QFA Hands Over Final Part of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Bid File

Doha, December 15, 2020 - The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has handed over the fourth and final part of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid file. The 20 original bid book documents were handed over by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Malaysia Fahd bin Mohammed Kafoud.This concluding part of the file - handed over according to the schedule approved by the AFC - includes all obligations sought by the Asian football body. The last step is a confirmation from the QFA of its commitment to fulfilling all hosting requirements, following the schedule approved by the AFC. It coincides with the celebrations of Qatar National Day which is marked on Dec. 18 every year.QFA remains confident that - in line with its endeavor to organize the tournament according to the highest international standards - the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will become one of the many top sports events the country has staged, should hosting rights be awarded to the QFA. Major AFC tournaments already held in Qatar include the AFC Asian Cup 1988 and 2011 editions, as well as the AFC Champions League matches of the West Zone and the East Zone in 2020.HE President of Qatar Football Association Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani said: "Qatar will be ready to host the nineteenth edition of the Asian Cup for national teams, taking advantage of the modern sports facilities that will stage the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. Qatar is keen to leave a lasting legacy for the Asian football family by delivering a memorable AFC Asian Cup in 2027. Creating a sports legacy that benefits future generations is part of the 2030 Qatar National Vision."He added: "Qatar is currently working on preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by developing state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a major-road network to connect the entire country and a significant expansion in the number of hotel rooms. The Metro service is already in use, helping hundreds of thousands of professionals commute between their home and workplace. The final part of our bid file shows that Qatar is determined to stage the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in a manner that reflects the high standards we uphold when staging top international sports events on our soil. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will be no exception.""We have worked tirelessly to prepare a comprehensive bid file that meets all hosting criteria through coordination with all authorities in the country. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the authorities for the efforts they have made in preparing this bid file. We look forward to working with them as we look to secure the rights to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027, God willing."It is worth noting that the QFA handed over the first part of its bid file on 26 August, underlining its desire to host Asia's biggest national team event, followed by the second part covering legal requirements on 29 October, and the third part showcasing the government guarantee requirements on 26 November. ​

QOC to Organize Exceptional Edition of Flag Relay on Friday

DOHA, December 15, 2020 - As part of the State's celebrations on the National Day 2020, Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) will organize a virtual fourth edition of the Flag Relay on Friday, in line with the precautionary measures taken against the spread of the coronavirus.A number of Qatari athletes with take part in the event. Those wishing to participate will also have the opportunity to participate this year through the QOC accounts on social media platforms.The QOC is keen on organizing the Flag Relay despite the challenges of the current condition as it express loyalty and pride in the homeland.The third edition of the Flag Relay saw the participation of about 5000 people from different groups of society in carrying the Qatari flag in the tour that passed to some schools, Ooredoo's building, Qatar Olympic Committee, the Doha Corniche, then Qatar Foundation and Katara.The tour was concluded at Hamad International Airport, where the flag was handed over for a captain of an aircraft heading to Tokyo where the Qatar team was due to participate in the Summer Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020), which has been postponed until next year 2021.

Sheikh Joaan Inaugurates Doha Majlis to Promote Doha 2030 Asian Games

MUSCAT, December 15, 2020 - HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairman of Doha 2030, inaugurated Monday the Doha Majlis in the Omani capital Muscat to promote Qatar's bid to host the 2030 Asian Games.The inauguration was attended by Qatar Olympic Committee First Vice-President HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani, Second Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Thani Al Kuwari, CEO of Doha 2030 and Secretary-General of QOC Jassim Al Buainain, in addition to a number of heads of Qatari sports associations and prominent Olympic and Asian sports association officials.Officials from the Doha 2030 campaign gave a presentation on the sports village that will be located in Lusail. They also discussed the facilities and the different sports fields that are currently available in Aspire academy and the other ones that hosted many different competitions. They also shed light on other services like the Doha Metro, which will be one of the most important projects in helping to host the event, in addition to the media center.HE Sheikh Joaan is set to take part Tuesday in the Executive Board Meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia. The meeting will discuss the report presented by the evaluation committee on the cities of Doha and Riyadh as candidates to host the event. Wednesday will see the announcement of the winning bid to host the Asian Games 2030.

