Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (C) fires the staring gun for the Women's Marathon at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha on September 27, 2019. AFP / Karim Jaafar
Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced the opening of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 on Friday evening, wishing all participating delegations success and a pleasant stay in Qatar.
The opening ceremony of 17th edition of the IAAF World Athletics Championships was attended by HH Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers.
The ceremony was also attended by HE President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, members of the IOC, HE President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Lord Sebastian Coe, members of the IAAF, and a number of Olympic and sport figures, Their Excellencies heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar and senior officials and guests of the tournament.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a movie on Qatar welcoming the world. After the movie, President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and head of the championship's organizing committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE President of the International Association of Athletics Federations Lord Sebastian Coe gave a speech to mark the occasion.
After that, the march with the Arab and foreign flags of the participating teams took place, after which started a fireworks display.
Then, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani declared the kick off of the women's marathon.
The Championships kicked off with unprecedented participation of about 2,000 athletes competing in 49 races and competitions over 10 days at Khalifa International Stadium and the Corniche Doha.
