The events of “Doha Gymnasiade 2009” open at 7pm today at Aspire, bringing back to Doha a variety of sporting competitions hosted by the “Aspire Zone” complex. The events begin with an opening ceremony blending skill, joy and advanced technology in a rare and unique cultural mix, and will run for 4 consecutive days.
“Doha Gymnasiade 2009” brings together 1,112 young athletes, of whom 495 compe
te in athletics, 350 in swimming, in addition to 267 in gymnastics. The competitions comprise 36 events spread over six days. The events schedule includes two sessions each day, with the first session starting at exactly 9am, while the second session starts at exactly 4pm
“Khalifa Stadium” hosts 17 sporting events, partially occupying it. The stadium has also been prepared to host 12,000 spectators. The 17 swimming events will be held at the “Hamad Aquatic Centre”, which holds 1,500 spectators, while the “Aspire Dome” hosts the artistic and rhythmic gymnastics events, and the “Aspire Dome” holds around 5,500 spectators.
The State of Qatar is represented by a strong delegation of 35 young men and women competing in the three sports. The list of participants includes delegations from the Middle East and the Arab Mashreq, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt, Syria and Palestine
“Khalifa Stadium” hosts 17 sporting events, partially occupying it. The stadium has also been prepared to host 12,000 spectators. The 17 swimming events will be held at the “Hamad Aquatic Centre”, which holds 1,500 spectators, while the “Aspire Dome” hosts the artistic and rhythmic gymnastics events, and the “Aspire Dome” holds around 5,500 spectators. All the facilities have been equipped with extensive car parking as well as the latest amenities to serve spectators and delegations.
A promising Qatari participation in athletics
Mariam Al Ishaq, manager of the Qatari women’s athletics delegation, expressed great happiness at taking part in this major championship, in which players from around the world are competing, confirming that participation would be very positive for the Qatari players taking part in the championship through exposure to this outstanding group of students. The benefit here is both technical and social, since championships like this create good relationships between Qatari players and their counterparts from different countries. The process of exposure, cooperation and building relationships between the players had already begun the day before yesterday. Al Ishaq considered spreading love and tolerance among participants to be the loftiest goal of this championship. As for the results, they will show on the field, and the Qatari girls taking part in this championship are looking to set new personal bests, especially since preparation had been ideal.
Speaking specifically about Qatar’s participation in girls’ athletics, she said: “We will compete in the 100m, 200m and 1000m, as well as the shot put, triple jump, long jump and relay. The champions taking part are Fatima Omar Ba, Fatima Mazaher Sashani, Nada Nabil Abdullah, Jyoti Janardhanan and Emma Ellen Thomas. On the technical staff there is technical director Dr Mohammed Buhairi and coach Naima Ben Amara, administrator Dalal Al Abdullah, Mustafa Kamal, Filary, Vladimir, and physiotherapist Vera.”
Speaking specifically about Qatar’s participation in girls’ athletics, she said: “We will compete in the 100m, 200m and 1000m, as well as the shot put, triple jump, long jump and relay. The champions taking part are Fatima Omar Ba, Fatima Mazaher Sashani, Nada Nabil Abdullah, Jyoti Janardhanan and Emma Ellen Thomas. On the technical staff there is technical director Dr Mohammed Buhairi and coach Naima Ben Amara, administrator Dalal Al Abdullah, Mustafa Kamal, Filary, Vladimir, and physiotherapist Vera.
Al Ishaq added: “For us in women’s sport, there is continuous development, and all of that comes thanks to the capabilities provided by the senior leadership. Our ambition is certainly to progress and deliver our best through our local, continental and international participation, and the current championship is a good opportunity for the players to raise their level through exposure to other schools of athletics.”
Al Zaini receives Lamine Diack:
HE Mr Abdullah Al Zaini, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, received HE Mr Lamine Diack, President of the IAAF. HE Saad Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Education and Higher Education, also received him at his office this morning to welcome the distinguished guest to Doha for the Gymnasiade. Diack expressed his happiness at arriving in Doha, affirming that the State of Qatar was fully capable of hosting the largest practical championships, given the vast capabilities and world-class organisational expertise it possesses.
