Doha has all but won the bid for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2018 as no other city has offered to host the prestigious event, it emerged yesterday.
Qatar Gymnastic Federation president Ali al-Hitmi told journalists that a formal decision would be taken in June in Switzerland.
“Mexico had initially considered bidding for the 2018 world championships but now has withdrawn from the race. Instead, they will be bidding for the 2019 event,” al-Hitmi said on the opening day of the Sixth FIG World Challenge Cup Artistic Gymnastics in Doha.
“Qatar’s tremendous standing as a major sports hub will definitely help Doha win the bid,” al-Hitmi said, adding that the Qatar Gymnastics Federation had the full backing of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Qatar has been hosting several prestigious gymnastics tournaments over the years and many top gymnasts had praised the country’s facilities.
“Many people wanted us to host the world championships and we decided to go for 2018,” added al-Hitmi.
“As everybody knows the infrastructure in Doha is fantastic. Our bid focuses on the fact that gymnasts will be comfortable with hotels and training facilities in close proximity,” he added.
Qatar has lined up an array of world-class events in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup in 2022. In 2015, it will host the World Cup in handball followed by the World Road Racing Championships in cycling in 2016.
Qatar is also considering bids to host the IAAF World Athletics Championships after having failed to get the 2017 event.
