FIG coaches all praise for Qatar
INTERNATIONAL gymnastics federation (FIG) coaches Takashi Kobayashi and Peggy Liddick, who were on a visit to Doha last week, praised Qatar for its efforts to popularise the sport in the region.
“The Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) is doing an excellent work in promoting the sport at the grass-roots level. The annual FIG Artistic Challenge Cup in Doha also shows its ability to organise top events,” Kobayashi told Doha Stadium Plus.
The QGF also hosted a week-long FIG artistic gymnastics academy level 3 coaching course for men and women, with trainers from Indonesia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, South Africa, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Syria, Malta, Thailand and Ukraine besides the host country taking part.
“I wish QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi and his team all the best for the 2018 World Championships,” said Kobayashi.
Australian women’s artistic team head coach Liddick said, “Qatar is an important FIG member and is very serious in promoting gymnastics in the region.”
The coaches, totalling 26, took a tour of the ASPIRE Academy and were impressed by its facilities.
“Aspire has become a leading sports institution. Athletes here are very fortunate to have access to such world-class facilities,” said Liddick.
“Its mission to develop young athletes shows Qatar’s commitment,” added Kobayashi.
