Ali Al Hitmi
DOHA: Looking to host a memorable event, the Organising Committee for the 48th FIG World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Qatar 2018 is putting its best foot forward to host the competition to be staged in Doha from October 25 to November 3 at Aspire Dome.
Ali Al Hitmi, the Executive Director of the Organising Committee and Tournament Manager in an extensive briefing revealed details of the preparations underway, which also confirms that the committee’s aims to deliver a dazzling event.
On the challenge and readiness of hosting the 48th World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Qatar 2018, Al Hitmi said: “The organisation of the world championship is certainly a challenge for all of us, whether it is the Organising Committee, the Olympic Committee or the Ministry of Culture and Sports. This edition is an honourable demonstration that confirms that Qatar is not only aiming to achieve excellence but is keen to dazzle the world through exceptional hosting at all levels.
“The tournament is very different from the previous versions because it will witness the participation of 85 countries with an unprecedented number of athletes but we are ready for this challenge and to reach the success level we look forward to,” he added.
Al Hitmi was confident that Qatar will be ready for the event that will see participation of the largest number of competitors.
“We have a strategy that suits this large number of participants and we are convinced that whoever will participate and whoever will see this tournament over two weeks will find tremendous national capabilities.” He also hoped that the mega event will benefit Qatar ‘in the time of crisis’.
“Attention of all participating countries from all over the world will be towards Qatar, at a time when we are subjected to an unjust blockade, and false news is being spread that Qatar suffers but we respond to those lies,” he said.
“The indicators also confirm that the presence will be strong not only from Asian countries, but also from Arab countries as the tournament is held for the first time in the Middle East, and we are expecting a special audience.”
Al Hitmi said the organisers will not struggle to accommodate athletes due to a large number of participation.
“We do not find that difficult because of the excellent infrastructure in Qatar, especially at Aspire,” he said.
On requests from participating countries to set up camps in Doha ahead of the event,” he said: “Yes, we have already received requests from some countries such as China and Brazil, and other countries, seeking acclimatise and to adapt to the time difference. We have agreed for their early arrivals and we have confirmed our readiness to receive them.” On the aspirations of the Qatari champions who will be keen to rub shoulders with world stars under Aspire Dome,” Al Hitmi said: “Our goal is to see that one of our players makes it to the finals. That will be an achievement because the tournament will witness the presence of top gymnasts of the world. Our gymnasts will be participating both in the boys’ (Ahmad Al-Diani and Ahmed Nabil) and girls’ competitions (Kiki Jana). There will be a preparation camp for them and we wish them all the success.”
