HH the Amir opens Doha Worlds

Doha, Qatar: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 on Friday evening, wishing all participants success and a pleasant stay in Qatar.

The opening ceremony of 17th edition of the IAAF World Athletics Championships was attended by HH Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers.

The ceremony was also attended by HE President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, members of the IOC, HE President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Lord Sebastian Coe, members of the IAAF, and a number of Olympic and sport figures, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar and senior officials and guests of the tournament.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a movie on Qatar welcoming the world. After the movie, President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and head of the championship's organising committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and HE President of the International Association of Athletics Federations Sebastian Coe addressed the fans.

There was also a march past of the participating teams and a fireworks display.

The historic moment for Qatar and the Middle East also marked the start of the first 'Midnight Marathon' for the sport.