) to the National Human Rights Commission for organizing a successful community football tournament that brought together Kenya, Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Ghana, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Uganda.