My love affair with sports began in the swirling heat of Ras Laffan, where the sun kisses the sand and shimmers stories of ambition.

From the rough patches on my grandmother’s faux-grassed yard to the alleys of Al Sadd, sports became my realm, sanctuary, and stage.

The world has seen Qatar transform, a metamorphosis guided by the vision of a nation that strives for excellence on every front. As the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 drew to a close, I still found myself reminiscing about my dreams, when I, too, believed I was destined for football greatness back when I was 12.

Qatar, in its bold strides, now places females at the forefront of sports — a testament to a journey marked by resilience and unwavering determination.

My journey wasn’t in grand arenas or pruned pitches. It began humbly, amidst the laughter and shouts echoing in my grandparents’ house. Those early days laid the foundation, but it was at Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Academy school where my street-style finesse, honed under the watchful eye of my brother Nasser, transcended to formal competitions.

His memory, a guiding light, will forever remain etched in the journey of my sporting experiences.

Yet, beyond the accolades and triumphs, it’s the companionship that lingers — the bonds forged with my team which evolved into lifelong friendships and sisterhood. Sports, for me, wasn’t just to pass time. It sculpted my character, shaped how I dealt with moments of joy and frustration, and taught me resilience and fortitude in equal measure.

Football, an enduring family ritual, still binds us together today — cheering passionately, arguing intensely over tactics, yet always united in our love for the beautiful game. But my journey wasn’t singularly confined to football’s embrace.

From basketball’s fast breaks to volleyball’s soaring spikes, and now Padel’s strategic dance on the court, I embraced the evolution of sports in Qatar.

In a nation where the desert winds whisper tales of tradition and progress, I am but one thread in the rich tapestry of Qatari sportsmanship. For me, sports transcended beyond customary expectation, becoming a prism through which I explored the depths of my own capabilities and passions. It taught me to adapt, to thrive amidst change, and to embrace the ever-evolving landscape of sports here in Qatar.

As Qatar stands on the edge of a new era, where women’s voices echo louder than ever in stadiums, I am reminded that my journey, though deeply personal, mirrors a collective narrative of ambition and enthusiasm of most women.

From the hot sands of Ras Laffan to the glory of Qatar’s sporting ambitions, my story is just a testament to the transformative power of sports—a legacy that continues to shape not just my life, but the vibrant Qatari society itself.

Rouda Al Attiyah is a Senior Newsroom Specialist at Qatar Foundation, having previously worked as a producer at Al Jazeera English Channel.

Rouda is a devoted supporter of the Al Sadd Sports Club – a loyalty deeply rooted in her family’s historical connections to the team. Her genuine love and passion for sports is evident in her active participation in various sporting tournaments.

Combining her robust background in media production with her unwavering enthusiasm for sports, Rouda plays in various local padel tournaments and creates basketball and football events for her friends.

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