Ali Al Hitmi (left), Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) and Executive Manager of the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championship and Eissa Al Hitmi, Director General of ALKASS exchanging documents during a sponsorship signing ceremony held at Westin Hotel
Doha: This month’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha will leave a lasting legacy that could help build a strong player base in the country, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Al Hitmi said yesterday.
Qatar will field three gymnasts - Ahmed Nabil, Ahmed Al Dayani and Jana Al Kiki – in the October 25-November 3 event, which will be held at Aspire Dome where several Olympic and World champions will compete.
The relatively inexperienced Qatari athletes, who recently took part in the Asian Games in Jakarta, face a difficult test against the world’s best gymnasts, and Al Hitmi said he was not putting pressure of expectations on them.
“It is a very tough competition as only eight gymnasts will qualify for the final from a lengthy and star-studded line-up in every event,” the QGF President said on the sidelines of a sponsorship signing ceremony at Westin Hotel in Doha yesterday.
“We will only expect from our gymnasts to give their best and avoid mistakes. These three gymnasts will have to show the world where the level of gymnastics has reached. We cannot put pressure on our (budding) gymnasts because its a very tough challenge,” said Al Hitmi.
Asked if the Doha Worlds can prove to be a launching pad for Qatari athletes to break into the elite club of gymnasts in the future, the answer came in affirmative.
“Yes, it can be a breakthrough for our gymnasts. This event will benefit them, and it will also help Qatar gymnastics in many ways. It will be motivating for our gymnasts when they will compete alongside the likes of Simona Biles and Kohei Uchimura.
“Competing at this level will definitely improve their game and boost their confidence.
“The event will also attract young kids to this sport which will be a huge boost for Qatar gymnastics. We are optimistic that we will reach these goals,” Al Hitmi said.
He stressed that the young Qatari gymnasts have the qualities to shine in major events in the coming years.
“With more support and experience, Qatari gymnasts have the potential to become medal winners in major championships just like out track and field stars.
Meanwhile, Al Hitmi, who is also the Executive Director of the World Championships, said his team is ready to host the long event in a befitting manner.
“It is a new challenge for us. We are working as a team since a long time to make this happen. We are looking to make it as the best World Championships ever and want to show the world how successful we can be in hosting big events.”
He added the QGF has made efforts to ensure best stay for the touring gymnasts.
“We have made a deal with companies to arrange tours to famous tourism points in Qatar so that the gymnasts can have a good time when they are not busy with their competition,” he said.
The World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Doha 2018 will see more than 700 athletes representing 83 countries in action.
