The State of Qatar, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a report titled Changing the Game: Strengthening Health and Well-Being through Sport Events, capturing valuable lessons from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The report, introduced during the 71st WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Committee meeting in Doha, reflects on how global sporting events can serve as platforms for promoting health and well-being.

This report is the result of a three-year Sport for Health partnership, initiated in 2021 by Qatar and WHO, with support from FIFA and Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. The collaboration was designed to ensure that health and safety were at the forefront of the FIFA World Cup, with the aim of leaving a lasting legacy that goes beyond the event itself.

Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, emphasized the importance of this partnership in inspiring future global sporting events to incorporate health into their planning and execution. “The Sport for Health model reflects our commitment to harnessing the transformative power of mega-sporting events to bring about lasting improvements in public health,” Dr. Al Kuwari said. She explained that the initiative created a new collaborative model, uniting nations, international organizations, and sports federations in a shared mission to improve health.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the report for demonstrating how sports can empower individuals to lead healthier lives, both physically and mentally. He noted that the integration of health promotion, advocacy, and security into major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ shows the potential of sports to serve as powerful tools for sustainable health improvements. 

He reiterated WHO’s dedication to ensuring that sporting events continue to be used as platforms for advancing public health.

Qatari Olympic high-jump champion Mutaz Barshim highlighted the profound impact of sports on people’s lives, stating, "Sport has the unparalleled ability to inspire, unite, and transform lives." 

He commended the Sport for Health initiative for promoting both physical and mental well-being during the FIFA World Cup, setting a valuable example for future global events to follow.

The Sport for Health partnership focused on key areas such as health promotion, tobacco control, healthy diets, mental health awareness, physical activity, and overall health security during the World Cup. By doing so, it ensured that the tournament was not just a sporting spectacle but also a platform for positive health messaging. 

Beyond the event itself, the partnership advocated for long-term health benefits, linking the World Cup to programs that promote healthier lifestyles, physical fitness, and balanced nutrition.

The newly launched report offers a blueprint for future sporting events, demonstrating how health initiatives can be effectively integrated into event planning and execution. It serves as a model for organizers to consider how sport can contribute to public health, ensuring that global events create lasting legacies for communities worldwide.

With the success of the Sport for Health partnership and the lessons learned from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar has set a new benchmark for how sports can be used to promote global health and well-being. The report’s release underscores the potential of mega-sporting events to inspire healthier lifestyles and contribute to broader public health goals, making a meaningful difference both on and off the field.