After the slap-fighting tournament was announced for November 19, some users questioned whether its format aligns with Qatar’s ideas about sport and public values.
The announcement of Power Slap 27 in Doha has drawn criticism on Qatari social media. Visit Qatar’s official tourism site confirms that the slap-fighting event is scheduled for November 19, its first edition in the country.
Blogger Mohammed Al Kuwari called for the decision to host the tournament to be reconsidered, saying he did not view the format as sport, culture or entertainment. He warned that staging face-slapping contests could encourage imitation among young people and conflict with ideas of human dignity.
Mohammed Al Sarrami also objected to the event. He said sport should promote fair competition, protect participants’ safety and inspire younger generations, while turning slaps into entertainment was unsuitable for Doha. He stressed that his criticism was directed at the event itself, not its participants.
Other social-media posts questioned the event’s value in promoting Qatar and its cultural values. One user also raised religious objections to striking the face.
Organizers present Power Slap as a slap-fighting competition. The discussion in Qatar centres on whether it should be held in the country and how the event fits with its public image.