Finally, the much-awaited moment has arrived! Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has opened the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 in the presence of thousands who descended on the Doha Corniche on Friday night to mark the historic moment. Now its the time to witness over 2,000 international athletes putting their agility and dexterity on test in the coming days.
Sport fans across the world appreciated Qatar for the marvellous opening of the 2019 championship and the sincere efforts of the nation in making the event a huge success. Undoubtedly, this will be written in golden letters in the history of sports and will glitter ever as another feather in Qatar’s crown. Qatar is a pioneer in organising such big sporting events and it proved its calibre in 2006 when it hosted the Asian Games for the first time in the Middle East.
“I would like to thank our generous and gracious hosts. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for making available the resources and facilities of this city and country,” said the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations Lord Sebastian Coe.
The President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Thomas Bach praised Qatar’s hosting of the Championships, stressing its ability to achieve the outstanding success of the major championships in Doha.
By taking serious notes from previous hosts and from its own expertise, Qatar formed an effective action plan covering all aspects of the championship. In addition to the spectacular cultural and musical events organised to add colours to event, the organisers focused much on its safety and security as well. It organised various programmes to raise the level of awareness among the residents on safety and security aspects.
Doha’s hosting of the event for the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East, will definitely inspire future generations. The various departments and teams worked to make this a reality deserve a big round of applause for the kind of dedication and commitment shown for its smooth and wonderful opening.
The opening ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a movie on Qatar welcoming the world. After the movie, the President of Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, Lord Sebastian Coe, gave a speech to mark the occasion. After that, the march with the Arab and foreign flags of the participating teams took place, after which fireworks display started. Then, H H the Amir declared the kick-off of the women’s marathon.
The opening ceremony was a feast for all. Now all eyes are on Qatar and the world is waiting to see a large number of records to be broken in Qatari soil.
