H.E. President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairman of the organizing committee of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, said that Doha has hosted many continental and international events and tournaments for decades, making it a prominent place in the global sports arena, and enabling its cadres to acquire a variety of experiences in the organization of major tournaments, thus enabling Doha to become one of the most important sports capitals in the world. This is because of the importance of sport as one of the factors influencing the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, His Excellency said Qatar is welcoming today the world in this great forum, which emphasizes the role of sport in promoting the values of friendship and peace among peoples, and allows all to watch this 10-day big sporting event, during which the world's elite athletes compete in the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.

Since the announcement of its hosting of the World Athletics Championship, Qatar started early preparation through the cooperation of all sectors in order to organize this big event, under the guidance of its leaders and officials in order to ensure the success of the tournament in the best manner that reflects the status of Qatar in the global sports, he added.

His Excellency stressed that Doha, thanks to the efforts of its citizens and residents of different nationalities, is ready to launch this major tournament, which is attended by the champions from around the world.

Concluding his speech, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani thanked all those who have collaborated with the organizing committee in preparing for this event, and thanked the volunteers for their response and dedication to the success of a championship that will remain in the memory of 'our generations' an event with a message of 'ambition without borders' from the Middle East to the world.

For his part, H.E. President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Lord Sebastian Coe said athletics is one of only two truly global sports and we are proud to be the biggest single sporting event in 2019.

"I would like to thank our generous and gracious hosts. H.H. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for making available the resources and facilities of this city and country."

He also extended his thank to H.E. President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairman of the organizing committee of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, for his 'support and consistent interest in our sport'.

"Thank you also to Vice President Dahlan Al Hamad. You have put together a young, dynamic, talented team and you have guided them well. You are a great pride to the people of Qatar and you have brought great pride to our sport. Thank you!"

"As a fan I appreciate the diligence, concentration, determination and dedication of the athletes that compete in our showcase event, The World Championships. As a Global sport President, I understand what it takes to deliver a world sports event and appreciate the enthusiasm and passion that we see time and again from the fans of our sport and everyone involved behind the scenes."

"Good luck to all the athletes "who I know will give it their all. May you fulfil your potential and may all your dreams come true."

"My heart felt gratitude to the volunteers and the organizers without whom an event like this one just simply could not be staged."

Source: QNA, Photo credit: QNA

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Binu Cherian

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