A simple but impressive opening ceremony at the Khalifa International Stadium marked the start of 23rd Asian Athletics Championships (AAC).
The ceremony was held in the afternoon following yesterday’s opening session, with athletes from 44 participating countries taking part in the march past.
The opening ceremony was attended by several top Qatari sports officials including Qatar Olympic Committee’s First Vice-President Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani, who opened the championships.
“I declared the 23rd Asian Athletics Championships open,” said Sheikh Saud while speaking at the opening ceremony.
“We are very proud to host this important Asian event and I wish all the best to all the participating athletes,” he added.
President of Asian Athletics Association, Dahlan Al Hamad, who is also the head of Local Organising Committee also welcomed all the countries.
“The organisers are doing their best to provide best arrangements for all our guests and we hope they will experience best conditions in Qatar,” said Dahlan.
QOC Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Qatar Athletics Federation President were also present among other officials.
