By Sports Reporter/Doha
With just under 200 days to go until the official start of the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships, preparations are well underway in Qatar to welcome world’s leading swimmers to Doha. The event will be held from December 3 to 7.
For the first time in FINA’s history the World Championships event will be staged in Doha, showcasing the country’s growing commitment to swimming and building further to Qatar’s proud record as a successful host of major international sporting events.
The international event will take place at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, a facility at the heart of Doha Sports City which has previously held the 2006 Asian Games and the 2013 FINA Swimming World Cup. Excitement is already building as the complex looks forward to welcoming over 1000 elite swimmers representing over 180 countries for five days competition.
Speaking to mark the occasion of the 200 day countdown, Khaleel Al Jabir, Qatar Swimming Association President said. “Already we are looking forward to warmly welcoming the finest swimmers in the world to Doha in 199 days and proudly hosting the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m).”
“Qatar has strong sporting foundations and pedigree as a host of major championships but we believe in hosting the World Championships there is even greater potential to open up the sport even further and inspire a new generation.
”2014 is a very important year for Swimming and Qatar with Doha centre stage to host three major FINA events. We know the importance of staging the highest level of swimming and we’re already putting in place plans to deliver a championship of the highest standards for competitors and swimming fans from around the world.”
In the build-up to the championship Doha will also play host to the FINA Swimming World Cup, Doha (August 27-28th, 2014) as well as the 3rd FINA Aquatics Conference (November 29th- December 01, 2014) directly ahead of the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships.
