DOHA: The Doha leg of FIG Individual Apparatus World Cup for men and women, which is celebrating its 11th edition this year, summarises Qatar’s achievement as a top-notch host of international sports event.
With unstinted support from the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) has left no stone unturned in making this event a truly world class one.
While gymnastics continue to be a low-profile sport, the competition has earned the reputation as one of the best in the world.
The QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi thanked the FIG for reposing its faith in Doha, which first hosted the event in 2008.
“It’s a great feeling to complete 11 editions this year. This one particular event had helped us win the bid for this year’s FIG World Championships. I thank the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for their support to host the competitions,” said Al Hitmi.
The four-day event, which starts on March 21, will feature some of world’s top names including reigning all-around Olympic champion Kohei Uchimura — the Japanese legend won six world all-around titles and the last two Olympic all-around titles, the longest streak of dominance in gymnastics history.
The finals will be held on Friday and Saturday.
The QGF’s decade-long experience and excellent infrastructure at the Aspire Dome were important factors that earned them the right in 2013 to host the FIG Artistic World Championships.
“This year’s competition will be a test event for the Worlds in October and we plan to have a gala competition,” added Al Hitmi.