When there were so many criticism with the migrant workers with their rights and some other issues in Qatar, throwing away all the controversies and negative media hypes they are enjoying the first ever World Cup in Qatar.
The migrant workers, who made the World Cup happen with playing important role now in World Cup preparations, excitement has filled the air as thousands of the workforces showed up to watch the historic first game of the FIFA World Cup 2022 featuring Qatar and Ecuador at the Industrial Area Fan Zone in Qatar’s capital Doha.
Before kick-off, the atmosphere was vibrant as people poured into the fan zone, where the delicious aromas of biryanis cooked at food stalls filled the air.
But once the referee’s whistle blew, all attention was on the giant video screen and Qatar, who were undoubtedly the crowd favourite.
Muhammad Hossein a Bangladeshi workers put across his excitement to Al Jazeera at the fan zone in Doha’s Asian Town Cricket Stadium, said, “Here, I’m in the middle of it … and naturally thrilled.”
Hussein, a 45-year-old said that he never thought he would “be part of something this important in this country”.
Hossein also told how he had once worked on the construction of a Metro station in Doha — part of the many infrastructure projects for the World Cup — and that he was now employed there as a janitor.
Peter, a 48-year-old worker from India, who came to Qatar more than 15 years ago and works in an optical fibre making company, told Al Jazeera, “I am happy to say we, the migrant workers played a big role.”
Every possession or counterattack by a Qatari player brought huge applause from the thousands of fans watching.
Almost all male, the bustling crowds of largely South Asian workers from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, as well as some from Africa, had helped build the infrastructure that allowed the World Cup to take place.
Though concerns about low wages, poor living conditions and worker safety issues in Qatar have been consistently raised by human rights groups and critics of the Gulf nation hosting the World Cup, on Sunday evening, they were more than ready to enjoy the game and appreciate the fruits of their labour.
Some arrived in their work overalls after coming straight from jobs. Others had the day off, and there were those who had asked employers if they could skip work to watch the match.
Though located about 30km (19 miles) southwest of central Doha and the official FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park, there was no less sense of anticipation among football fans in this industrial area where many of Qatar’s migrant labour population live.