Doha, 12 Dec. 2022

Hubert Bihler, 75, German national, a passionate and dedicated Volunteer at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 said that Qatar World Cup tournament has revealed that the World Cup can be organised and celebrated without any liquor, so amazing to witness first ever world Cup so peacefull with such grand celebrations.

He may not be the oldest volunteer at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, but certainly is one of the most experienced and dedicated volunteers among the total of 20,000 recruited this year. Out of them, 4,000 are from outside Qatar, representing almost all regions of the world.

Bihler has so far donated his volunteer services to over fifty international and regional mega sport tournaments, including FIFA World Cups in Germany (2006), South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022).

Talking to www.asiantelegraphqatar.com, Bihler said his visit to Qatar was his first ever to an Arab country, adding he will be carrying with him pleasant memories of Qatar. “I have found Arab people as very polite, friendly and humble,” he added.

The widely-travelled volunteer said that architecture of the stadiums in Qatar is unique and iconic, and expresses the local heritage and history.

Talking about his experiences at stadiums in Qatar, Bihler said he was deeply inspired by the well organised, peaceful and safe tournament, accompanied by the most modern transportation system.

The German volunteer added that Hayya programme has provided him with free-of-charge transport throughout his stay, which is well linked with all the eight stadiums hosting World Cup matches as well as Fan Zones and shopping centres.

Bihler has football in his blood. He has been a football player, team captain in his home town in the Black Forest region in Germany, and a referee and coach too.

He said he started this volunteering journey after retirement from job. Bihler had his first experience as a volunteer at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany (2005), followed by World Cup (2006) in Germany. The untiring and nonstop journey as a volunteer brought him to the amazing country of Qatar.

It is always a great experience to meet hundreds of people gathering from across the world from diverse cultures, he said.

As a volunteer, one gets the opportunity to care, guide, help and arrange necessary support as per the allocated duties diring the tournament tenure, he added.

Bihler remembered his wife, life partner for almost 48 years who passed away last year due to a deadly sickness.