i have to say i completely believe that it will be the worst attended games in history, not only because of qataris and to some extent expatriates interest in watching sporting events. Indeed, most other asian games have occurred where there is a huge pool of people able to watch them. Pusan 2002; 62 million South Korea - with people from East Asia China/Japan/ PHILIPPINES relatively easily coming in. Thailand 1998 (60 million and again Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia etc.
Now, Qatar is surrounded by Saudi who although will be probably the biggest still do not like Qatar and many may not come to spite Qatar (i feel not certain tho, if the people and govt have the same opinion. And all other countries realistically only being able to fly. And between 1-15 Dec, Ramadan has just ended, Eid will be coming soon, nobody will want to come to Qatar to watch someone just play some peculiar sport and take time off work!!(outside of Qatar)
Indeed, if Qatar cannot fill even close to fill of a stadium of 20/30k to watch one of the best football teams (Argentina) for free FOR A ONE OFF, i cannot see how it can SELL millions of tickets for someone to watch Pakistan v Singapore play eachother in football for instance.
i have to say i completely believe that it will be the worst attended games in history, not only because of qataris and to some extent expatriates interest in watching sporting events. Indeed, most other asian games have occurred where there is a huge pool of people able to watch them. Pusan 2002; 62 million South Korea - with people from East Asia China/Japan/ PHILIPPINES relatively easily coming in. Thailand 1998 (60 million and again Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia etc.
Now, Qatar is surrounded by Saudi who although will be probably the biggest still do not like Qatar and many may not come to spite Qatar (i feel not certain tho, if the people and govt have the same opinion. And all other countries realistically only being able to fly. And between 1-15 Dec, Ramadan has just ended, Eid will be coming soon, nobody will want to come to Qatar to watch someone just play some peculiar sport and take time off work!!(outside of Qatar)
Indeed, if Qatar cannot fill even close to fill of a stadium of 20/30k to watch one of the best football teams (Argentina) for free FOR A ONE OFF, i cannot see how it can SELL millions of tickets for someone to watch Pakistan v Singapore play eachother in football for instance.
I hope I am wrong but i fear i will not be so.