The Peninsula
A senior official of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) yesterday backed Qatar’s plan to bid for the 2030 Asian Games hosting, saying hosting of the continent’s biggest sports event in the Gulf state will give a huge boost to sports in the region.
Husain Al Musallam, who is serving as the Director-General of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) since 2005, told The Peninsula that Qatar is playing major role in promoting sports in the Middle East and said he would welcome Qatar’s bid for hosting the 2030 Asian Games.
“We will be happy if Qatar bid for the 2030 Asian Games because they have very good sports infrastructure. This will also boost development of sports in the Gulf and the Middle East region,” Al Musallam said after attending the Education and Olympic Movement Development Seminar held at Al Gharafa Sports Club.
“I am not saying good things about Qatar because I am in Qatar. I am saying what I see, the huge role which Qatar is playing in boosting the sports in the region and the efforts they are making for it,” he added.
A top Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) official recently said Qatar, which hosted the 2006 Asian Games, will be ‘delighted’ to organise the mega event again.
The 2006 Doha Asian Games is hailed as one of the best editions as it featured thousands of athletes, who battled for medals in 39 disciplines. The spectacular opening ceremony on December 1, 2006, which was watched by millions around Asia and the rest of the world, still lasts in the memory of fans.
Al Musallam sounded impressed with the organisation of the ongoing 1st ANOC World Beach Games, which Qatar is hosting on a short notice following the withdrawal of San Diego.
“Qatar is hosting the World Beach Games in a very good manner. They have done a very good job. Within two months, hosting so many athletes from around 100 countries is not easy. This shows how Qatar can host big events,” said OCA’s Director-General.
For his part, James McCloud, the International Olympic Committee’s Director of the Department of Relations with National Olympic Committees and Olympic Solidarity, also lauded Qatar’s role in promoting sports.
“Qatar recently organised the IAAF World Athletics Championships and now within few days I can see the same team working in ANOC World Beach Games, which shows their determination. I would like to congratulate Qatar for hosting these successful events,” said McCloud.
“Qatar is a shining example of what can be done through clear vision, using sports as a better vehicle for change. Qatar has done very well since many years and I think many countries can learn from that,” he added.
Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber, QOC’s Head of Sports Affairs and Saif Mohamed Al Naemi, OCA’s Executive Director also gave presentations during the event.