For many sports fans, the dream of stepping onto the field at a major sporting event is just that— a dream. But for Yahia Mohamed El Zokm, a year 9 student at NAISAK, that dream became a reality, and the experience was more than he could ever have imagined.
A Surprising Opportunity
Yahia's unexpected moment of fame happened during the Ooredoo Stars League football match between Al Gharafa and Al Shamal, on Friday, September 13th, 2024. As part of a special event at the stadium for students from different schools in Qatar, five lucky students were chosen to step onto the field during halftime. Yahia, despite not being the most skilled football player, was selected. He recalls the moment with surprise:
"I was really surprised. My friends were shocked because I'm not that good at football. But I was really surprised. I didn’t expect it to be me."
He was sitting with his friends enjoying the match when the announcement was made, not even paying attention when his photograph and name popped up on the giant screen at Al Bayt Stadium. When asked why he thought he was chosen, Yahia said, "I was chosen because I was wearing the Palestinian scarf," explaining why he stood out in the crowd. "My mom said it was going to be cold, so I wore it, and my sisters wore one too."
On the Field
Stepping onto the field, Yahia was in awe of the sheer size of the stadium. "I was still trying to comprehend what was happening," Yahia admitted. "Then they took us to the bottom seats where the players sit. It [the stadium] felt huge, way bigger than when I was sitting in the stands. I felt so small." As he and the other chosen participants made their way down to the pitch, he described it as an unforgettable feeling.
The nerves kicked in as he realized his friends and family were watching, and the pressure was on. Each participant got the opportunity to take a penalty shot on goal. The first shot? Yahia missed. But the second one … GOAL!!, and Yahia was overjoyed.
"I was super happy when I scored," he said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "It felt great. My heart was beating so fast. My friends were watching, and I was just so nervous, but also happy at the same time."
The Prize and What It Means
As if stepping onto the field wasn’t enough, Yahia was also awarded a generous prize—2,000 Qatari riyals. For a young boy, this was an exciting moment.
"They gave me an envelope with the 2,000 riyals. My dad was with me, and he signed the form," Yahia said. "It felt amazing."
So, what does a 10-year-old do with such a large sum of money? Yahia hasn’t spent it all yet, but he has used part of it to treat himself and his family. "I bought a video game—Mario Party—and I ordered food for my family. First, it was fried chicken, and then we had pizza," Yahia explained with a proud smile. He said he was saving the rest of the money for a special occasion.
A Moment to Remember
Looking back at the experience, Yahia says it was something that most people only dream of, and he encourages others to seize such opportunities if they get the chance.
"If you ever get chosen for something like this, go for it. It’s not wasted. It’s a special moment," Yahia said, his words full of wisdom. "You get to do something special, and it’ll be something you’ll never forget."
Advice for Others
Yahia’s journey to the field is a reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of embracing the unexpected. His message is simple but powerful: when opportunity knocks, don’t hesitate to open the door. Even if you’re not the best at something, like Yahia with football, you never know when fate will give you a chance. "I was just lucky to be picked, but it’s a memory I’ll always treasure," he said.
The Qatar Stars League (QSL) plays a crucial role in the country’s sports culture and is dedicated to fostering a love for football among younger generations, especially through initiatives that engage students and local communities. Through their partnership with schools across Qatar, the league provides complimentary tickets to students, offering them the chance to attend live matches and experience the thrill of professional football. This initiative not only allows students to enjoy the games but also promotes the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship that are central to the sport. By bringing students into the stadiums, the QSL aims to inspire the next generation of athletes and football fans.
QSL’s partnership with schools also helps bridge the gap between education and sport, emphasizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle that includes both academic and physical activities.
Yahia El Zokm’s experience is a true testament to the magic of sports, the thrill of the unexpected, and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones.
