Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
Editor-in-Chief
Organising the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, an oasis of world of sports, for the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East, is a historic and qualitative achievement that confirms that nothing is impossible for Qatar, especially when it comes to hosting mega sports, cultural, political and economic events.
Nearly 2,000 players from all over the world gathered in Doha to compete in different forms of races and athletic games.
The international media and press did not lose sight to express their admiration for the success achieved by Qatar in hosting many global championships including IAAF 2019.
This confirms the strong will of Qatar and far-sighted plans to make Qatar one of top centers in the world for sports having world-class infrastructure and ability to host global events successfully.
The Organizing Committee of the championship did not leave any stone unturned to make this event a big success and accorded special attention to all the requirements, including logistical and technical facilities for the distinguished guests of Qatar. All this was accomplished under the follow-up and direct supervision of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the QOC and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the championship.
The success of Qatar in hosting this World Championship is the biggest response to the sceptics who doubted our capability and aspiration for a bright and prosperous future. The siege which has been imposed on our beloved country would not hinder our national journey or discourage us from making our way towards the future we want for our future generations.
Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the (IAAF), praised the efforts of the organizing committee and the available facilities to make the event a success. The number of journalists covering the event reached more than 700 who represented several international news agencies, sports channels and the press, in addition to more than 5,000 volunteers representing more than 100 countries.
The excellent organization of many tournaments has helped our beloved country occupy a distinguished position, and the first in the region, in hosting international sporting event, and the FIFA Club World Cup in coming December is not the last.
Qatar not only hosted the event, but thanks to Allah, Qatar also won the gold medal in the final jumping event, with Qatar’s Moataz Barsham scoring first place in the high jump.
Barshim is the fruit of Qatar’s Aspire International Academy, which contributes effectively and strongly to the graduation of Qatari sports talents. This institution has also provided us a strong football team, which won the 2019 Asian Cup.
All these were achieved only with the help of Allah, and then with the wise leadership and its sound planning.
This has been achieved as we are preparing and looking forward to the largest and most prominent event in the world, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be an exceptional tournament by all standards in terms of capabilities, stadiums and organization.
For this event, Qatar has been working on for quite a long time to be a ray that would illuminate the paths for the Arab region, and as H H the Amir said: it will be a championship of all Arabs.
Welcome everyone in Qatar; castle for the oppressed, and the country of love, purity and magnanimity.
