Doha, 5 February 2024 - HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani officially launched on Sunday the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 at the Aspire Dome.
Held for the first time in the Middle East, from Feb. 2 to 18, the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 will feature 2,600 athletes representing 201 countries.
The opening ceremony was attended by HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, HE President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr. Thomas Bach, President of the World Aquatics Dr. Husain Al Musallam, and a number of Their Excellencies sheikhs, ministers, sports leaders, World Aquatics officials, and guests of the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024.
The ceremony featured paintings reflecting Qatar's sea heritage, performances of the six water games included in the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 competitions, as well as artistic segments.
Before the official launch of the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, speeches were delivered by HE Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Vice Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, as well as the President of the World Aquatics Dr. Al Musallam.
Al Buainain expressed his great joy at this gathering which includes an elite group of world champions in water sports and his pleasure to welcome Qatar's guests to this prominent sporting event that is being held for the first time in the Middle East and will decide the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics qualifications.
Qatar has always prioritized sport given its role in achieving human development, building bridges of communication, enhancing rapprochement and understanding between peoples, and leaving a sustainable legacy for millions of young people in the region and the world, His Excellency added.
His Excellency said that their efforts have been successful in achieving QOC's vision of making Qatar a pioneering nation that brings the world together through sustainable sports development.
Since winning the honor of hosting, Qatar has taken the initiative to make intensive efforts for organizing a major event under the guidance of its wise leadership and has spared no effort to ensure its success and provide an unforgettable experience for all its visitors from all over the world, Al Buainain pointed out.
President of the World Aquatics Dr. Al Musallam praised Qatar's efforts in hosting a special edition of the World Aquatics Championships and highlighted its large participation.
Dr. Al Musallam also expressed his pleasure to be here in Doha with the participation of more than 200 countries represented by 2,600 male and female athletes in six different water sports, in addition to the participation of more than 3,000 participants in the World Masters Championships.
President of the World Aquatics thanked Qatar for its great efforts in hosting this global event, stating that they are confident that it will provide the athletes - who are eager to compete - with the best possible conditions.
The World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 includes the sports of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, open water swimming, and high diving. Participants will have the opportunity to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
The competitions will be held in three main locations: Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Centre, and Old Doha Port. Aspire Dome will host swimming, synchronize swimming and water polo competitions, while diving competitions will be held at Hamad Aquatic Centre, and open water swimming and high diving will be in Old Doha Port.
