A Khalifa International Stadium construction worker has spoken of his pride at helping to build Qatar's first 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournament venue.

During a recent workers' appreciation dinner at Aspire Dome, organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Raj Mohammed Ansari spoke passionately about the home of Qatari football.

Ansari, a mason from India, said: "I am proud of the stadium I helped to build. On our way to the dinner I felt emotional when we drove past the stadium. I welled up as I admired the venue."

MIDMAC employee Ansari, who is now working on a Hamad Medical Corporation project, added: "I hope to attend a match at Khalifa in 2022. I would love to see Argentina play there as it would be a dream to watch my favourite team at my favourite stadium, which I worked so hard to build."

During the dinner, SC Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi praised the workers for their sterling efforts.

"The completion of Khalifa International Stadium more than five years before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is a manifestation of the commitment of our construction workers towards making the tournament the best ever," said Al Thawadi.

He added: "Had it not been for their efforts, it would not have been possible to complete the stadium. I thank them on behalf of my organisation and my nation."

His Highness The Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, officially opened the stadium ahead of the Emir Cup final in May. Earlier this month, the stadium hosted its first international match when Qatar hosted China in 2018 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying. China defender Zhang Linpeng spoke glowingly about the new stadium – particularly the state-of-the-art cooling technology – after the game.

The 40,000-seat stadium, which will host matches to the quarter-finals stage in 2022, will also be home to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympics & Sports Museum, which is due to open in 2018. Khalifa will also stage the 2019 World Athletics Championships.