Doha 2030 vows magical show as OCA family braces to pick host city

Published on: 15 December 2020

Doha: The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee has pledged to provide an experience of a lifetime should the Qatari capital be awarded the Asian Games in 2030 as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) braces to pick a host city for the 2030 Asian Games at its 39th General Assembly in Muscat, Oman tomorrow.

Doha 2030 Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, also the President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is leading the Qatari delegation in Muscat, which is apprising the OCA family of a strong bid by Doha 2030 promising a ‘gateway to excellence’.

Doha, which hosted the 2006 Asian Games – the biggest multi-sporting continental show then - is competing for the Asian Games 2030 hosting right with Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.

Doha is a multicultural city – home to people from nearly 100 different countries – and an established international destination which attracts millions of tourists each year. Doha 2030 will draw from the city’s wealth of history, culture and entertainment, to ensure that every Games participant is made to feel welcome in 2030 and that their needs are catered for.

The city’s beautiful, family-friendly beach resorts and luxury spas will provide the perfect place to relax and unwind away from competition. Doha’s multitude of world-class shopping malls offer visitors an array of high street and luxury brands as well as a range of recreational facilities; while those looking to experience the heritage of traditional Arab markets can visit Doha’s spellbinding Souqs.

Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee CEO and the Secretary General of QOC Jassim Albuenain said yesterday: “Doha has the experience and expertise to deliver Games services to the very highest standards. We can guarantee world-class venues and training facilities, 5-star accommodation and a seamless modern transport network, all of which combine to ensure Asia’s athletes will be the stars of our show. But Doha also offers so much more. It is a city where different cultures live side by side in harmony and friendship; where tradition meets modernity and where nature meets human innovation.”

He added: “Doha 2030 would ensure that the special moments the OCA family enjoy in 2030 would go beyond competitions and would be part of the everyday experiences of living in our magical and inclusive city.”

Ahead of the General Assembly, OCA President, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah said yesterday: “We are very fortunate to have two excellent bids from two of the greatest capital cities in the region. Our OCA Evaluation Committee visited the two cities in November and were very impressed with the hosting plans, the dynamic programmes in place and the world-class sports infrastructure, as well as the sheer passion and excitement to host our Asian Games.

"We know that our Asian Games will be in very safe hands in 2030, and I would like to thank the two bidding cities for their efforts and their enthusiasm.”

The vote will be conducted online, even for the NOCs who will attend the meeting at the JW Marriott Hotel in Muscat, and the OCA has been conducting a series of tests to familiarise the NOC delegates with the voting procedure.

Sports stars back Doha 2030 bid

Meanwhile, top Asian stars have supported Doha 2030 in its bid for the Asian Games.

Pakistan’s former British Open squash champion Qamar Zaman hoped Doha will get the hosting of the Asian Games.

“I am so pleased to hear that Qatar has bid for the 2030 Asian Games. It is fantastic, Doha has already organised the 2006 Asian Games, which were the best games. I wish them good luck and best wishes,” said Zaman.

Lebanese trap shooter Ray Bassil, winner of multiple international events said: “I have been to Doha many times to compete in events. They have the best facilities and I always enjoy my experience there. Doha has a best sports infrastructure like state-of-the-art Aspire Academy. Qatar has an important position when it comes to organising mega sports events.”

Iran’s Canoing athlete Shahoo Nasseri said Doha 2030 will be a great event for the continent.

“I took part in the Asian Games 2006 and I must admit that the facilities during the games were phenomenal. What I experienced there was amazing and as a result I would be content if this competition happens in Doha again in 2030,” said Nasseri.

Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com

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