The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is soon expected to announce Qatar as the host nation for the 2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships as no other country is bidding for the event, it has emerged.
The decision endorsing Qatar as the host country will in all likelihood be made at the FIG Council’s meeting in Kuwait on May 9 and 10, according to the insidethegames magazine.
“With the experience of having organised several World Cups, we believe the country is now ready to host a World Championships,” FIG president Bruno Grandi was quoted as saying in a report featured by the magazine.
Grandi said gymnastics must go beyond its traditional boundaries to gain a wider audience.
“Gymnastics must consider going beyond its traditional setting in order to secure an even stronger future.
“The bid of Qatar for the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 2018 offers a new opportunity to innovatively promote gymnastics, to set new standards for the event and to further strengthen the role and status of the FIG.”
The event will be held at the Aspire Dome in Doha, which is hosting an Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series event from March 26-28.
Serge Van Poelvoorde, marketing manager of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, told the magazine that the national body is working hard to secure the showpiece event.
“For the very first time all lights might be turned in October 2018 to Doha for the hosting of the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships,” he told insidethegames.
