Olympic Champion Thompson-Herah headlines strong women's 100m in Doha

DOHA, September 6, 2020-Double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah (Jamaica), Olympic silver medallist Dafne Schippers (Netherlands) and multiple World Championships medallist Marie-Josée Ta Lou (Ivory Coast), will go head to head over 100m at the Wanda Doha Diamond League on Friday 25 September 2020.Thompson-Herah, the first woman to win gold in the 100m and 200m at the same Olympics (Rio 2016) since Florence Griffith Joyner achieved the feat at Seoul 1988, finished fourth in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019.Former heptathlete Schippers, world champion over 200m in 2015 and 2017, is the European record-holder (21.63) and third-fastest woman of all time over the distance. She was runner-up to Thompson-Herah over 200m in Rio and fifth in the 100m.Ta Lou finished third in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, but was second in London 2017 - behind the dominant Schippers - in a National Record (22.08). She was also runner-up in the 100m, this time to the USA's Tori Bowie, with Schippers in third.Schippers will make her season's debut over 100m in Doha while Ta Lou will be looking to build on her Wanda Diamond League performances in Monaco and Stockholm where she finished fourth (11.39) and third (11.32) respectively.Thompson-Herah's season's best of 10.88 set in Kingston on 8 August is the second fastest of the year to date. She will race outside of Jamaica for the first time in 2020 when she lines up in Doha.She said: “I've been fortunate to be able to race at home over the summer, but nothing beats the thrill of lining up in an overseas, international meet. I can't wait to get back on the circuit, especially as part of a quality field in Doha where I've really enjoyed competing in the past."Doha's Qatar Sports Club is the the fourth and final competitive meeting of the truncated 2020 Wanda Diamond League season. It will host a revised 12-event programme, which includes sprint hurdles and 800m for both men and women; 100m, 3000m and long jump for women; and 200m, 400m, 1500m and pole vault for men.Due to the impact of Covid-19, the 2020 Wanda Diamond League is not a structured series leading to a final, and athletes will not earn Diamond League points in Doha.

All set for season-ending Wanda Diamond League in Doha

DOHA, September 24, 2020-There is excitement in the air as international athletics makes a return to Doha at the final leg of the abridged version of the 2020 Wanda Diamond League at the Qatar Sports Club, home of athletics in Doha, on Friday, September 25.A total of 27 Olympics and World medallists, including six reigning world champions and three reigning Olympic champions, are leading a star cast of about 116 athletes who have made it to Doha this year despite the global coronavirus pandemic.The revised 12-event programme, the fourth and final competitive meeting of the season, will feature sprint hurdles and 800m for both men and women; 100m, 3000m and long jump for women; and 200m, 400m, 1500m and pole vault for men.Now in its 11th consecutive year, the Wanda Diamond League in Doha is regarded as one of the most successful in the prestigious series. This year's edition is particularly significant as it rounds up a year where the global pandemic has significantly affected sports events across the world.Addressing a press conference on Thursday, September 24, Khalid Al Marri, the Assistant Meeting Director of the 2020 Wanda Diamond League Doha, noted that the organisers had worked tirelessly to deliver an event of the highest standards in order to ensure that the international athletics family is finishing the last leg of the Wanda Diamond League in Doha with a great experience."It is a pleasure to host you all here once again, as we bring you this event under unusual conditions that are affecting sport globally. I want to thank each of you for joining us here today and helping us promote the very best of athletics. We wish all of the athletes the best of luck, and we hope that they have everything they need to give their best," he said.At the press conference were the two-time world pole vault champion and the defending champion in Doha Sam Kendricks of the USA, double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica, and the Kenyan duo of Hellen Obiri, the Olympic 5000m silver medallist and 2019 World Cross Country champion, and Timothy Cheruiyot (Kenya), the world 1500m champion, who will be competing in the 800m race.Nothing much has changed