HE Major General Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad, chairman of the Qatar and Asian athletics federations and vice-president of the IAAF, chaired the second meeting of the organising committee for the Doha Diamond League meeting, attended by members Mohammed Jassim Al Kuwari, assistant meeting director for support and chairman of the marketing committee; Abdulhakeem Al Amri, assistant meeting director for technical affairs; Mohammed Suleiman, chairman of the spectators committee; Abdulrahman Al Nubi, general coordinator; Mai Yousuf Al Mohammadi, chairwoman of the public relations committee; Yousuf Ahmed Abdullah, chairman of the finance committee; Khalifa Abdulmalik, chairman of the sports events committee; Yacoub Yousuf Abdullah, chairman of the venues committee; Rashid Al Ansari, chairman of the protocol committee; Righdan Faisal, chairman of the reception and transport committee; Younis Ahmed, chairman of the accommodation committee; Dr Jabbar Al Kaabi, chairman of the technical and results committee; Mohammed Shuaib, chairman of the secretariat committee; Abdullah Hassan, chairman of the officials committee; Salah Al Saadi, chairman of the electronic equipment committee; Marwan Abu Al Asal, chairman of the accreditation committee; Fatima Khamis Al Malki, chairwoman of the anti-doping committee; and Ghania, chairwoman of the media committee, in addition to representatives of the security committee, television and the champions. The meeting opened with the approval of the minutes of the first meeting, after which HE Major General Al Hamad commended the work of the committees and their efforts to provide every means to make the meeting a success, with the event now less than two weeks away and featuring an elite group of world champions
HE Major General Dahlan Al Hamad, chairman of the committee, opened the meeting by discussing the latest preparations and the full readiness for the major event, especially as the challenges are greater this year, with the championship considered a stepping stone for world champions ahead of the Rio Olympics. He said every committee has its own remit and work to complete to the best possible standard, and that the Doha Diamond League meeting has always been, and will remain, defined by excellence, that stepping back is unacceptable, and that every means of success must be provided because it is the gateway to fully integrated work
In his address to the members of the organising committee he affirmed great confidence that the meeting would maintain its excellence, noting that it had never been anything but a gateway to success for everyone who takes part in it or works on it .. He said: “We have a new stage of the Diamond League ahead of us, and every season we seek to add something new to our excellence. Today we are just days away from the start of the event, and we must reach the best possible readiness, working to provide everything needed based on the information available to us. I am certain that every individual and official responsible for a committee is capable of making the work, and that of those around them, a success, so that the meeting reaches its intended goal, and I stress again that this is the meeting of continuous excellence”
Major General Dahlan Al Hamad noted that the IAAF is following the preparations closely and recognises that Qatar has always excelled in organisation and in achieving success, especially since this same country will host the World Championships in a few years’ time, and so everything is accounted for and what is required is focus and hard work with determination, and to avoid all obstacles or difficulties, God willing
After that, Major General Al Hamad discussed with the organising committee members all ongoing work, focusing on removing any obstacles that arise and reassuring himself about the committees’ work through the explanations given by those present, since everyone understands that the task is not easy, but that under the current circumstances focus is required and the meeting must be kept free of any errors, especially as everyone now faces very little time before the launch of the major event
The committee chairmen revealed the latest preparations, especially given the accelerating countdown to the launch of the Doha Diamond League meeting. Mohammed Suleiman, chairman of the spectators committee, revealed that numerous tours had been carried out to attract fans of the mother of sports to the event, and spoke of the great response, in addition to making entry tickets available at designated locations. Mohammed said: “The committee is still working to achieve a large turnout and ensure fans are not absent from an event that represents a hallmark of success,” noting that everyone is working to accomplish what is required, and pointing to the response of many communities wishing to take part in this event, especially since the organising committee has prepared many surprises for those fans
Moving to the hotel
It was decided that the move to the championship hotel, the InterContinental Doha, would take place from the fourth of next month to receive VIP guests and world champions, and to ensure the committees are ready for every detail, especially as halls will be set up for the media and for the technical meeting, as well as buses and cars for those present, thereby providing every facility, with Younis Ahmed, chairman of the accommodation committee, present from the third of next month to prepare everything needed for those arriving many days before the championship, including senior members of the IAAF or of the continental federations, and world champions
Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium
It was decided that Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium would be in full readiness, from the main field to the secondary and especially the training pitches, to ensure every success for world champions during their stay and training before the start of the event, especially as some of them will arrive ahead of schedule in order to reach full readiness and dominance and secure the top places, and Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium will also host some rehearsals before the competitions and races begin
Our champion Mutaz Barshim prepares in Doha
Our world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim has begun intensifying his preparations in the heart of Doha through continuous training under his coach’s supervision, and his presence in Doha will mark the start of a new Diamond League season, especially after his excellence last season, while at the same time serving as positive preparation for the Rio Olympic Games. Our champion was seen at the secondary field of Khalifa International Stadium carrying out his daily training in pursuit of the complete excellence he has accustomed everyone to last season, despite competition becoming fiercer than it was in previous stages of past championships
