Doha winning the 2030 Asian Games bid proves that the continent Asia has great confidence in Qatar, the Chairman of the Doha 30 Bid Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani said Wednesday.
Doha will be hosting the event for the second time in 10 years’ time, having first impressed the world with a spectacular Games in 2006.
“The 2030 bid It was a long and arduous project, and thank God we won. This is a sign of Asia’s confidence in the State of Qatar,” said Sheikh Joaan who is also the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Sheikh Joaan added: This is a great opportunity for all the people of Qatar. Sports is our national identity, it's in our DNA. Our entire country has been working so hard for the past 20 years, building a truly world class sporting infrastructure and gaining expertise.
“Quite simply there is no limit to what Qataris can achieve. The Asian Games holds a special place in my heart. I had the honour to be the torch relay bearer in the 2006 Doha Asian Games. Back then I visited 26 cities in 15 nations in 55 days.
“This bid is a result of the hard work by the people of Doha. It’s also the result of our dedication over the years to develop sport in Qatar and in the region. Athletes are our most important priority. And the compact nature of our Games will allow athletes to travel quickly to venues and training.
“The message of the Olympic Agenda 2020 is ‘Use what you have, where you have it and build as little as possible.’ We did that. We did not change our city to fit the Asian Games. We adapted the Games to fit our existing infrastructure.
“We did this to save time and resources which we want to invest back in all of you. We have built our 200 sports facilities, which has hosted more than 50 major international championships. They have been tried and trusted. It’s not only venues that are ready but management teams as well. There is no learning curve for Doha 2030. The crucial point that makes our bid unique is that we don’t just have the hardware but we also have the software.
“Our goal is simple. We want more Asian athletes on Olympic podiums. We want that to be part of your national sports history, not just ours. And we want to support you in your efforts to get there. Doha is a place where we all belong, because we have planned it that way.
Our Games will serve as a new model, not just for 2030 but for the incredible journey that lies ahead. Doha 2030 is a win-win situation for us all – the athletes, the NOCs, the OCA and the Olympic movement across the globe. This is a shared legacy and we’re stronger because of it.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said sport is one of Qatar’s top priorities.
“I don't there is any question about Qatar government's support and dedication that it gives to sport. The sport is in our DNA and it's truly part of our national identity. It’s a new approach of bidding for the Asian Games. Because our focus is on you, not on us. My role is to assure you that our government’s commitment to 2030 is total and unqualified. Just as it was for the 2006 Asian Games,” said Sheikh Mohamed.
“Hosting an event as long and important as the Asian Games requires more than just infrastructure and facilities, which we already have. It's rather about the many intangibles that make a great Games. The friendliness of the people, the acceptance of other beliefs and other ways of life and the optimism of the society focused about the future and not looked into the past. These are the things that make the Games truly memorable.
“One of the key aspects of our bid is the safety and security of our guests, especially in today's world. According to crime index 2020, Qatar is the world’s safest country and you have our commitment that your athletes and delegations will be as well-protected as our own athletes. Creating a whole diverse and unparalleled experience, even beyond the Games. We believe Qatar has a duty larger than ourselves and that is to help create a better world. A world where we all belong."
