A new generation begins a new journey from the heart of Doha
The Qatar Athletics Federation, led by HE Major General Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad, president of the Qatari and Asian federations and vice-president of the IAAF, is preparing to host the first Asian Youth Athletics Championships for boys and girls from 8 to 11 May at the Sheikh Saoud bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar SC, with the participation of more than 400 athletes in addition to more than 170 administrative, coaching and medical officials representing 41 countries.
HE Major General Dahlan Al Hamad, chairman of the championship’s organising committee, held a packed press conference at which he confirmed full readiness to host the first edition of the championship, which brings together Asia’s finest young athletes, who carry the continent’s hopes of leading Asian athletics into a bright new era and are preparing to step into the spotlight of a promising international sporting career.
Delighted to host the new event
Major General Al Hamad, who was recently re-elected president of the Asian Athletics Association, said: “We are proud to host another major sporting event in the State of Qatar. We have done everything necessary to ensure that the first Asian Youth Athletics Championships is a successful championship, one that paves the way for further development of our sport, especially for our younger generations.”
He added that thanks to the full patronage and support of our wise leadership, the Qatar Athletics Federation is working hard to achieve the goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
He affirmed that Qatar has invested heavily in sporting development, particularly by involving younger generations in sport, and that the first Asian Youth Athletics Championships is another living example reflecting Qatar’s commitment to this course.
He stressed that, as president of the Asian federation, he is fully determined to do whatever is needed to drive the growth and development of athletics from the youngest age groups, not only in Qatar but across the whole Asian continent.
He added that among the strategic goals is to give athletics a strong boost and to seek ways of encouraging young people to take part in sporting activities across Asia. “Our focus is on long-term planning to develop and support the sport,” he said, adding: “We have worked hard, hand in hand with our trusted partners at the IAAF and at national athletics federations, to organise a first edition of the first Asian Youth Athletics Championships that is full of excitement.”
The generation of the future
The organising committee chairman said: “We firmly believe that the future of athletics lies in the hands of the young generation, and what we need to do is find ways to inspire young people and draw them into sport. The first Asian championship is the best way of moving towards achieving this goal, and we must not make mistakes or rush, since we are focused on a long-term strategy that will bear fruit within a few years, and we are fully aware of the need to bring about change and development in the Asian athletics system.”
He expressed confidence that combined efforts will succeed step by step, in continuous cooperation with the IAAF and with national federations of the sport.
He said that the Asian championship, held one week before the Doha Diamond League meeting 2015 at the same stadium, will be a landmark in the development of athletics in the Asian continent.
Dahlan Al Hamad concluded by saying: “It is a great honour for me, as president of the Asian Athletics Federation, to fully embrace our slogan (Together We Move Forward). I invite all residents of Doha to embrace this initiative and to encourage the young athletes through strong attendance and support with cheers and encouragement.
Answering questions, Al Hamad explained that Qatari participation totals 19 athletes in the championship, and that all Arab countries are taking part in the major event, with only four Asian countries yet to confirm their participation.
He said that, to encourage wider participation from Asian countries, the Qatar Athletics Federation decided to host, at its own expense, three athletes and a coach from each country during the championship. Stadium gates will also be opened free of charge to the public to encourage strong attendance in support and encouragement of the young stars of Asia’s future.