despite the unusual year: Thompson-HerahJamaica's double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah said her racing and training experiences haven't changed too much despite 2020 being an unusual year in many ways."As a sprinter, you have to learn to block everything else out anyway, so I've got used to racing in a stadium without any fans," she said. "Nothing much has changed with my training. My coach is a genius, though, so I do what he tells me to do."The 28-year-old who won the 100m in a world-leading 10.85 at last week's Rome meeting added that she was a little bit surprised with her run in Rome."I hadn't raced for a few weeks, but I knew I was capable of running fast because I'd put in the work. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to race in Rome and Doha. I'd raced a few times in Jamaica, but the level and intensity of competition weren't the same."Advising the upcoming generations, Thompson-Herah, the fourth-fastest in the women's 100m history, said, "Please enjoy life as much as you can, and don't rush. There are lots of opportunities ahead and take things one step at a time."The Jamaican will go head-to-head with multiple World Championships medallist Marie-Josée Ta Lou (Ivory Coast) in the women's 100m.Positivity, the watchword for Kendricks Rio 2016 Olympic Games bronze medallist and two-time world pole vault champion Sam Kendricks remains optimistic about the unusual season despite its many challenges."I'm just so grateful because meeting organisers have gone above and beyond to make sure competitions can happen. It's been an adventure. We've all just kind of rolled with it this year, and that's been cool.""You get to put the whole world aside when you step on to the track," he added. "And when you're on it, time goes fast and the whole world melts away.""Not that I don't care about the problems of the world, but they don't matter when you're standing there on the track. At that moment, it's all about how fast you can run or how high you can jump."On his rivalry with Sweden's Armand "Mondo" Duplantis, the 18-time Diamond League winner said, "If you want to compete, especially against Mondo, then you have to get ready and be willing to jump higher than anyone did."Duplantis jumped 6.15 in Rome last week to hold the world record in both the indoors and outdoors.Cheruiyot in Doha to test speed enduranceThe world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot will be competing in unfamiliar "territory" as he steps out on the track tomorrow to participate in the 800m race on a global stage for the first time in his career."I chose to do the 800m here because I wanted to test my speed endurance," he said. "All of my 800m races have been in Kenya, so I'm excited to do an 800m in the Diamond League."I need to work on my speed endurance because it's an important part of 1500m running. Last year in Lausanne, I ran the first 800m in 1:49 but still finished in 3:28.77, just outside my PB (3:28.41). I know I have endurance, but I lack a bit in my finishing speed, so that's what I want to work on."The 24-year-old, who has won 16 consecutive races since his defeat by compatriot Elijah Motonei Manangoi at last year's meeting in Doha, added that he feels blessed to be able to race despite the challenges of 2020.It's going to be like a championship race: ObiriHellen Obiri, the 5000m World champion and silver medallist at the 2016 Rio Games, expects the women's 3000m to be more of a championship race than a Diamond League competition considering the quality of the field in Doha.Friday's race will bring together Kenyan quartet Hellen Obiri and Beatrice Chepkoech, 2019 world champions over 5000m and 3000mSC respectively. Additionally, Olympic 3000mSC silver medallist Hyvin Kiyeng; world 5000m runner-up Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi; world 1500m bronze medallist Gudaf Tsegay (Ethiopia); and world 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Jebet Tirop (Kenya) are also in the fray of what promises to be the most exciting event of the night tomorrow. "I expect a tough challenge tomorrow, the Cross Country champion said. "I've trained well, and when I train well I have no doubts in a race," said the world cross-country champion. "Whenever I line up for a race, I'm focused on doing my best. I don't feel the pressure. Maybe I'll do something special."I've always enjoyed racing in Doha," she added. "In 2014 I set my PB over 3000m (8:20.68), and last year I won the World Championships here. I like racing here because it's favourable to me."

