The Organising Committee of the 48th World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Qatar 2018 is putting its best foot forward in a bid to host an inspiring event in Doha from October 25 to November 3 at Aspire Dome. The committee aims to raise Qatar’s profile in the sporting world by making the first such event in the Middle East a roaring success. 
Ali al-Hitmi, the Executive Director of the Organising Committee, revealed details of the preparations in an interview yesterday. Excerpts:
On the challenge and readiness of hosting the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Qatar 2018... 
The organisation of the world championship is certainly a challenge for all of us, whether it is the Organising Committee, the Olympic Committee or the Ministry of Culture and Sports. 
This edition is a demonstration that confirms that Qatar is not only aiming to achieve excellence but is keen to dazzle the world through exceptional hosting at all levels. The tournament is very different from the previous versions because it will witness the participation of 85 countries with an unprecedented number of athletes but we are ready for this challenge and to reach the success level we look forward to.
On the participation of the largest number of competitors and if it is putting any pressure on the organising committee…
Already the participation is the largest in the history of the competition, and this event is the biggest in the world after Russia, and we know that it will make the eyes of the world move towards us in the next month. We have the responsibility to deliver the event in a special and distinctive way. The existing committee members have a responsibility to reflect the real picture of Qatar.  We have a strategy that suits this large number of participants and we are convinced that whoever will participate and whoever will see this tournament over two weeks will find tremendous national capabilities. Across 85 countries, Ambassadors have emphasised Qatar’s potential, so we view the tournament as a unique opportunity to showcase Qatar’s bright image to the world.
On the gains from this tournament at different levels, especially during the Gulf crisis…
Yes, our gains will be great because the event is the largest level of gymnastics with highest participation. Therefore, the attention of all participating countries from all over the world will be towards Qatar, at a time when we are subjected to an unjust blockade, and false news is being spread that Qatar suffers but we respond to those lies.
The world gymnastics will also be an opportunity for participants from 85 countries to see the monuments and places of heritage and to visit different places in Qatar on the sidelines of their participation in the tournament. Besides, many people from abroad will also be attending. We have received requests from many fans. 
The indicators also confirm that the presence will be strong not only from Asian countries, but also from Arab countries as the tournament is held for the first time in the Middle East, and we are expecting a special audience.
On the co-ordination between the various committees within the Organising Committee.
The Organising Committee includes Qatari cadres at the highest level with their great experience through previous international sporting events. We have taken advantage of organising this world championship by investing in the human element as the main element of Qatar Vision 2030. We have seen great flexibility in the interaction between the various committees towards the common goal of achieving success.
There are extensive meetings and this has made us overcome difficulties if any. We are working in accordance to the timeline for the championship and accurately, and we will equip the venues by the beginning of October.
On requests from participating countries to set up camps in Doha ahead of the event…
Yes, we have already received requests from some countries such as China and Brazil, and other countries, seeking acclimatize and to adapt to the time difference. We have agreed for their early arrivals and we have confirmed our readiness to receive them. They shall be provided all the requirements -- place of training, equipment etc.
On the aspirations of the Qatari champions who will be keen to rub shoulders with world stars under Aspire Dome…
Our goal is to see that one of our players makes it to the finals. That will be an achievement because the tournament will witness the presence of top gymnasts of the world. Our gymnasts will be participating both in the boys’ (Ahmad Al-Diani and Ahmed Nabil) and girls’ competitions (Kiki Jana). There will be a preparation camp for them and we wish them all the success.