By Sports Reporter/Doha
A breathtaking opening ceremony held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee, officially marked the start of the World Boxing Championships at the state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamed Al Attiyah Arena yesterday.
Over 250 best boxers of the world representing 74 nations joined several sporting dignitaries including HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), HE Dr Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee and President of Local Organising Committee (LOG), and Yousuf Ali al-Kazim, President of Qatar Boxing Federation and Executive Director of LOG, for an occasion that will live long in the memory for all who attended the dazzling event.
Themed upon the sport’s journey from ancient times to modern day, the creative opening event brought to life boxing’s first origins with a stunning visual display of music, lights and athletic dancers fused with cutting edge 3D technology.
The formal opening declared by HE Sheikh Joaan included inspirational welcome speeches from Dr Thani, Dr Wu and IOC President Thomas Bach, via video message, and a colourful athletes' parade with boxers from every competing country welcomed into the arena alongside their national flags.
Following the official draw which took place earlier in the day, the dramatic opening ceremony was fitting of the event’s calibre, with Doha hosting the World Championships for the first time in the Middle East’s history. In the coming days the global boxing elite from AIBA’s five confederations will fight to be crowned world champions and for one of 23 qualifying spots to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Addressing athletes, technical officials, volunteers and honorable dignitaries, Dr al-Kuwari said: “On this occasion, we offer our sincerest thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for his great interest and infinite support. His Highness has had an incredible impact on Qatar winning the bids to host numerous international events and championships in various sports.
“We also offer our utmost thanks and gratitude to President of Qatar Olympic Committee, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, for his unwavering support and for all that he has given to sports in Qatar, as well as for his steadfast ambition to raise its profile around the world.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and thanks to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) for their confidence in Doha’s ability to host the 2015 World Boxing Championships.
“Our teams have spared no effort to ensure that this edition of the World Boxing Championships, which will hosted for the very first time in the Middle East, will be exceptional in every way.
“There is much to gain from hosting such a high-profile world championship event. Such events promote Qatar around the world and reaffirm its readiness to successfully organise sporting events.
“Our athletes will also benefit greatly from these world championships as they will gain invaluable experience after competing with elite boxers from around the world.”
In response Dr Ching-kuo, President of AIBA, added: “Doha is truly a sporting city, with an excellent record of hosting major events such as this. Qatar clearly understands the importance of promoting sport as a tool to increase the visibility of this wonderful city, and to develop its sporting potential. I would like to congratulate the city on its beautiful venue, as well as the level of organisation around the event, which has been first class.
"On behalf of the global boxing family I congratulate His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the president of QOC, and Dr Thani, the Secretary General of QOC. I also thank the president of Qatar Boxing Federation, Mr Yousuf Ali al-Kazim, and his team for organising this event at the highest level. The 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships will be broadcast live around the world to the delight of more than 500 million boxing fans."
"It brings me great pleasure to see the competition take place in the Middle East for the first time. Qatar, and the sport of boxing itself, will benefit for years to come from staging the AIBA World Championships,” commented Dr Ching-kuo.
Showing the significance of the event as a qualification tournament for the Rio Olympics, a video message from IOC chief Thomas Bach stated: “My congratulations to all those involved in the organisation at these World Championships: the organising committee, the officials and the hundreds of volunteers for all their great work and commitment to make these 18th AIBA World Championships a success.
“These World Championships are particularly important. You will be doing your utmost to win the world title. But you will also do your utmost to obtain one of the 23 places for the dream event for any athlete: the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“There is no doubt that we can count on the determination of all of you to give your best performance possible. The people here in Doha will be delighted as well everyone watching you around the world on TV.”
Qatar boxers are seen at the athletes' parade during the opening ceremony of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha yesterday.
