China’s contingent to arrive in Doha today for World Gymnastics
The first delegation of athletes and officials to participate in the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2018 will be arriving in Doha today, much ahead of the mega event to be held in the Middle East for the first time at the Aspire Dome from October 25 to November 3.
The gymnasts and officials of China are arriving early for a pre-tournament camp in order to get acclimatised to the venue. The gymansts will begin practice from tomorrow. Meanwhile, 78 countries with over 600 gymnasts have confirmed participation for the World Championships Doha 2018.
The Organising Committee said this is the largest participation in terms of countries and athletes for a world championship. It said that few nations had to withdraw their teams as they faced some difficulties.
The Doha Worlds will also see six Arab nations – Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Jordan besides hosts Qatar – taking part. The world’s top stars who will be seen in action in Doha include American star Simon Biles, three-time world all-round champion and the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor gold medallist, and balance-beam bronze medallist; and Japan’s Takuma Nishimura, who has won six consecutive world championships.
The Organising Committee is making all efforts to make the Doha event of World Gymnastics an extraordinary one. “The Organising Committee is working intensely and with a desire to stage the championships in a stupendous manner that reflects Qatar’s high organisational capabilities,” said Anis Saoud, Deputy Director of the Competition Committee.
“We have the experience of hosting 11 world level gymnastics championships besides Asian and Arab Championships and that gives us the confidence. But the world championships is a big responsibility especially as we look forward to the best and consider what we have presented is a step towards further excellence,” he added.
He noted that the Organising Committee is in constant touch with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). “Doha has recently received one of the FIG officials in order to contribute to the regulatory process and will also welcome the rest of the officials before the tournament is officially launched. About arrangements at the main venue at Aspire Dome, Saoud said, “The work is ongoing. The main hall will be set on the 17th of this month. The official training of the gymnasts will begin on October 20th.” The official opening of Doha Worlds will be held on October 25 at 8:30am with delegations of all participating countries in attendance.