Hassan Al Thawadi says Qatar's ardent critics become their greatest ally

Qatar will be hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after winning the hosting right in 2015 and the Secretary-General of Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi is optimistic about hosting the premier tournament and said that most 'ardent critics' have turned into 'greatest ally'.

"I think people are beginning to realize it. I think some people still remain entrenched in their opinions because they haven't come and seen Qatar," Goal quoted Hassan Al Thawadi, as saying.

"Anybody who has experienced this recognizes and confirms that the decision (to give Qatar hosting rights) was the right decision. For us, the change will happen and it will happen when we host the rest of the world in 2022 but in the lead-up, I am very proud to say that, some of our most ardent critics have today become our greatest ally because they have seen the benefit that this World Cup has," he added.

The preparations are in full swing as Qatar have already unveiled a refurbished Khalifa international stadium and recently the Al Janoub Stadium was inaugurated.However, Hassan Al Thawadi feels that there is a lot to learn but they are learning and delivering.

"Obviously, there is a lot to learn. But you see us learning as we go along, you see us delivering as we're coming along and it is not limited to the stadium and the operational experience that we're gaining day by day, but it is also the legacy," Hassan Al Thawadi said.