Doha: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Secretary-General Andre Gueisbuhler (pictured) has been impressed with the way the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2018 is being organised in Doha.
This is the first time that the gymnastics world championships are being staged in the Middle East and Gueisbuhler has expressed his delight at the way things have been progressing at the Aspire Dome, a fabulous multi-purpose sporting venue.
An accomplished linguist and a patient negotiator besides being a well-advised businessman, Gueisbuhler expressed his views on the on-going championships saying: “Since the very start, we knew that the event was going to be somewhat different and special being hosted by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation.
Now in the first days of the championships, we have found everything going better than planned and which now makes us wait more to see the developments until the very last of this wonderful event that Qatar has brought to the world through their worthy organisation.
“I would like to congratulate the Local Organising Committee of Doha Worlds and their team, especially the volunteers, who are doing great work, especially on the opening day of the tournament, which is usually one of the toughest days of any event.
“The venue -- Aspire -- has distinctive facilities and everything is available under the dome. Its vast expanse and state-of-the-art facilities add to the grandeur of the event. We are happy to be here,” he said.
On Qatar and its sporting trend, Gueisbuhler opined: “Gymnastics is different from football, but it certainly will give a positive fillip and I hope that the organisation of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will boost region further, and not just Qatar.”
On the establishment of the gymnastics worlds for the first time in the Middle East, he said, “Certainly, it contributes to the dissemination of gymnastics in the region. We see that in all countries that organise world championships and we see great interest in the sport of gymnastics in Qatar. Live television also contributes to the spread of gymnastics in the region.
Gueisbuhler also appreciated the handmade medals that the Qatar Gymnastics Federation has designed for the world championships.
