AlKass Digital
Doha, Qatar- Aspire Dome, the world’s largest indoor multi-purpose dome, will play host to the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships that Doha is set to stage this week from October 25 for the first time in the Middle East.
The World Championship, which serves as the first qualification event for Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is the world’s biggest gymnastics competition.
At the signing ceremony, Ali Al-Hitmi, Executive Manager of the Local Organising Committee of Doha 2018 said: “We are very proud to sign this partnership agreement with Aspire Zone Foundation which has provided us with unlimited support. This relationship has ensured us that we are able to stage a world-class championship. The team at Aspire are providing us with logistics support to ensure the best services for the athletes and officials at the competition venue. We thank Aspire and its facilities for their continuous support.”
With more than 600 athletes from 78 different nations participating, the venue has set up six training halls, a warm-up hall and the competition hall all under Aspire Dome. In addition, the International Gymnastics Federation requires a minimum of 6,000 Seats for the World Championships, as result 800 temporary seats have been added to reach that requirement. A fan zone area has also been set up allowing spectators to optimize their experience at the World Championship. With days away from the Opening Ceremony, preparations are in the final stage to welcome gymnasts, officials and spectators to Aspire Dome.
Mohammed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Aspire at the press conference, said: “We will do our best to stage a special event that will represent Qatar in the best way possible. Aspetar, the medical partner of the World Championship is also on site in Aspires Zone and will provide medical services. We would like to thank the organizing committee who are working around the clock to stage an exceptional and successful event and wish everyone the best.”
Aspire Dome has the capacity to host 13 different sporting events simultaneously. As part of Aspire Zone, it previously hosted the Asian Games in 2006, the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, the 2011 Arab Games as well as an annual event in the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series since 2009.
Qatar is the first Arab country to host the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Only Japan and China have organized it in Asia.