Qatar celebrates Doha 2019 IAAF World Championships with world of Athletics

Qatar has brought the world of athletics together to celebrate Doha’s hosting of the 2019 IAAF World Championships as the city prepares to receive the flag from London. Doha will be the next host of the world’s third largest sporting event following the conclusion of the London World Championships this Sunday.

Over 500 people attended the reception recently hosted by the Doha 2019 Organising Committee at London’s breathtaking Sky Garden. Attendees included Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, members of the IAAF, Athletics Member Federations from around the world, sponsors and Organising Committees.

Speaking on behalf of the Doha 2019 Organising Committee, Vice-President and Director General of Doha 2019 and Vice-President of the IAAF, Dahlan Al Hamad said that hosting the Athletics flagship event is a natural step for Qatar’s historic sporting journey.

We are committed to combining our passion for athletics, our experience and knowledge of hosting major athletics events, and our warm hospitality and rich culture – to organise a unique, memorable and highly successful World Championships.

Hosting the World Championships in the Middle East for the first time in history provides the opportunity to introduce athletics to new audiences and new markets, inspire new athletes and capture the attention of new fans. The whole of the Doha 2019 team is fully committed to embracing this unique opportunity – and we will be working hard over the next two years to ensure that we maximise the full potential of our region’s first ever World Championships.’

Speaking about the impact that the World Championships can have on the region, particularly with regards to female sport, Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Communications and Marketing Director of Doha 2019 and the Qatar Olympic Committee said that showcasing Arab women in Athletics through the World Championships will help inspire more young girls from across the region to become not just future champions but to participate at any level – as athletes, coaches, officials or administrators.

We want young girls to see that anything is possible and that they can achieve their dreams.  We hope to break down barriers and change perceptions of Arab women in sport – and to support the growth and development of women’s athletics – and women’s sport in general – across the Middle East.’

Guests at the reception were able to sample Qatar’s warm hospitality, unique culture, and history and heritage of Athletics through Arabic calligraphy workshops, a photo exhibition, a falcon demonstration, henna painting and more.

 

The reception took place ahead of the evening session of day four of competition at the London 2017 World Championships. Team Qatar athletes have had a successful start to the World Championships with Abdallaleh Haroun qualifying for 400-metre semi-finals and Abderrahman Samba qualifying for the 400-metre hurdles semi-final. Olympic silver and bronze medallist, Mutaz Barshim, double World Junior Champion, Ashraf Elseify and rising star in the javelin Ahmed Bedeir will also be in action later in the week. The flag handover from London to Doha will take place with a ceremony in the London 2017 Stadium following the final session of athletics on Sunday.

You can follow Team Qatar’s progress in the IAAF World Championships and send your messages of support on the QOC’s social media channels under the hashtag #YallaQatar.