Doha, QATAR – Amateur squash players from around the world will be battling it out on court in Doha this week when they take part in the World Airline Squash Tournament (WAST) hosted by Qatar Airways.
The event, now in its 20th year, brings together 60 sportsmen and women working for airlines around the world. Since the first tournament was hosted by Malaysia Airlines in 1984, the event has moved to all corners of the globe from Europe, North America and Middle East to Asia and the Pacific.
Qatar Airways is honoured to host this year’s event taking place between November 16 – 20 at the Oasis Hotel & Beach Club in Doha.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline welcomed participants with open arms and looked forward to a highly competitive, yet friendly tournament.
“Last year we were successful in bidding for the tournament and extremely pleased to see so many talented players from airlines around the world compete in Qatar which is gaining reputation for hosting top-class tournaments in some of the world’s best sporting facilities,” he said.
Qatar Airways Captain Suhail Ismail, Chairman of the WAST Organising Committee, added that the event attracted teams from eight international airlines – Air Niugini, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and, the hosts, Qatar Airways.
He said that the competition would bring out the best of all the players, but stressed that the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship prevailed – with all participants overall winners.
“The five-day event promises to be one to remember. It gives Qatar Airways the opportunity to bring together friends from various parts of the world to enjoy good squash and also enjoy the Five Star hospitality that the airline is so renowned for,” he explained.
Round robin matches will begin on November 16 with the Finals held five days later on November 20.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is proud to be Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways has been awarded World’s Best Airline, World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries.
Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.
Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways sponsors world-leading sports teams including FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally