All photos courtesy of the Qatar Olympic Committee

Qatar’s largest-ever Olympic delegation proudly paraded into the Maracanã Stadium into Rio de Janeiro last night at the opening of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The 38 athletes were led by equestrian team member and showjumper Sheikh Ali Khalid Al-Thani, who served as Qatar’s flagbearer during the ceremonies.

Team Qatar is three times as big as it was during the 2012 London Olympics.

For the first time, the delegation includes beach volleyball and equestrian teams, as well as two boxers.

Garnering support

Residents watching the games from home are urged to support Team Qatar by tweeting their encouragement under the hashtag #YallaQatar.

In a statement, Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani said:

“Qatar’s athletes are fulfilling our country’s promise and commitment to sport and the Olympic values. After years of hard work and preparation I’m confident new Qatari role models will emerge and grasp their opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes of our nation.

I urge every Qatari to join Team Qatar through our campaign #YallaQatar as all our athletes need to feel your support.”

For more information on how to tune into the games at home, see here.

Thoughts?