By Mai Akkad

Following a successful trial sports tournament for low-income expats in earlier this year, QSports League has announced the details of three more “Workers’ Cup” competitions, to be held through the summer.

The move comes as Qatar faces mounting criticism over its treatment of migrant workers, one of the largest and most vulnerable segments of the population.

In March, 16 teams of 18 workers competed for a total of QR36,000 in prize money during the first tournament, football. Though the competition was criticized by some as a publicity stunt, it nonetheless proved to a popular attraction for many of Qatar’s “bachelors,” drawing more than 1,500 spectators.

Tournament details

This month, a basketball tournament is already underway. The semifinals and finals for that competition will be held at the Al Gharafa Sports Club-QBF Indoor Hall at 10am on May 31.

Cricket kicks off tomorrow, May 24, at 1pm, at Al Wakra Sports Club. The semifinals and finals will be held at the same venue on May 31.

Indoor volleyball will start June 7.

Ben Panton, QSports League spokesman, previously told Doha News:

“Qatar Stars League are hoping to organize it so that the final can be played directly after one of the QSL league games. After all, we wanted the players to have the opportunity to play in the stadiums they are often helping build!”

Another motivation for holding such events is to promote a healthy lifestyle among all sections of the community, Ghanim Al-Mohannadi, the chairman and founder of QSports League, told journalists yesterday.

Only company teams can register to play. The fee to enroll is QR6,000 per team. The winning team for each tournament will be awarded QR18,000; second place gets QR9,000; and third-place wins QR6,000.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photos courtesy of QWorkers Cups on Facebook