|
|
|
| Sunday, 31 July 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Sports |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Qatar lays out 'Red Carpet' for Asian Games Dec 1 to 15 next year by Srian Obeyesekere Qatar might not be star-studded competitively in comparison to some of the leading countries in the Asian region. But, this Middle-East country, known as a showpiece in hosting mega international events, is a hub of activity in giving the forthcoming 15th Asian Games 2006 the majestic dress up Qatar is reputed. A grandeur that the organisers are theming on the coin word of making the event - 'The Games of your life.' An inscription that accompanies the 15th Asian Games logo in the motto and spirit of athletics. For Doha, the capital of Qatar, hosting the second largest multi sporting event in the world will indeed be a dream come true, according to Ahmed Abdulla Al-Khulaifi, Deputy Director General of Doha's Organising Committee (DAGOC) for Corporate Support. Responding to a question by the Sunday Observer Al-Khulaifi said 'that he hoped that my country would reach some mark' at the next Games. Indeed, staging the Games in December 2006 is considered a golden moment in its sporting history. Something best illustrated in these words by Al-Khulaifi, "We have a vision of producing the biggest and most successful Asian Games ever held". "In the last twelve months we have witnessed some major achievements and our journey towards staging the most memorable games in history is well and truly on schedule from December 1 to 15 next year," he added. The nation has not dazzled like some of the better known ones in the league, but Qatar is known to feed the sport a string of quality long distance runners and sprinters known for their medal winning heroics in athletics. A sum of over US $ 2.8 billion is being pumped into the colossal work in Doha which got the nod over four major Asian cities. A country whose traditional glitter will be showcased in its capabilities in welcoming visitors and the readiness of infrastructure to accommodate spectators' needs. A passion its people are known for. But as Al-Khulaifi stressed, "the Games is not just a sporting event, nor is it solely about greeting our visitors and showcasing our country. It means so much more. It is about our sense of belonging, our position in the world and it is about our community, our culture and our environment of which we are very proud." And for the young and energetic official, Al-Khulaifi who was in Sri Lanka last week with his team of organisers where he spelt out arrangements at the Taj Samudra Hotel Thursday, it was part of a commitment of the Doha Asian Games Committee (DAGOC) doing the rounds throughout every member country. He said the birth of the torch reflected the meeting point between East and West. "As for my country the event will open the door for new challenges and further horizons in the Middle East," said Al-Khulaifi and added "we believe that it will inspire athletes to strive hard and achieve the ultimate glory - gold in Doha," He made special mention of the Sri Lankan athletes in the words that, "we know that they can now focus their efforts for the next 16 months on bringing their performances up to the level that will see them triumph at Doha 2006." For an event which had its first roots in New Delhi, India in 1951 with only six participating countries, today, the Asian Games has advanced having multiplied to a membership of 45 countries. A fact echoed by Sri Lanka's Hemasiri Fernando, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka who noted that eight other member countries had played their part in staging the Asian Games so far. Notably, Cricket has been excluded from the Games while Chess and Triathlon will be included for the first time in Doha. Qatar Airways, the national carrier will act as the official carrier for the Doha Games which will stage 423 events from 39 sports. |
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
