DOHA: FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu yesterday praised the Local Organizing Committee of the FINA World Cup 2013 in Qatar, saying he was confident Doha would be a ‘fantastic’ venue for the 2014 World Championships.
Marcelescu was speaking at a press conference held yesterday at Hamad Aquatic Center.
Also present were Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) President Khalil Al Jabir, QSA Competitions Manager Mohamed Al Fadallah, QSA official Nasser Yakoub and QSA Media and Broadcast Manager Fahad Al Hajri.
“Doha and Dubai are big partners of FINA and are now benefitting from the legacy of the FINA SWC Series. Over one year, the organisation has improved a greatly. More local clubs and swimmers are involved. The sport at the local level has progressed with more professionals upcoming,” the FINA official said.
“All swimmers are happy to be back in Doha.
“The most important factors are that more swimmers and more stars are competing this year, compared to the last edition.
“Everybody knows about (Ossama) Mellouli , because he is from this region and has been winning events for a long time.”
“Also there are Chad Le Clos, Vladimir Morozov and many other strong swimmers. Katinka Hosszu is a very important swimmer for the FINA.
“This morning, she swam in five events, which is incredible. I think these are the major positive changes in Doha over a period of one year” Marculescu added.
Talking about the 2014 World Championships, the FINA Executive Director said: “Doha is a fantastic venue for the 25m World Championships. The conditions are excellent. I don’t have any complaint from any coach or swimmer about Doha.”
He added: “When the World Championships are hosted in Doha next year, it will be vacation time. We want more schools and children coming to witness the competitions. I’m sure the QSA will take care of it. Otherwise, the QSA has done a great job.
Al Jabir said: “I assure you that there will be a big number of children present during the World Championships. You will get to see a memorable show.”
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