Eid Al Meraikhi, Tournament Director and the Secretary-General of QTJKF
Ahead of the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Judo Masters Doha 2021 to be held from January 11 to 13 at the ultra-modern Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Lusail, the LOC media team recently had an interview with Eid Al Meraikhi, the Tournament Director and the Secretary-General of the Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation (QTJKF).
The experienced administrator discussed the preparations and other important points about the tournament.
Why was Qatar awarded the hosting rights of the IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021?
Qatar is a sport-loving nation. It has vast experiences and leading records in hosting several major international sports events with unparalleled success over the past decades. All these advantages spurred the International Judo Federation (IJF) to grant Qatar the rights to host both the IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021 and IJF World Judo Championships 2023.
How far with the preparations?
At the moment, all the technical, managerial and other necessary preparations have been finalised. We want to thank the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) for its continuous support which has helped us tremendously in organising this major event which we believe will be of the highest standard.
Kindly enumerate on the measures being taken to keep all participants safe given the global COVID-19 pandemic?
The International Judo Federation (IJF) and Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation (QTJKF) have jointly set up health protocols in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Interior to accommodate all delegations in one hotel in a quarantine. All the participants will undergo PCR test, first on arrival before being taken to their hotels. Another test will be conducted before they compete on each day of the tournament. Aside from these, we are also putting every measure in place to ensure a s a f e a n d r i s k - f r e e tournament.
What is the connection between the IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021 and IJF World Judo Championships in 2023?
Each tournament has its advantages. The IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021 brings together the top and best 36 world-ranking players, and it is the second most important event in the IJF calendar after the IJF World Judo Championships. Both are very significant events in which players get valuable points for the Olympic Games.
Why was Lusail Sports Arena selected as the tournament’s venue?
Lusail Sports Arena is a world-class multi-purpose facility with an indoor hall for both sports and non-sport events.
How are you preparing for the IJF World Judo Championships 2023?
IJF World Judo Masters Doha 2021 will act as a rehearsal event for the bigger IJF World Judo Championships 2023. With the support of the QOC, we will be ready for the big event which will involve more than 1000 male and female athletes
