Doha: A record 40 countries including gymnasts from USA, Italy and Norway will feature at the 11th Artistic FIG World Cup from March 21-24.
With the participation of USA, the level of competition is expected to be a few notch high, and a stiff battle against strong contenders China will also be on the cards.
A total of 126 and 79 MAG and WAG have entered into the Doha event thus making it one of the toughest in the World Cup series, which starts in Melbourne, Australia (February 22-25).
The competition will also serve as a test event for the 48th FIG Artistic World Championships in October.
“This is an important event for us as Qatar will be hosting the prestigious World Championships at the same venue. We want put in our best effort to make both the events successful,” said QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi, who is also a FIG Executive Member. “The gymnasts will have also have the opportunity to test the competition hall before the Worlds.”
The tournament, which will be held at the Aspire Dome, will also have gymnasts from Japan, China, Russia, USA, Romania, Finland and Denmark.
Held under the auspices of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF), the annual FIG tournament was first held in Doha in 2008.
Since then the competition has become stronger and popular with several Olympians and world champions participated in the QGF’s blue riband event, which is the third stopover in the World Cup series.