Salim Cheniouni
Qatar Swimming
Federation is set to host the second round of the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018
from the 13th to the 15th of September, in what will be the seventh championship of its kind to be
held at Hamad Aquatic Centre.
The event had previously been held in a 25 metre
swimming pool over a two day period, however this year it will take place in a
50 metre pool over the course of three days.
Over 100 swimmers representing 20 countries will
take part in this showdown, including 20 Qatari swimmers who are set to face
the biggest names in the world of swimming.
This event, which has been taking place in
Doha since 2012, aims to inspire and encourage participation in the sport for
future generations, as well as to showcase the highest level of competitive swimming
for fans. Furthermore, this will serve as a benchmark for Qatar as they prepare
to organize the FINA World Championships 2023.
Qatar
Swimming Association (QSA) President Khaleel Al Jabir said the organising committee
was confident of delivering another hit event, “The
Qatar Swimming Association is honored to welcome the world’s best swimmers in
Doha for the FINA Swimming World Cup 2018,” Al Jabir said in a statement.
“One of our main goals when we
first hosted the event back in 2012 was to promote swimming in Qatar and in the
region as a whole, to inspire new athletes and to introduce new fans to this
exciting sport. We thank FINA and its partners for their continued support,
which has helped us in achieving our mission.
“This year’s FINA Swimming
World Cup will continue to build on this success,” he added.
Last year’s overall men’s winner at FINA World Cup, South African Olympic
and World Champion Chad Le Clos, is due to take part in this event hoping for a
repeat of last year’s success in which he won four gold medals.
Sarah Sjöström, Olympic and World Champion and
last year’s overall women’s FINA World Cup winner is looking to defend her five
gold medals she won in Doha.