DOHA: Fina, the swimming governing body, yesterday gave a stamp of approval to Qatar, saying the country is promoting the popular Olympic sport in the right manner.
Doha’s state-of-the-art Hamad Aquatic Centre is hosting the two day Fina/Arena Swimming World Cup 2012 event.
“We have found a new partner within the region to help us promote the sport of swimming and to inspire the new generations to love this sport,” Cornel Marculescu, Fina Executive Director, said yesterday.
“Our close cooperation with the Qatar Swimming Association (QWA) has proven to be nothing less than amazing, They understand the sport of swimming and have organised this event to the highest possible level,” Marculescu added.
Fina (Federation Internationale de Natation) is the world governing body of all aquatic sports – swimming, water polo, diving, synchronised swimming, open water swimming and masters swimming – and recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Fina is one of the three largest international federations within the IOC and the only federation to govern five Olympic disciplines.
Fina has 202 federation affiliate members and four IOC members.
QSA president Khaleel Al Jaber said: “Qatar Swimming Association since its establishment has dedicated all its efforts in promoting the exciting sports of aquatics in Qatar and the organisation of this unique swimming competition is a great opportunity for supporting our initial goals.”
He added: “Qatar Swimming Association is honoured and proud to be selected by Fina to host this world class event at Hamad Aquatic Center.”
This annual series is considered one of the most prestigious swimming competitions in the world, positioning Doha amongst the elite event organisers of this spectacular event.
“I would like to say that the Heir Apparent, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has backed sports in an amazing way in this country,” Marculescu said.
“I would also like to applaud the efforts of Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrehman Al Thani who wanted a top swimming event in Qatar. I believe we are in for a massive change in the way swimming would be seen in this country.
“I would like to add here that in two years’ time Doha will host the 2014 Fina World Sport Medicine Congress also,” Marculescu announced.
The 17th Fina World Sport Medicine Congress will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, in December this year immediately before the 2012 Fina World Swimming Championships (short distance).
“The Middle East is playing an important role in promoting swimming and obviously Doha is keen to take the lead role in the years to come,” Marculescu said.
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