Qatar Olympic Committee
Doha, Qatar- Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, second vice-president of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and vice chairman of the Organising Committee for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Doha 2018, is confident of Qatar showcasing a unique and unprecedented hosting of the first gymnastics world championships in the Middle East.
With preparations under way for the championships, which will be staged at the Aspire Dome from October 25 to November 3, Dr al-Kuwari spoke about the Organising Committee's efforts.
“First of all, we would like to thank HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Organising Committee of the championship, for providing his full support. The work being done is to ensure top-most level of success and to show the real picture of the country's distinctive organisational abilities in hosting major sporting events." He said.
“The preparations are going on at a hectic pace and with the aim of hosting a distinctive version of the championships. We are well ahead of time. These are unprecedented numbers that world gymnastics hasn't seen before. Qatar has organised major world championships like the World Cup 2015 which achieved unprecedented organisational successes and we are looking forward to continuing in the same vein." He added.
Al Kuwari stressed that the Organising Committee is putting in great efforts to be absolutely ready at all levels and said “There are only a few days remaining before the championships, so we are intensifying our efforts to be ready to receive delegations, and we will ensure all the comfort to all participants from all over the world. We will show that Qatar is living development and progress at all levels, and that what some seek to promote is unfounded and that those who will come to Qatar will see on the ground what we live is progress, prosperity and civilization."
Commenting on the requirements of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Al Kuwairi said “We are committed to the specific requirements of FIG. The Organising Committee has been sprucing up all the facilities. The state-of-the-art venue – Aspire Dome – is ready at its best. There will also be four training halls for participants and a warm-up lounge. We thank all officials from various bodies, who are cooperating to achieve success. There is also great co-operation with the international federation, and there has only been praise. FIG's confidence in Qatar only increases our responsibility."
“Over the past few years, Qatar has been privileged to be at the forefront of sport with its world-class facilities, its high-quality regulatory services and the aspiration of its sporting development. The World Gymnastics Championship 2015, the World Boxing Championship 2015, the Paralympic World Championships 2015 and the upcoming tournaments such as the 2019 World Athletics Championships, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 World Swimming Championships. This reflects Qatar's position as a world leader and the confidence we have in the various sports federations worldwide." He added.
(Courtesy: Qatar Olympic Committee)