Doha, June 14 (QNA) - The Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) has established itself as one of the world's leading specialized security organizations for major international sporting events, building on years of operational experience, advanced training, and continuous development.

Its growing international reputation stems largely from the landmark success of securing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, widely regarded as one of the safest and most efficiently managed editions of the tournament in history.

The successful delivery of the World Cup marked a defining moment for Qatar's security apparatus, demonstrating its ability to manage one of the world's largest sporting events in accordance with the highest international standards. The operation encompassed crowd management, venue and stadium security, protection of official delegations and spectators, and the effective handling of diverse security scenarios with exceptional professionalism.

What was achieved during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has since evolved beyond a single sporting event. The tournament's security model is now recognized internationally as a benchmark for major event security, providing valuable lessons and expertise for governments and security agencies worldwide.

The experience has further strengthened Qatar's position as a global center of specialized security expertise, paving the way for Qatari security personnel to contribute to the protection of major international tournaments and events through strategic partnerships and cooperation with friendly nations and global sporting organizations.

Reflecting this growing international recognition, a Qatari security contingent from Lekhwiya has joined security operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Recently, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada, Tariq Ali Faraj Al Ansari, welcomed the Qatari force upon its arrival at Abbotsford International Airport in Vancouver, marking the commencement of its mission as part of the tournament's approved security framework through to the conclusion of the competition on July 7.

The deployment follows a Letter of Intent signed between Qatar and Canada in Doha in January, under which Qatar agreed to provide security support and expertise derived from its successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The initiative has received a positive response in Canada, reflecting the confidence placed in Qatari security capabilities and the strong reputation Lekhwiya has earned in securing major international sporting events.

Commenting on the deployment, HE Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, emphasized the significance of the mission in a statement posted on X.

"The Qatari security contingent has commenced its participation in securing the FIFA World Cup 2026. Thanks to the vision of HH the Amir, Qatar's security expertise is now widely recognized internationally. This force will undoubtedly present a model that further strengthens Qatar's leading position in securing major tournaments," he said.

The participation underscores Qatar's expanding role in supporting the security of international sporting events, particularly as the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest edition of the tournament to date in terms of participating teams and host nations. The scale of the event requires sophisticated security systems and specialized expertise in crowd management and multi-agency operational coordination.

Qatar's experience from the 2022 World Cup has become increasingly valuable in this regard, earning praise from international sporting and security institutions alike.

Lekhwiya's international engagements extend well beyond the 2026 World Cup. In France, Qatar -represented by the Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya- contributed to the security of several major sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup 2023, the Tour de France, and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

These deployments were carried out under a security cooperation agreement between Qatar and France and involved a broad range of operational specialties, including foot and mounted patrols, counterterrorism operations, explosive ordnance disposal, drone operations, riot control, cybersecurity, and civil security management for international sporting events.

Qatar's contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympics included several highly specialized units, among them the elite "Lefdawiya" special forces unit, VIP protection teams, bomb disposal specialists, cybersecurity experts, security intelligence cells, mounted and foot patrol units, counter-drone teams, as well as command-and-control, planning, logistics, and search-and-rescue personnel. The deployment highlighted the advanced capabilities of Qatar's security institutions and their ability to operate effectively in complex international environments.

As part of preparations to continue its growing international role, Qatar is also set to contribute to security operations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Domestically, Lekhwiya continues to strengthen its operational readiness and security capabilities through ongoing development and training programs. The force has played a central role in securing major events hosted by Qatar, including the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, while also supporting preparations linked to Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

At the same time, the force maintains a high level of readiness to safeguard national security and support stability across the country. This capability was prominently demonstrated during Qatar National Day celebrations, where various specialized units showcased their advanced personnel, equipment, and operational capacities.

The achievements of Lekhwiya demonstrate that the security success witnessed during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was not a one-time accomplishment tied to a single event. Rather, it was the result of a long-term strategic vision, sustained investment in human capital, advanced technologies, and professional training.

Today, with an expanding international footprint across France, Italy, Canada, the United States, and beyond, Lekhwiya continues to consolidate its status as a trusted partner in securing major global sporting events and a distinguished ambassador for Qatari expertise on the international stage, further enhancing Qatar's contribution to global security, stability, and the successful delivery of world-class sporting events. (QNA)