Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Jaber (left), Chairman for International Relations of the Organising Committee of the 2018 World Gymnastics Championships, is seen with Ali Al Hitmi, President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation.
DOHA: Since the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) was established in 2002, sport has come a long way in Qatar. The forthcoming FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 will mark another historic step for the QGF and Qatar as the championships will be the first of its kind to be staged in the Middle East.
It will also mark the road ahead for Qatar to host the Olympics in future, says Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Chairman for International Relations of the Organising Committee of the 2018 World Gymnastics Championships.
While Qatar is looking to deliver an unprecedented Gymnastics Worlds, Al Jaber insisted that Qatar will continue to dream and soar higher.
“The hosting of the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships has been a culmination of planning and preparation of many years. In 2002, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation was founded under the chairmanship of Late Abdulla Al Meer. It was a step towards hosting Doha Asiad in 2006, so that gymnastics becomes an Olympic sport,” Al Jaber said.
“Then, we had a dream and we chased that dream. We presented the world with one of the best Asian Games. We have continued to dream until now to host the world’s greatest gymnastics championships.
“It is a sign of both -- success and planning -- working hard and always looking forward to presenting an honourable image of our beloved nation.
“The dream, however, will not stop as we aspire to the best. I have great confidence in Qatar’s ability to host the Olympics because we have all the requisites to host the Olympic Games given our facilities, capabilities and expertise at the highest level,” he added.
Al Jaber is confident of the 2018 World Gymnastics reflecting Qatar’s status as a global capital in hosting major sport events once again.
“We were keen to set up the world gymnastics championships at this time as a reflection of our desire to convey to the international community that we are ready to host major championships, and we are always fulfilling our promises. Gymnastics is an opportunity to confirm this and show our leadership to the whole world, especially the Arab countries,” Al Jaber said.
“We have reached a very advanced stage in the preparation process, with starting date only days ahead, and certainly the main venue for the championships and all related facilities being ready.
“We are now preparing for reception of the delegations that will arrive in Doha, and we confirm that the committee for International Relations is fully ready to provide support for all guests who will attend the tournament.
“We are keen to show all our guests and visitors what they aspire to see in Qatar, and that the world gymnastics sees one of its most important steps in history here.”
Gymnasts from 78 countries will be seen in action at the Aspire Dome from October 25 to November 3.
“Our facility is global and we have the potential to push for a historic organisation of this version of gymnastics championships.
“We are proud of our organisational abilities and we will provide all with the best towards a wonderful and outstanding tournament.
“We are looking forward to host the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018 in an unprecedented manner which will reflect the high capabilities of Qatar,” stressed Al Jaber
