Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) President Ali Al Hitmi (pictured right) has said Doha has become a benchmark for popular sports venues around the globe to rival the standards provided by the Qatari capital.
The QGF hosted the FIG ART Individual Apparatus World Cup for the 12th consecutive year and it turned out to be another hit, witnessing full house at Aspire Dome during the final two days of the four-day event (Mar 20-23.
As many as 128 male and 60 female gymnasts from 57 countries participated in the annual contest. Last year, the QGF also hosted the World Championships, which was hailed as the ‘best-ever’ edition.
Several top officials of different gymnastics bodies, who were visiting Doha during the event earlier this week, were impressed with the hosting and facilities at Aspire Dome.
“We have reached a stage when FIG and other gymnastics bodies compare organisation of other events with our competitions. Doha has become a benchmark for venues around the world,” Al Hitmi said after the conclusion of FIG World Cup on Saturday night.
“We have already set high standards and bringing improvement was a challenge for us but I am glad that we have made it happen. This was not possible without teamwork. All the members of our team worked hard and played their role,” Al Hitmi said before adding the hosting of these events are promoting the sport in the whole region.
“The gymnasts of our region are doing well now. The Arab gymnasts are progressing well and top-notch events hosted by the QGF is playing an important role in their development. Gymnastics is becoming a culture in Arab world because of such events,” he added.
The QGF President also expressed satisfaction on the performance of Qatari gymnasts in the event.
Ahmed Al Dayani and Ahmed Mosa were joined by 17-year old debutant Saoud Raslen to represent Qatar. The trio failed to qualify for any of the finals but they earned creditable scores during qualifications.
“It was a debut for Raslen and he did well. Our gymnasts have the talent to compete in big events,” said Al Hitmi.
“The problem we face is that these gymnasts start well and at one stage they have to chose between the sport and their studies, because of which we have to lose good talent. That’s not a problem for gymnastics only, other federations also face the same challenge.
“But we will continue to back our young talent,” he added.
