In recognition of a truly inspirational story of strength and survival, Qatar Airways proudly flew the Wild Boars football team, consisting of  12 Thai children and their coach who were trapped inside a cave in Thailand for more than two weeks, from Thailand to London to take part in the Pride of Britain 2018 Awards ceremony. The group was accompanied by the two British divers who joined their cave rescue.

During their stopover at Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, the football team were met by Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free officials, who presented the boys with gift bags consisting of signed football jerseys and baseball caps.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said they are very proud to support the Wild Boars football team on their trip from Thailand to the United Kingdom. He said that their story is one of courage, strength and determination, and that they are inspirational children.

We look forward to welcoming them on board once again for their return trip home to Thailand, and are thrilled to be part of the incredible journey that these young people have taken over the course of the last few months.’

The 12 children and their coach entered the sprawling Tham Luang cave network in Northern Thailand on 23 June. Within hours, the cave flooded and the boys were trapped inside without food or water. The world watched as a team of international diving experts led the mission to rescue them, evacuating the boys one by one. The last of the group, the coach, successfully exited the cave on 10 July, more than two weeks after they had entered.