Doha 2030 promises magical Games experience for OCA family

DOHA, December 14, 2020 -The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee has pledged to provide all members of the OCA family with an experience of a lifetime should Doha be awarded the Games in 2030.Doha is a truly multicultural city – home to people from nearly 100 different countries – and an established international destination which attracts millions of tourists each year. Doha 2030 will draw from the city's wealth of history, culture and entertainment, to ensure that every Games participant is made to feel welcome in 2030 and that their needs are catered for.The city's beautiful, family-friendly beach resorts and luxury spas will provide the perfect place to relax and unwind away from competition. Doha's multitude of world-class shopping malls offer visitors an array of high street and luxury brands as well as a range of recreational facilities; while those looking to experience the heritage of traditional Arab markets can visit Doha's spellbinding Souqs.Doha also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene with countless museums, galleries and public art installations that showcase traditional and contemporary Qatari and Asian culture. This fusion of cultures and the old and new is a hallmark of Doha. It is reflected in the tradition of its harbours set against a backdrop of stunning modern skyscrapers and in the rich diversity of its restaurants and nightlife. From fine-dining to family-style, Doha's thousands of restaurants and cafes serve local and international cuisines that will cater for the tastes of the whole OCA family.Doha 2030 Asian Games Bit Committee CEO and the secretary general of Qatar Olympic Committee HE Jassim Albuenain said:“Doha has the experience and expertise to deliver Games services to the very highest standards. We can guarantee world-class venues and training facilities, 5-star accommodation and a seamless modern transport network, all of which combine to ensure Asia's athletes will be the stars of our show. But Doha also offers so much more. It is a city where different cultures live side by side in harmony and friendship; where tradition meets modernity and where nature meets human innovation. Doha 2030 would ensure that the special moments the OCA family enjoy in 2030 would go beyond competitions and would be part of the everyday experiences of living in our magical and inclusive city."Qatar National Tourism Council secretary-general and Qatar Airways Group chief executive HE Akbar al-Baker said “The Asian Games is about more than sport. It is an opportunity to bring Asia together in friendship and celebration of our cultural diversity. We have no doubt that Doha is the perfect city to do that because it already makes these kind of connections every day. It is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities and attracts millions of international visitors every year. Doha has something to offer everyone, whatever your age, background or interests. It is a city where everyone is welcome and where we all belong. And it is a city that is ready to provide the OCA family with the experience of a lifetime in 2030." For more information visit: www.agdoha2030@qa

Olympians, World Champions and Asian Games medallists among stars to support Doha 2030

DOHA, December 9, 2020 -A host of international sports stars have expressed their full support for Doha's bid to host a 2030 Asian Games that will deliver an inclusive and magical experience for athletes and all members of the OCA family.Among those to express their support are two-time Asian Games gold medallist, two-time Olympic medallist and two-time high-jump World Champion, Mutaz Essa Barshim; Asian Games gold medallist and Olympic bronze medallist in shooting, and rally driving champion, Nasser Al Attiyah; and Qatar's first female Olympic swimmer Nada Arkaji.Mutaz Essa Barshim said:“One of my first ever senior competitions was the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games and I will never forget what an honour it was to live side-by-side with my Asian brothers and sisters. While I think the Asian Games in 2030 may come too late for me personally, I have no doubt Doha 2030 would be an unforgettable event,“I have had the privilege of competing in Doha on many occasions, notably last year during the World Athletics Championships, and international athletes always tell me what an amazing place it is to compete. It has some of the best venues and training facilities in the world and you always know the service and support for athletes will be world-class. I really hope that Doha is awarded the 2030 Asian Games so all Asian athletes and the wider Asian sports community can experience this for themselves."Nasser Al Attiyah added:“I had the honour of competing in Doha 2006 and the atmosphere of celebration and unity I experienced during the Games still lives with me. It was not my most successful Asian Games, but it was one that provides some of my fondest memories. Since then I have seen how Doha has made significant investment into sport and hosted hundreds of sports events, training camps and more. With all this experience and expertise I have no doubt that Doha can host an even better Asian Games in 2030 to the one I experienced in 2006. But one thing that will be the same will be that all of Asia is made to feel valued and welcomed."Nada Arkaji said:“It has been an honour to be involved in the Doha 2030 bid and ensure that athletes are at the very centre of the bid's plans. We want to make sure athletes have everything they need to be able to achieve their dreams in Doha.“We know what an important role sport plays in helping to drive positive social change and as a female Olympian in Qatar, I myself have seen first-hand how powerful sport is in changing attitudes. Women's sport is stronger than ever here and only on the rise. Doha 2030 would provide the perfect platform help inspire the next generation of young boys and girls across Asia."Doha 2030 is guaranteeing the ultimate athlete-experience. Every aspect of the masterplan has been developed with athletes in mind, drawing on Doha's extensive existing state-of-the-art infrastructure and experience in delivering world-class events. Doha's sophisticated transport network will ensure average travel times for athletes of 20-30 minutes and the Athletes' Village in Qatar's first ever sustainable city will meet every need of Asia's stars. Away from sport, the vibrant and inclusive city will provide the perfect getaway for athletes, offering beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and diverse cultural attractions.For more information visit: www.agdoha2030@qa

QOC first Women’s Badel Tournament concludes

DOHA, December 8, 2020 - Curtains came down on the Qatar Olympic Committee's first edition of the Women's Padel Tournament 2020 , which was held at Al Sadd Sports Club Arena.The event was jointly organized by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation and Qatar's Women Sports Committee and had brought together more than 75 participants.In the category (A), the top three winners were, Zeena Abo Doweih and Sarah Mekki who won the first place, as the runners-up place was claimed by Ankar and Carla, while the third place went to Jacky Kip and Noora Al Kuwari.In the category (B), winners were , Araya Suxurum and Tersesa who clinched the first place, Reem Al Noaimi and Mashael Shahbik won the second place and Carolina Falasco and Gabriella Lopez seized the third place.The game of Padel is a sport that combines the best elements of tennis and squash. A Padel court is smaller than a tennis court. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in Spain.