The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee on Tuesday continued to welcome members of the OCA family to its hospitality lounge – the Doha Majlis – and discussed its vision for an Asian Games where ‘We All Belong.’
Among those who visited the Majlis on Tuesday were HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation.
HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, visiting the Doha 2030 Majlis
The Doha Majlis, set up on the sidelines of the OCA General Assembly in Muscat, combines the sense of community and belonging associated with a traditional Qatari Majlis, with the forward-thinking and innovative approach that is key to the Doha 2030 bid. Representatives from Asia’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have been warmly welcomed to the Majlis to learn more about the bid and share their thoughts ahead of the 2030 Asian Games Host City election Wednesday.
NOCs have been able to see for themselves how Doha 2030 will make full use of the city’s existing state-of-the-art venues and transport network. In doing so, Doha 2030 is able to guarantee minimal travel times and minimal impact on the environment while maximising the opportunities to deliver a meaningful and immediate legacy for Asian NOCs.
Qatar Olympic Committee’s Secretary General and Doha 2030 CEO HE Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain said: “It has been our privilege to welcome our friends from Asia’s NOCs to our Doha Majlis in Muscat. In Qatari culture, a Majlis is a traditional meeting place for friends and families and so we could think of no better place to discuss and present our Asian Games bid to our brothers and sisters from our OCA family. We wanted to ensure Asia’s NOCs feel the sense of warmth and belonging that they will experience in Doha and see we have developed plans for a world-class Asian Games that is focused on their needs and priorities.
“We have received very positive feedback from the OCA family in recent days and weeks. But we take nothing for granted and will continue to use every minute of the time we have left. Tomorrow’s presentations during the OCA General Assembly will be our last opportunity to convey our vision to our fellow NOCs and we hope they will agree that Doha 2030 is the Asian Games that Asia deserves and needs in these uncertain times.”
Many of Qatar’s sporting greats, including current world high jump champion Mutaz Barshim, are in Muscat making a strong case to bring Asia’s biggest sporting gala to Doha for the second time.
Barshim, who was just 15 when Doha hosted the Asian Games in 2006, spoke of how the landmark event gave an impetus to sport in Qatar, establishing it as a key player on the international stage.
“The previous edition of 2006 Asian Games was ranked as the most successful Games then according to the top continental and world’s sporting leaders,” Barshim said Tuesday.
“From the athlete’s point of view, we have such great facilities in Qatar that helps us to perform better. It allows us to do our job in the best possible way. We just want to share this with the world and in Asia and we want them to come out and experience this.”
Abraham Bambol, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) expressed his appreciation of Doha’s 2030 bid file. After paying a visit to Doha Majlis, he said that the presentation was not only futuristic but included innovative solutions and sustainability. “ It is a dream that will be achieved by the experienced Qatar sporting personnel. I am happy that all these facilities will be available to the athletes and the fans,” he added.
Bambol said Doha’s strength lies in its experience of hosting mega sporting events and international championships. "Also, the full readiness of the sport facilities and the well developed infrastructure are points in favour of Doha's 2030 Asian Games bid."
Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC), also visited the Doha Majlis. He received a detailed briefing from the bid team. “ I have visited Doha and the other Middle East countries many times. Qatar is a beautiful country. I had attended the 2006 Asian Games in Doha as chief of mission. Great developments have taken place in Qatar during the past few years and the country has a great reputation for hosting international tournaments and sport events. I am fully confident Doha has the full capability to host a successful edition of Asian Games.”