Qatar is set to host another edition of the 2023 Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy (ARST) on 3 and 4 November, to be participated by 17 countries in both male and female events. The tournament will be held at Onaiza Park in West Bay.
Hosted by the Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF), the event is an annual series of regional rugby sevens’ tournaments run by Asia Rugby and follows the programme of World Rugby and its regions, which reflect the diverse sporting culture of the continent.
The participating countries in the top-grade competition, which is second only to the Asia Rugby Sevens Series include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, India, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Guam, the UAE, and Qatar.
Winners of the ARST Doha 2023 will gain promotion to the next Asia Rugby Sevens Series.
Matches will commence on Friday, 3 November and will conclude with a presentation ceremony the following day. The duration of each match is approximately 14 minutes (or seven minutes for each half), with a two-minute halftime break.
According to QRF Secretary-General Abdullah Al Khater, they are prepared to give their best and to ensure that all participants leave Doha with fond memories. He said that rugby is becoming bigger in Qatar, and they are thankful that Asia Rugby gave them the opportunity to host the tournament.
We are very confident that it will be successful, as everything is 100 per cent ready.
Al Khater added that their team is ready to give their best, and are hoping to win. He said that the competition will be tough, with strong teams like Thailand, the UAE, and Iran participating, but they expect to experience two days of amazing rugby in Qatar.
Qatar hosted the tournament for the first time in 2017, participated by 11 countries.
For more information, visit asiarugby.com.
With additional reports from Peninsula Qatar.
Check out Marhaba’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.