Doha 2030 promises gateway to sustainability and ultimate Asian Games experience

Doha, November 13, 2020-The OCA Evaluation Committee visiting Qatar to assess its capabilities to host the 2030 Asian Games in Doha were given an extensive tour of the country's state-of-the-art facilities.The delegation, which is on a three-day visit, was also given an extensive lowdown on how Doha is uniquely positioned to deliver certainty, sustainability and excellence for the whole of Asia, at a time when it is needed most.Doha's plans to deliver a seamless, athlete-focused event with sustainability at its core.The expert delegation saw first-hand how Doha's tried and tested sports venues and medical facilities, which have catered for the world's best athletes in the world's biggest events, are ready to provide the ultimate Games experience in 2030.The tour began at Al Bidda tower, home of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The delegation was presented with the Committee's impressive sustainability strategy and commitment to delivering a carbon-neutral event, which will be leveraged by Doha 2030 to contribute to one of the most environmentally friendly Asian Games ever held.The Evaluation Committee was then taken to the Aspire Dome before moving onto the world-leading Aspetar sports medicine hospital, the FIFA World Cup Al Bayt Stadium and the Lusail Arena, just some of the existing world class venues that feature in the Doha 2030 Games plan.Presidents of the National Federations of gymnastics, athletics and table tennis, and the President of the Women's Sport Committee joined the tour, meeting with promising young athletes, in a demonstration of the bid's full support from all levels of the Qatar sports community. Among the athletes was squash player Abdulla al-Tamimi, who said, “I joined Aspire Academy as a junior in 2006, the year Doha last hosted the Asian Games. Thanks to the excellent coaching and state-of-the-art facilities I was able to work my way to become one of the top ranked squash players in the world."Doha 2030 CEO and QOC Secretary-General HE Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain outlined the importance of certainty and sustainability in the current climate:“This year has been defined by uncertainty, which is why the sports movement needs certainty now more than ever. Doha 2030 can do more than just offer certainty, we can say with absolute confidence that we will deliver the excellence that OCA and Asia's NOCs deserve, in a sustainable and responsible manner.“We can say this because all of our proposed permanent venues already exist, and the majority of these world-class facilities have already successfully hosted many international or continental events. With this experience also comes knowledge in delivering the all-important Games-services that are critical to successfully staging major events. Our certainty of excellence, will allow us to focus our attention on minimising our impact on the environment and contributing to a stronger future for Asia before and after 2030."The Evaluation Committee also experienced the city's ultra-modern Metro, which is part of Doha's sophisticated transport network, promising average travel times at the Games of 20 to 30 minutes. The delegation was also given an insight into Doha's wealth of history, culture and entertainment, which will ensure the Games is a celebration of Asia's diversity and provide the perfect setting for the whole OCA family to relax and enjoy themselves.Nada Mohamed Wafa, one of Qatar's first female Olympians who competed at London 2012 and Rio 2016, presented to the Evaluation Committee how athletes have been placed at the forefront of Doha 2030's plans.Alongside world-class sports venues, Nada explained that the Athletes' Village would be located in Lusail City, Qatar's first and largest sustainable city, providing accessibility and unprecedented services.“Doha 2030 is committed to ensuring our venues provide athletes with everything they need so they can compete at their best and inspire the next generation. We can already guarantee athletes and all participants – OCA Family, officials, media and spectators – an event experience like no other, because we have a proven track record in successfully staging major sports events.“All permanent venues for the Games are in place and we have developed a Games plan that is compact, sustainable and puts athletes at its heart. This year, athletes have experienced disruption like never before, so it is vital that we offer them certainty of excellence, allowing them to focus on achieving their dreams."

