DOHA: Qatar’s preparations ahead of the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships are moving according to plan, the country’s top boxing official said yesterday.
Qatar will be ready to deliver the October 8 to 18 event at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in a befitting manner, Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF) Yusuf Ali Al Kadim yesterday informed AIBA officials who got together for a series of discussions at their Executive Committee meeting.
“The Local Organizing Committee is working day and night in a remarkable team spirit among its staff members,” Al Kadim said.
“This is reflected in the progress reports that we receive regularly and which indicate that we are on time as set in our plans. We of course took in consideration the requirements of the AIBA for the event,” he added.
Boxers from more than 60 countries will be represented at the event that will be watched by millions of boxing fans around the world. For the boxers, the top names will qualify for the Rio Olympic Games to be held in August next year.
Al Kadim said QBF had the full support of the Qatari government.
“We have the government support from the highest level and in particular from H E Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC),” Al Kadim said.
“Sheikh Joan has shown a special interest in this meeting and has been following up continuously by helping to surmount all obstacles in a way that guarantees the success of the event,” the QBF President said. “This is no surprise to people who know Qatar, a country that has hosted various major sporting events over the years,” he added.
Dr Wu Ching-Kuo Wu, President of the AIBA, said all eyes were on the Doha event.
“This edition of the world championships is very important because this event is also acts as a qualifier to the Olympic Games next year,” Dr Wu said.
“The boxers hoping to go to Rio de Janeiro will be here giving their best,” he said in his opening remarks at the AIBA Executive Committee meeting.
“I was here in January and got to see the event venue - Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena - which I must say is first class,” he added.
Dr Wu said AIBA will hold an extraordinary meeting during the Doha world championships.
“I would like to extend a warm welcome to the AIBA Executive Meeting members and wish all of them fruitful discussions,” he said.
“It is my firm belief that by mutual dialogue and strong commitment to the development of the sport on all levels, we will be able to ensure that our national federations, athletes, coaches and other key stakeholders benefit from the decisions made in Doha,” he said yesterday.
Al Kadim said QBF was ‘happy to host the AIBA family’.
“I hope you have a good stay in Doha,” Al Kadim said.
“We are sure that this meeting will provide an excellent opportunity for the lovers of this sport to discuss all matters relating to boxing with the objective of promoting our sport.
“We are proud to host such important meetings and we are happy to do everything possible to facilitate the works of the participants and provide them with all necessary help for an efficient performance,” he said.
“We thank AIBA for the continuous help and greatly appreciate the efforts of its various commissions. The media also is playing an important role in promoting the event and they are a vital part of our success,” he said.
THE PENINSULA
