The Heir Apparent, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is also the Chairman of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), yesterday said Qatar was determined to continue its efforts to host the Olympic Games to realise the aspirations of the people of Qatar and the other nations in the region. Speaking to the media, the Heir Apparent said the obstacles that made the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set aside Qatar’s bid for hosting the Olympics in 2016 will be carefully studied. When these obstacles are removed and after coordination with the executive office of the IOC, then “we will bid for hosting the Olympic Games in 2020 as per set measures and standards”, the Heir Apparent added. The Heir Apparent said organising such an event would have a positive impact on the people of Qatar and the people of the region as a whole, citing the successful organisation of the 2006 Doha Asian Games. Sheikh Tamim made these remarks following the hoisting of the Qatari flag at the Olympic Village yesterday and said he was in the Chinese capital also to take part in the IOC plenary session, being held on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympic Games. The Heir Apparent wished the Qatari athletes every success in their mission to win sporting honours for Qatar and to satisfy the aspirations of the people of the country. The Heir Apparent and the Chairman of the Qatar Olympic Committee praised the efforts made by China to prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The Pen

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