Qatar, Bangladesh to resume Asian Qualifiers in December

Doha, November 12, 2020-Qatar and Bangladesh will play the first fixture of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 in over a year, with their Group E clash rescheduled for December 4, 2020.The Matchday Eight clash will be the first and only Asian Qualifiers match to be held in 2020, with the change in schedule approved by FIFA as well as the two participating member associations.Clubs will not be obligated to release their players for the December 4 fixture, which will be staged outside of FIFA's international match calendar, however, both national teams are overwhelmingly comprised of players based in their respective domestic leagues.While Qatar will qualify automatically for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as hosts, Felix Sanchez's side are chasing a spot at the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, where they will aim to defend the title they won in 2019.With 13 points from five matches, Qatar are the current leaders of Group E, while Bangladesh, who have claimed one point from four outings, sit bottom of the section,The defending Asian champions defeated Bangladesh 2-0 when the teams met in Dhaka on Matchday Three.

Doha 2030 presents vision for magical Games to OCA Evaluation Committee

Doha, November 12, 2020-The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee yesterday presented to the OCA Evaluation Committee how it plans to deliver a celebration of sustainable progress, sport for life and peaceful diversity, reflecting the resilience, strength and ambition of Asia, the OCA and Qatar.On a full opening day of the Evaluation Committee visit, Doha 2030 combined detailed presentations with interactive visits of the city's world-class venues to explain why it is bidding and how it can guarantee a Gateway to a Magical Asian Games.Doha 2030 Chairman His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani welcomed the Evaluation Committee to Doha and said:“It is an honour to welcome the OCA Evaluation Committee to Doha. As people of sport, my team cannot wait to explain our plans about the certainty and lack of risk that we are uniquely able to offer the OCA and the best athletes in Asia in 2030. Just as importantly, is why this certainty is critical for Asia. What it will mean. And how it will free Doha 2030 up to deliver legacy benefits for the whole of our continent like we have never seen before. If we are awarded the great honour of hosting the Asian Games, I can assure you that we will deliver a magical Games."The delegation was then taken to Qatar Foundation, home to some of the world's leading educational institutes and a regional hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and fostering social development. Qatar Foundation will play a central role in ensuring that Doha 2030 nurtures a vibrant and dynamic environment that strengthens community and cultural bonds, and celebrates Asia's cultural diversity.Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF) met with the delegation at the QF Headquarters, where they discussed the important role Education City plays in the country's preparedness to host the 2030 Asian Games.Her Excellency Sheikha Hind said: “Doha is undoubtedly a city that is ready to host the Games, housing world-class venues and infrastructure. The Games in Doha will celebrate sports and inspire a new generation of athletes, not only in Doha, but in the region and beyond. “It is a pleasure to welcome the OCA Evaluation Committee to Education City. At Qatar Foundation, we strive to promote the values of participating in sport—sportsmanship, respect, commitment and fairness and active life. We do this because we believe that creating opportunities for people to enhance their health and wellbeing – and to come together as a community – is vital to nurturing a strong, vibrant, and active society."The Evaluation Committee was then taken on a short journey to the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab Indoor Arena, which is part of the Qatar Foundation Sports Complex and would host the equestrian events in 2030. At the venue, the Evaluation Committee received presentations on Doha 2030's vision, mission and compact, athlete-centred Games concept, as well as presentations on Qatar's vast sport experience, its cultural diversity and how the Games will deliver legacy benefits before and after 2030.Doha 2030 CEO H.E Jassim Bin Rashid Al Buenain said:“We want to reimagine how the Games can be hosted. Instead of focusing on construction timelines, we would focus together on the future of sport in Qatar and in Asia. We want to address what is most important: delivering a legacy for Asian sport that is measured not in new venues but in better lives. And as the pandemic clears, we all know there will be many lives that could be helped by the benefits of sport. It would be our great honour to start the real work of improving those lives though sport with you, so that 2030 becomes a Gateway to a true celebration of our success in delivering a better Asia."The day concluded with a tour of the National Command Centre (NCC) and Dhuail Indoor Arena, where the Team Qatar handball team were training.