Sheikh Joaan attends Doha Wanda Diamond League Meeting 2020

Doha, September 25, 2020-HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani addended the fourth and final round of Wanda Diamond League 2020 held at Qatar Sports Club on Thursday. In attendance also were HE the QOC Second Vice-President Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, HE the QOC Secretary General Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Vice-President of Qatar Sports Club Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, President of the Qatar Swimming Association Mr. Khaleel Al Jabir and representatives of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Doha. Doha Wanda Diamond League meeting brought together 116 athletes from 31 countries including 27 world and Olympic champions. ​

Doha 2030 Asian Games bid launches engaging brand and slogan

Doha, September 2, 2020-The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee yesterday unveiled a dynamic bid logo and slogan, which together reflect Qatar's combination of tradition and modernity and its commitment to hosting a magical Games with an enduring legacy for Asia.The official logo and slogan, “Your Gateway", were revealed virtually today by QOC President and Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee Chair, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa, alongside Qatari athletes and committee representatives.HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani said: “Our bid is born out of our strong belief that sport has the power to drive social change and foster peace and understanding. The unique role sport can play in keeping us connected and inspiring hope has been so clearly demonstrated this year during the global pandemic. It has only strengthened our determination to use Doha 2030 as a gateway to a brighter future for Qatar and the Asian Olympic family.“Building on the legacy of the Doha 2006 Asian Games, we want to deliver a sustainable, inspirational Games plan that provides certainty and an enduring legacy for Asian sport. We want to deliver an Asian Games that supports development throughout the continent and provides a platform that connects all nations and celebrates our peaceful diversity." The logo has been designed to showcase the blend of Qatar's heritage and outstanding natural scenery, with its vibrant, contemporary and diverse culture. The look and feel is bold and colourful, representing the bid's vision to inspire dreams of a more prosperous future for Asia through the celebration of sport.The Your Gateway slogan mirrors Qatar's belief that the Doha 2030 Asia Games can be gateway to a brighter tomorrow for Asia's National Olympic Committees (NOCs). The Doha 2030 bid is proposing a gateway to a risk-free, excellent and sustainable Games.CEO of the Doha 2030 Bid Committee and QOC Secretary General HE Jassim Rashid Al-Buenain said: “We are confident that we offer the Olympic Council of Asia and its members certainty because all of the permanent venues we need to host the 2030 Asian Games are already built. Our infrastructure is ready to host Asia and the World."“We have a proven track-record in delivering world-class events to the very-highest standards. And we can deliver a world-class Asian Games that sets a sustainable blueprint for future bids. At a time of great uncertainty, Qatar is ready to deliver the excellence Asia deserves in the sustainable, risk free way that it needs."In the last 15 years alone, Qatar has hosted more than 500 major international sports events, conferences and training camps. Athletes and their teams would be able to benefit from this experience and the existing state-of-the-art competition venues and training facilities used at major sporting events, such as the IAAF 2019 World Athletics Championships and the FIFA 2022 World Cup.The QOC Marketing & Communications Director Sheikha Asma Al-Thani, said: “By understanding the challenges Asian NOCs are facing and identifying ways the Games can contribute to overcoming them, we can ensure that Doha 2030 is a gateway to a stronger future for Asia before and after 2030."“Doha 2030 will be a festival of our continent's rich and vibrant cultures and a commemoration of our unity through sport. It will be a Games that builds on and champions the significant advancements that have been made in Qatar in promoting gender equality. And it will be a Games that welcomes and respects people of all genders, races and cultures." GCC Women's Games handball champion, Hana Albadr, said: “I would love Doha to host the Asian Games in 2030. It is a wonderful place for an athlete to compete. When you train in Doha, you have access to some of the best training and rehabilitation facilities in the world. And when you compete you are competing in state-of-the-art venues in front of passionate sports fans. But Doha is also a great place for athletes when they are not competing or training. It is a vibrant and diverse city which offers so much; from beautiful beaches to amazing restaurants and cultural attractions. It is inclusive and accepting of people from all backgrounds."Olympic and Asian Games gold medallist, Nasser AlAttiyah said: “Competing at the Doha 2006 Asian Games will always feature very highly among my fondest sporting memories. Qatar was very different then to how it is now. But what was the same was our passion for sport; our commitment to making sure athletes and fans have the very best conditions and that everyone feels welcome. An Asian Games in Doha in 2030 would have all these great qualities and more. Athletes would benefit from the experience Qatar has got from hosting hundreds of world-class sports events. And athletes would have access to some of the world's very best venues and training facilities."

AFC receives Qatar's Bid to host AFC Asian Cup 2027

Kuala Lumpur, August 27, 2020 - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) received Wednesday the Qatar Football Association's (QFA) bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027, after HE Qatar's Ambassador to Malaysia Fahad bin Mohammed Kafood visited the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur to officially submit the necessary bidding documentation. HE the Ambassador handed over the QFA file to the AFC Secretary-General.Qatar, the reigning champions of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, are aiming to be the first Asian country to stage the Continent's premier national team competition for the third time having hosted previously in 1988 and 2011.The Qatari file includes all the requirements for hosting conditions, supported by a great legacy in hosting tournaments, and includes what sports facilities in Qatar will look like in the coming years and their full readiness to host any event after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The State of Qatar has a rich sports record in hosting international, continental and regional tournaments, therefore hosting the 2027 edition of the Asian Cup will be an extension of its successes recognized by everyone in the Asian continent, not to mention that it is preparing to receive the largest football event in the world, which everyone is expecting to be an exceptional World Cup in 2022, and work continues for hosting this event as planned, at the level of stadiums and infrastructure in the country.Four other AFC Member Associations have also indicated their intentions to host Asia's crown jewel in 2017. The AFC Executive Committee had earlier agreed to provide future hosts for the AFC Asian Cup, beginning with the 2027 edition, with more preparation time ahead of the event as part of the AFC's continued commitment towards strengthening its competitions.The host nation for the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup will be announced in 2021.​

Qatar Hosts 5th Round of Swimming World Cup 2021

​Lausanne, August 19 , 2020, (QNA) - The International Swimming Federation (FINA) announced that Qatar will organize the 5th round of the Swimming World Cup 2021 during the period from Oct. 21 to 23 of next year 2021.Swimming World Cup 2021 will be composed of six legs. The first Cluster of the 2021 season will be held in Singapore and China's Jinan (CHN) in September with final dates to be confirmed soon. The circuit will then move to the second Cluster as Berlin and Budapest step in to stage the event from Oct. 1-3 and Oct. 7-9 respectively. The third and final Cluster will be staged in Doha from Oct. 21-23 and finally in Russia's Kazan from Oct. 28-30.All the stops of the 2021 World Cup will be competed in 25m-pool and are qualifying events for the postponed FINA World Swimming Championships 25m to be in December, 2021.FINA had recently decided to cancel the 2020 Swimming World Cup competitions in order to ensure the safety of athletes in light of the emerging Coronavirus (COVID-19), as Doha was scheduled to host the fourth round next October.Doha has hosted one of the rounds of the Swimming World Cup annually since 2012. It also hosted the 12th World Swimming Championships in the short course, which was held in 2014 and witnessed 23 world records being broken, and this is the largest number ever recorded in the International Swimming Federation Short Distance Championships (25 m), provided that it also hosts the World's Aquatics Championships scheduled for 2023. (QNA)