FROM LEFT: The Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim Al Buainain, International Gymnastics Federation President, Morinari Watanabe, Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari and President of Qatar Gymnas
Doha: The 48th edition of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018, the first such event to be staged in the Middle East, was launched following an impressive opening ceremony at the magnificent Aspire Dome yesterday.
On the occasion, the President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation and Executive Director of the Organising Committee Ali Al Hitmi thanked The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his guidance, and interest in sport, which, he said, is an integral part of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
The opening was attended by several distinguished guests and included Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim Al Buainain, Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee, and Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Germany, among others.
The championship was officially declared open by International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe, who was dressed in a thobe – the traditional Arabic dress - for the occasion, and Ali Al Hitmi.
Addressing the audience, Watanabe said, “Qatar Gymnastics Federation has made a wonderful garden in the middle of the desert. For ten days from today, with the power of our gymnasts, we’ll see the beautiful and strong flowers (of gymnastics) bloom at the Aspire Dome. I wish all gymnasts good luck.”
Qatari gymnast Jana Al Kiki taking an oath on behalf of the athletes.
Al Hitmi welcomed the gymnasts and officials from various countries of the world and said: “Hosting this prestigious event in Qatar has given us the opportunity to take gymnastics to new heights in our country and to drive the passion and engagement for the sport amongst our communities; expanding gymnastics reach and encouraging even more Qatari residents to become involved, whether participating or being a spectator.
“President Watanabe and FIG family, thank you for the trust that you have placed in us. We are so grateful for the support and cooperation that you have provided as we aim to forge a path for future athletes, inspire new gymnasts and grow this sport in Qatar.”
Al Hitmi also thanked the people of Qatar, the members of the Organising Committee and the volunteers for their efforts and commitment to the championship.
Qatar’s female gymnast, 16-year-old Jana Al Kiki then took an oath on behalf of the athletes as did coach David Kikuchi of Canada and judge Han Yoon-Soo of South Korea.
A Chinese acrobatic show entertained the audience attending the opening ceremony.
Soon, gymnastics took over with men’s sub-division qualifiers. The artistic gymnastics worlds is flagship event of FIG and will see over 600 gymnasts from 76 countries, including three Team Qatar gymnasts, compete over ten days at this edition that is also serving as the first qualification event for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
