Over 300 athletes expected at 2nd GCC Beach Games in April

GCC Beach Games executive director Khalid Hamad al-Mohannadi  with officials and the mascot of the event at the QOC headquarters yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram

By Sports Reporter/DohaThe Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Beach Games, which was first held in Bahrain five years ago, will be revived when Qatar hosts the second edition in April with the organisers promising an action-packed eight days in Doha.Khalid Hamad al-Mohannadi, executive director of the 2nd GCC Beach Games, informed yesterday that the multi-sporting event, featuring seven disciplines, will be held from April 2 to 9 at two venues in Doha.“We are expecting participation of over 300 athletes,” al-Mohannadi said, while addressing a press conference at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters.The Games were originally scheduled to be held in October last year in Doha but were postponed.The event will feature seven sporting disciplines — 3x3 basketball, football, handball, open water swimming, rafting, sailing and volleyball. “Al Gharafa and Katara will be thetwo venues. Al Gharafa will play host to football, handball, basketball andvolleyball events, while the swimming, rowing and sailing will be held at Katara,” he said.3x3 Basketball has been added to the second edition after the inaugural edition saw the GCC countries vying for honours in six disciplines.Al-Mohannadi declared Sudaifi, the mascot for the 17th GCC Football Championship, as mascot for the 2nd GCC Beach Games. He also promised to organise the event in a befitting manner.“Arrangements for the games areon track and we hope it will be a hugesuccess. All the federations are working together for the event,” said al-Mohannadi.To a query, al-Mohannadi said the weather in April will be suitable for holding the beach contests.At the first Games in 2010, host nation Bahrain finished at the top with a total of 16 medals, including eight golds. Kuwait and Oman came second and third respectively.