The Qatari flag was raised in the Athletes’ Village at the Asian Games yesterday, welcoming Team Qatar and marking the start of the team’s highly-anticipated competitions. The Athletes’ Village brings together competitors from around Asia in celebration of what is known to be the largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympic Games.
To show support to Team Qatar, Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) secretary-general Jassim al-Buenain, National Sports Federations presidents and members of the administrative delegation attended the flag raising ceremony.
On his visit to the Athletes’ Village, al-Buenain said, “We are so happy to see the flag of Qatar raised in the Athletes’ Village of the Asian Games in Jakarta. Our participation at the games is a part of our strategy to ensure that our athletes have the opportunity to participate in as many multi-sporting events and championships around the world. We believe this will provide them with valuable experiences they need to improve and enhance their performances. And as a team, we all aim to represent Qatar in the best possible way. We are very proud of our athletes and look forward to supporting them as they compete in Indonesia in the next two weeks.”
The energy of Asia can be felt in the Athletes’ Village as 45 participating nations were welcomed and, during the next two weeks, athletes will have the opportunity to share their diverse cultures, languages and histories.
“It is incredible seeing all of these athletes coming from all around Asia to compete at one prestigious event. Being part of Team Qatar and representing our country is a huge responsibility, but I’m excited to go head-to-head with Asia’s best athletes and make Qatar proud,” said Team Qatar’s swimmer Abdelaziz al-Obaidly, who will be participating at an international multi-sport event for the first time.
Chef De Mission Ishaq al-Hashimi said, “Seeing the Qatari flag fly high in the Athletes’ Village was a very proud moment for all of us. Team Qatar’s participation at the Asian Games 2018 marks another milestone for Qatar in the field of sport. Our athletes are determined to give their best performances and we wish them all the best of luck in their competitions.”
The Athletes’ Village at Kemayoran, North Jakarta, will accommodate 14,500 athletes and officials, while the Athletes’ Village inside the Jakabaring Sports City at Palembang will house 3,000 athletes and officials for 11 sporting disciplines.
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