From Achievement to Legacy: Preserving Qatar’s Sporting Heritage

Q: Why are collections important in any museum, and particularly in the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum?

Mr Abdullah Youssef Al Mulla: Collections are the lifeblood of any museum—without them, a museum holds little value. At 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the collections do more than document the history of sports; they record the achievements of individuals and the nation, transforming the museum into an educational and cultural platform that reflects Qatar’s development and presence on the global sporting stage. The donations and loans project has played a major role in building a rich and diverse collection. Today, the museum holds 23,000 artefacts, many of which have been gifted or loaned by athletes, champions, and international institutions. These contributions add significant historical and human value to the museum.

Q: Who are the typical donors?

Mr Al Mulla: Our donors come from a wide spectrum, including Qatari athletes, residents, Arab and international sports figures, as well as sports institutions and international museums. We collaborate with sportspersons from various Arab countries, from North Africa to the Levant, and we also have items from prominent global Olympians. This diversity reflects the museum’s vision as a global institution that goes beyond local history, connecting Qatar to the broader history of international sport.

Q: What types of items does the museum accept, and can you give examples of notable pieces in the collection?

Mr Al Mulla: We accept all items related to sporting achievements, including medals, trophies, certificates, sportswear, equipment, and rare memorabilia. Each piece tells the story of a significant marker in sports history, such as Qatar’s first medal at the inaugural Arab School Games in Kuwait in 1963. The museum also houses a medal from a championship hosted by Qatar in 1981 for the Middle East Liaison Center, original Olympic torches from various Games dating from Berlin 1936 to Paris 2024, the original ball from the 1888 FA Cup Final, and Muhammad Ali’s glove from when he won the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Q: Are donations limited to specific sports or groups?

Mr Al Mulla: Absolutely not. The museum welcomes contributions from all fields and sportspersons without exception, and especially those that have aided Qatar’s sporting legacy, whether players, coaches, or administrators.

Q: How are these collections preserved?

Mr. Al Mulla: Preservation is a top priority. All items are registered through official agreements, fully insured, and undergo condition assessment and conservation following the highest international standards. We have a specialised team capable of carrying out any necessary conservation, including handling delicate and fragile items, whether old textiles or rare materials. Additionally, the donor or lender is recorded through our documentation systems, ensuring their rights and achievements are honoured.

Q: What is the general benefit to visitors from these donations?

Mr. Al Mulla: This initiative allows the public access to rare items that may otherwise have remained in private collections, or in storage. Visitors, especially students and researchers, can access reliable historical sources that help them understand the evolution of sport in Qatar and the region. In this way, the museum becomes a living cultural and educational hub, not just a display space, fostering awareness and inspiring future generations.

Q: Why do you encourage owners to donate or loan their items instead of keeping them at home?

Mr. Al Mulla: Unfortunately, many invaluable items are lost over time, either through neglect or after the owners passing. Housing them in the museum ensures their preservation, documentation, and accessibility for future generations, rather than remaining in closed storage or at risk of damage.

Q: What is your message to those who own sports items of historical value?

Mr. Al Mulla: The museum’s doors are open. Your collections will be safe, preserved, documented, and insured. By donating or lending them, you are not just safeguarding an item—you are contributing to building a national sporting memory that will serve as a legacy for generations to come.