Japanese legend Kohei Uchimura.
DOHA: Gearing up to host the FIG Artistic World Championships later this year, Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) is confident of organising the best-ever FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup this weekend, with an array of world’s best gymnasts are set to compete at Aspire Dome.
The QGF has been hosting the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup since 2008 but this year’s edition, that runs from March 21 to 24, holds utter importance as Doha will also be hosting FIG’s showpiece event - FIG World Championships – this year from October 25 to November 3.
“This World Cup is very special for us as it will also serve as the test event for 2018 World Championships,” QGF President and Chairman of the Organising Committee Ali Al Hitmi told a press conference yesterday.
“All the preparations for the event have been completed and we are looking forward to a very successful World Cup this year also,” added Al Hitmi.
“We will leave no stone unturned to make it a blockbuster as it will give us huge confidence ahead of World Championships,” the QGF President said.
Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali Al Hitmi (centre), Assistant General Secretary QGF and Competition Manager Abeer Al Bunainain, and Deputy Competition Manager Anis Saoud (right) during a press conference in Doha yesterday. Picture: Abdul Basit/THE PENINSULA
Like every year, top gymnasts including World and Olympic champions from around 40 countries are participating in the annual championship.
The must-watch contest during four days of action in the event will be a battle between world champion Xiao Ruoteng of China and Japanese legend Kohei Uchimura, also famous as ‘King Kohei’.
With both the top gymnasts eyeing wins heading into important year of World Championships, the competition between the two will be treat to watch for fans.
In addition, world’s oldest Olympian, Oksana Chusovitina, 43 of Uzbekistan will also be descending to Doha to defend her vault title she won in the last year’s edition.
Xiao Ruoteng.
Besides, several other world class gymnasts have also confirmed their participation in the four-day event.
A couple of upcoming gymnasts will also represent the host country in the World Cup.
The Qatari pair includes Jana Kiki and Ahmed Nabil, who will be looking to impress and give cheers to home fans expected to turn out in good numbers.
The qualification rounds will be held on first two days of the championship, with eight best gymnasts making it to the finals and will strive for medals on the last two days of the competition.
