Mutaz Barshim Confirms Readiness for Doha Diamond League Meeting

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June 18, 2026
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18-June-2026

Mutaz Barshim Confirms Readiness for Doha Diamond League Meeting

Doha: Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim has confirmed his full readiness to compete in the men’s high jump at the Doha Meeting of the Wanda Diamond League, which takes place tomorrow (Friday).

Speaking at a press conference held today ahead of the competition, Barshim said he is looking forward to delivering his best performance as he returns to the high jump after a lengthy absence. He explained that he has worked consistently in recent months to regain his fitness and reach a level that will allow him to compete at the highest level, adding that he has achieved a good degree of physical readiness that will help him challenge for strong results and target his best marks.

Barshim stressed that he is determined to continue his athletic journey and achieve the competitive goals he has set for himself this season, noting that these ambitions remain within reach provided he maintains the highest levels of focus.

The Qatari star, a three-time world champion, described the start of his 2026 season as successful following his triumph at the Gulf Games in May and his gold medal-winning performance at the Asian High Jump Championships in China.

He also emphasized the importance of continuing to work hard throughout the season, revealing that he has always carried a message with every jump he makes in competition: preserving success as part of Qatar’s sporting legacy.

For his part, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra said that competing in Doha represents a new challenge at the start of the athletics season as he continues his pursuit of top performances and greater consistency in the event.

Speaking at the same press conference, Chopra said he expects strong competition, particularly from Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, the current Diamond League leader in the men’s javelin. However, he expressed confidence in his preparations and his ability to deliver his best performance in Doha.
Chopra noted that he has always enjoyed special memories in Doha, where he has consistently produced some of his finest performances.

He described the men’s javelin competition as one of the strongest events on the programme, featuring a distinguished field of athletes who have won Olympic and World Championship medals.

The Indian star also praised the organisation of the Doha Diamond League Meeting, saying that the excellent competition environment, hospitality and medical support enable athletes to perform at their very best.

Meanwhile, Dominican Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino said she has come to Doha with the goal of achieving a top performance in the women’s 400m.

Speaking at the same press conference, Paulino acknowledged that the race would not be easy, but stressed that she would give her maximum effort in pursuit of the best possible result. She noted that this will be her third appearance in Doha and expressed her ambition to set another strong mark, similar to her performance in 2023 when she clocked 50.51 seconds at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium.

This version reads more naturally in English sports media style than a literal translation and is suitable for publication or distribution to international media.