HH Sheikha Moza meets with the OCA Evaluation Committee

​Doha, November 12, 2020 - HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, met with the Evaluation Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) yesterday during their visit to Qatar Foundation, where they toured the world-class sporting facilities in Education City as part of their evaluation of the country's preparedness to host the 2030 Asian Games.HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee and Doha 2030 Chairman, attended the meeting.After the meeting, HH Sheikha Moza accompanied the Evaluation Committee on a tour of Education City Stadium. (QNA)

Team Qatar lineup for 2021 IHF Men's Handball World Championship

​DOHA, November 10, 2020-The Qatar Handball Association yesterday announced the squad of Qatar men's national handball team in preparation for the 2021 IHF World Championship in Egypt.Team Qatar will begin their training sessions on Saturday at Duhail Arena under the leadership of their coach Valero Rivera.As per the draw held recently, Qatar will play in group C alongside Croatia, Japan and Angola.Qatar qualified for the World Handball Championships by virtue of winning the men's Asian Championship in Kuwait earlier this year, when they beat South Korea 33-21.The Squad: Mahmoud Zaki, Omar Khalid Abdelfattah, Ahmad Madadi, Rafael Capote, Shadi Hazem, Firas Chaieb, Moustafa Al Karad, Danijel Saric, Yousef Al Tayeb, Wajdi Sinen, Zainadin Bu Menjel, Ali Jarba, Mostasem Abdulwahed, Kamalaldin Mallash, Ameen Zakkar, Jovo Damjanović, Eldar Memisevic, Ali Adnan Al Deri, Ahmed Majdi, Hassan Awad, Moustafa Heiba, Mohamed Ebaidi, Ali Sasi and Frankis Marzo.

Doha 2030 welcomes OCA Evaluation Committee ahead of three-day site-visit

Doha, November 11, 2020-The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee today welcomed members of the OCA Evaluation Committee to the Qatari capital as it prepares to showcase the city's Games readiness and commitment to serving as a Gateway to legacy now for Asia.Members of the OCA Evaluation Committee were greeted on arrival into Doha's 5 star Hamad International Airport, which, serving more than 174 destinations, would provide a true Gateway to accessibility for the OCA family. Doha 2030 CEO His Excellency Jassim Bin Rashid Albuenain led the senior bid team that received the OCA guests at the airport.Over the next three days, the Evaluation Committee will tour Doha's world-class, tried and tested sports venues that are ready to deliver the ultimate conditions for athletes. This optimised athlete experience will be strengthened further by Doha's existing state-of-the-art travel network and compact Games concept, which will minimise travel times and maximise opportunity for training and recuperation. The Evaluation Committee will experience for themselves the convenience and accessibility Doha 2030 is offering and get a sense of how the Games will celebrate the cultural diversity of the Asian continent.Doha 2030 CEO His Excellency Jassim bin Rashid Albuenain said:“It is our pleasure to welcome our esteemed colleagues and friends from the OCA Evaluation Committee. The next three days are a critical opportunity for our bid to demonstrate why we believe Doha 2030 would be a Gateway to a brighter future for Asian sport.“Our bid book details our extensive array of world-class sports and training venues, transport networks, accommodation, leisure facilities and cultural sites, all of which are in place and ready to serve the OCA Family. But, the OCA Evaluation Committee will now be able to see all this with their own eyes. Just as importantly, will be the opportunity for us to explain the magical elements we have planned; from an unprecedented Games experience, to legacy benefits that would begin from next year and run through and beyond 2030."With no permanent venues to be built, Doha 2030 has an unprecedented opportunity to focus its attention on providing a Gateway to legacy now for the OCA and Asian sport. During the Evaluation Committee's visit, Doha 2030 will explain how it plans to use the time and money saved from not having to build new infrastructure, to deliver NOC legacy programmes that support them overcome current challenges caused by COVID-19. The Bid Committee will also outline how Doha 2030 will ensure a celebration of Asia and its wonderful diversity, using the power of sport to unite the continent.