Qatar has made all arrangements to host the first edition of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games which officially opens on Saturday, a senior official said on Thursday.

Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Rashid al Buainain, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Committee and Director General of the Organising Committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games Qatar 2019, said more than 1,200 athletes representing 97 national Olympic committees will take part in the event.

Al-Buainain thanked the ANOC for their confidence in granting Qatar the honour of hosting the World Beach Games, and said this enhances Qatar's leading position in hosting major sporting events.

He was speaking at a press conference which was also attended by Secretary General of the Federation of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), Gunilla Lindberg.

Al-Buainain said despite the short period of time that was available for the preparation of the Games - about three months - Qatar is determined to organise a distinctive and exceptional event, as the country has organised various events and tournaments.

He added that the hosting of this edition and other major tournaments reflects Qatar's distinguished position as the capital of world sport thanks to the great support of the wise leadership, headed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, as well as the directives of HE the President of Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani.

Al-Buainain stressed the importance of such events in contributing to inspiring a new generation of Qatari youth.

He thanked all government agencies, institutions and national and private companies for sponsoring and supporting the Games as part of their commitment to social responsibility and their keenness to contribute to the success of sports events and championships held in Qatar, and thanked the media for their role in highlighting this global event in the best possible way.

Lindberg thanked Qatar for hosting the first edition of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019.

Sher added this edition is witnessing new competitions that represent a challenge for the athletes, and wished success to all participants and the organising committee of the tournament.

Although the Games officially opens only on Saturday, football competitions in the first edition kick off Friday at Katara.

Twenty-four teams are taking part in the football competitions -16 men's and eight women's teams.

The men's competition is divided into four groups - the first group includes Brazil, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, the second group consists of Italy, Spain, Mexico and Solomon Islands, the third group Iran, Paraguay, Senegal and Ukraine, and the fourth group Russia, Japan, Uruguay and El Salvador.

In the women's section, the first group includes Spain, Brazil, Cape Verde and Mexico, while the second group has Britain, Russia, America and Paraguay.

Eight men's and four women's matches will be played on Friday.


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