Doha is part of the 2030 Asian Games bid race. With a sports infrastructure un-rivalled anywhere in the region, Doha’s promise to deliver a memorable edition of the Asian Games in 2030 is a reality waiting to happen. Doha, house to the world’s biggest indoor sporting facility at the Aspire Academy, delivered a grand show in 2006 when it hosted the then biggest Asian Games. From 1 to 15 December, 2006, more than 10,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions featured in 46 disciplines across 39 sports in 424 events. It was a spectacular show of guts, gumption and glory for over two weeks.
In December 2006, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani riding a horse up a steep climb to light up the Asian Games torch is a memory that has never been replicated at any Asian Games edition. The Opening Ceremony was attended by Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Then International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge joined representatives of the the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the opening ceremony at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium. For two weeks, thousands of fans attended the multi-disciplined sports gathering at world-class venues. Qatari athletes did not disappoint home fans, winning 9 gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze for a rich haul of 32 medals.
Fourteen years on, Doha is now waiting for the outcome of the Asian Games bid race result that will be announced next month. This weekend, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani - who headed the longest Asian Games Torch Relay in the build-up to the 2006 Asiad - declared Doha’s readiness to deliver another magnificent show, provided it wins the bid race. The QOC Chairman underlined that the sporting infrastructure in Doha remains unmatched as Qatar’s continues to prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With the state of the art Metro system connecting all sports venues in the country - the commute time between stadiums does not exceed 20 minutes - and the expansion of the Hamad International Airport gives Doha an edge in the bid race. Doha has hundreds of hotels that offer visitors pretty much the comfort they desire during a short or long stay. The QOC Chairman this week clearly stated that Doha will work with OCA to meet every bit of requirement needed to host the Games in 2030.
Doha indeed is the best choice for another edition of the Asian Games.
