DOHA: A breathtaking opening ceremony officially marked the start of the Doha 2015 World Boxing Championships at the state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Doha.
Over 250 of the best boxers in the world representing 74 nations joined several sporting dignitaries including H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (qoc) who declared the open the Championships.
Present alongside Sheikh Joaan, during the ceremony were Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Secretary General of QOC and President of the Local Organising Committee (LOG) and President of the Qatar Boxing Federation and Executive Director LOG, Yousuf Ali Al Kazim.
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.
Besides the formal opening by H E Sheikh Joaan 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.
Addressing athletes, technical officials, volunteers and honorable dignitaries; Dr Al Thani said: “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 Wu, President of AIBA said: “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.
“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,” said Dr Wu.
The Peninsula
