H.E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declares the opening of historic sporting occasion as leading boxers descend upon Doha for ten days thrilling competition

DOHA, QATAR – 5 October 2015: A breathtaking opening ceremony held under the patronage of H.E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, has officially marked the start of the Doha 2015 World Boxing Championships at the state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamed Al Attiyah Arena in Doha ahead of ten intense day’s competition, 5-15^th October 2015.

Over 250 of the best boxers in the world representing 74 nations worldwide joined several sporting dignitaries including H.E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee who declared the opening of the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships alongside Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), H.E Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Local Organising Committee (LOG) and President of the Qatar Boxing Federation and Executive Director LOG, Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, for an occasion that will live long in the memory for all who attended.

Themed upon the sport’s journey from ancient times to modern day, the creative opening event brought to life boxing’s first origins with a stunning visual display of music, lights and athletic dancers fused with cutting edge 3D technology. While the formal opening declared by H.E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani included inspirational welcome speeches from Dr. Thani, Dr. Wu and IOC President Thomas Bach, via video message, and a colourful athletes parade with boxers from every competing country welcomed into the arena alongside their national flag.

Following the official draw which took place earlier in the day the dramatic opening ceremony was fitting of the event’s caliber, with Doha hosting the world championships for the first time in the Middle East’s history. In coming days the global boxing elite from AIBA’s five confederations will fight to be crowned world champions and for one of 23 qualifying spots to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with local fans encouraged to .

Addressing athletes, technical officials, volunteers and honorable dignitaries; H.E Dr. Al Thani said:

“On this occasion, we offer our sincerest thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for his great interest and infinite support. His Highness has had an incredible impact on Qatar winning the bids to host numerous international events and championships in various sports.

“We also offer our utmost thanks and gratitude to President of the Qatar Olympic Committee His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, for his unwavering support and for all that he has given to Qatari Sport, as well as for his steadfast ambition to raise its profile around the world.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and thanks to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for their confidence in Doha’s ability to host the 2015 World Boxing Championships. Our teams have spared no effort to ensure that this edition of the World Boxing Championships, which will hosted for the very first time in the Middle East, will be exceptional in every way.

“There is much to gain from hosting such a high-profile world championship event. Such events promote Qatar around the world and reaffirm its readiness to successfully organize sporting events. Our athletes will also benefit greatly from these World Championships as they will gain invaluable experience after competing with elite boxers from around the world.”

In response Dr. Ching-kuo, President of AIBA added;

“Doha is truly a sporting city, with an excellent record of hosting major events such as this. Qatar clearly understands the importance of promoting sport as a tool to increase the visibility of this wonderful city, and to develop its sporting potential. I would like to congratulate the city on its beautiful venue, as well as the level of organisation around the event, which has been first class.

On behalf of the global boxing family I congratulate His Excellency Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the president of QOC and Dr Thani, the Secretary General of QOC. I also thank the president of the Qatar Boxing Federation, Mr Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, and his whole team for organising this event on the highest level. The 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships will be broadcast live around the world to the delight of all more than 500 million boxing fans.

It brings me great pleasure to see the competition take place in the Middle East for the first time Qatar, and the sport of boxing itself, will benefit for years to come from staging the AIBA World Boxing Championships” commented Dr. Ching-kuo.

Showing the significance of the event as a qualification for the Olympics Rio 2016 a video message from Thomas Bach, IOC President stated:

“My congratulations to all those involved in the organisation at these World Championships: the organising committee, the officials and the hundreds of volunteers for all their great work and commitment to make these 18th AIBA World Championships a success.

“These World Championships are particularly important. You will be doing your utmost to win the world title. But you will also do your utmost to obtain one of the 23 places for the dream event for any athlete: the Olympic Games 2016 Rio de Janeiro.

“There is no doubt that we can count on the determination of all of you to give your best performance possible. The people here in Doha will be delighted as well everyone watching you around the world on TV.”

For sports fans from all nations across Qatar the action and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all to witness the best boxers on the planet go head to head right here in Doha starts tomorrow and lasts until Thursday 15^th October. The first session of afternoon bouts start daily between 2pm and 3pm with an evening session between 7pm and 9.30pm. Preliminaries rounds will take place from Tuesday 6^th October, with quarter-finals scheduled from Saturday 10^th October. For the latest timings and official draw and ticket information please visit: http://www.boxing2015.qa

Tickets are priced between QR10-50 and can be purchased online at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me, and in Virgin Megastores in Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall, as well as at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena throughout the Doha 2015 AIBA World Championships between 5-15 October. For more information, please see http://www.boxing2015.qa.

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