FIFA World Cup 2022: Japanese fans' heartwarming gesture of cleaning stadium after match

ANI
23 Nov 2022, 12:48 GMT+10

Al Khor [Qatar], November 23 (ANI): Japanese football fans did something unexpectedly classy at the end of the inaugural match of the FIFA World Cup 2002 at Doha's Al Bayt Stadium.

In a video that's recently making the rounds on social media, spectators from the island nation were seen picking up all the trash and leaving the stadium spick and span after the opening match between Ecuador and host Qatar on Sunday..

Originally shared by Qatari video creator Omar Al-Farooq, the video features him left in awe of the humility and discipline of the fans from the East Asian nation.

'It's not even their match!' Farooq exclaimed.

When the video creator asked why they were cleaning up one of them responded, "Japanese never leave rubbish behind." "We respect the place," she added.

"We are not doing it for cameras," another fan, dressed in the jersey of Qatar, said.

Not just one or two people, but a large number of Japanese spectators volunteered in cleaning the seating area of the 68,000 capacity stadium.

They also picked up flags that were left on the ground by other spectators, and either put them on the stadium's chairs or took them with them.

A visibly touched Farooq was seen hugging some of the volunteers for their immensely kind deed.

The video moved a number of people across the world, including businessman Anand Mahindra. "They said they weren't doing it for the cameras, but I'm glad the cameras still spotted them. The values they're displaying are worthy of a global audience," he wrote on Twitter.

The inaugural match of the 2022 World Cup took place between host-nation Qatar and Ecuador, with the latter emerging victorious. The multinational football event is taking place in the Middle East for the first time in history. It is also the first time the World Cup is held outside its June-July window to avoid the harsh summer heat of Qatar. (ANI)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Afghanistan Sun.

More Information

null in null

International

Section

South Dakota law blocks eminent domain for carbon pipelines

South Dakota law raises queries on future of massive Midwest pipeline

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota: A new South Dakota law banning the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines has cast doubt on...

US intelligence agency orders DEIA officials to resign or face firing

Diversity dismissals begin at top US intelligence agency, lawyer says

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Officials working on diversity and inclusion programs at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence...

CDC study follows measles outbreak amid declining vaccination rates

US CDC plans study into vaccines and autism, sources say

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is planning an extensive study on possible links between...

US weather agency faces big layoffs under Trump’s civil service cuts

US weather agency plans to fire 1,000 in second round of cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. weather agency, NOAA, plans to lay off 1,029 workers following 1,300 job cuts earlier this year. This...

New Mexico reports first measles-related death in over 40 years

Unvaccinated New Mexico adult tests positive for measles after death

SANTA FE: New Mexico: A New Mexico resident who died recently tested positive for measles, marking the state's first measles-related...

Philippines' Duterte detained at request of International Criminal Court

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte arrested under ICC orders

MANILA, Philippines - In a dramatic move, the International Criminal Court on Tuesday arrested the former president of the Philippines,...

Central Asia

Section