The Qatari delegation attending the flag raising ceremony at the Athletes’ Village of 2018 Asian Games yesterday.
Doha: The Qatari flag was raised in the Athletes’ Village at the Asian Games 2018 yesterday, welcoming Team Qatar and marking the start of the team’s highly anticipated competitions. The Athletes’ Village hosts competitors from 45 Asian nations in what is known to be the largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics.
The National anthem of the State of Qatar was played, followed by the flag hoisting ceremony in the presence of H E Qatar’s Ambassador to Indonesia Ahmed bin Jassim Al Hamar and Vice Presidents of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al Thani and Dr. Thani Al Kuwari, QOC Secretary General Jassim Rashid Al Buainain along with members of the administrative delegation.
On his visit to the Athletes’ Village, Al Buenain said: “We are so happy to see the flag of Qatar raised in the Athletes’ Village of the Asian Games in Jakarta. Our participation at the games is a part of our strategy to ensure that our athletes have the opportunity to participate in as many multi-sporting events and championships around the world.”
“We believe this will provide them with valuable experiences they need to improve and enhance their performances. And as a team, we all aim to represent Qatar in the best possible way. We are very proud of our athletes and look forward to supporting them as they compete in Indonesia in the next two weeks,” the QOC Secretary General said.
The energy of Asia can be felt in the Athletes’ Village as 45 participating nations were welcomed and, during the next two weeks, athletes will have the opportunity to share their diverse cultures, languages and histories.
Qatari swimmer Abdelaziz Al Obaidly commented on his first participation at an international multi-sport event, he said: “It is incredible seeing all of these athletes coming from all around Asia to compete at one prestigious event. Being part of Team Qatar and representing our country is a huge responsibility, but I’m excited to go head-to-head with Asia’s best athletes and make Qatar proud”
Chef De Mission, said: “Seeing the Qatari flag fly high in the Athletes’ Village was a very proud moment for all of us. Qatar’s participation at the Asian Games 2018 marks another milestone for our country in sport. Our athletes are determined to give their best performances and we wish them all the best of luck in their competitions.”
The Athletes’ Village at Kemayoran, North Jakarta, will accommodate 14,500 athletes and officials, while the Athletes’ Village inside the Jakabaring Sports City at Palembang will house 3,000 athletes and officials for the 11 sports disciplines.
Fans can follow Team Qatar’s competitions and performances at the Asian Games 2018 on Team Qatar’s social media channels and the official website www.Olympic.qa/AsianGames2018
