WAVES OF SUPPORT
COME January 16, Doha will know whether it will host the Middle East’s first-ever FINA World Aquatics Championships in either 2021 or ’23.
Support for Doha’s bid is growing steadily. Elite swimmers as well as a top FINA official spoke favourably about the city’s ambitious bid for the biennial event as it competes with China’s Nanjing and Japan’s Fukuoka.
Budapest (Hungary) was originally awarded the ’21 event, but it stepped in to host the ’17 edition after Mexico’s Guadalajara withdrew, owing to financial issues.
Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszu, affectionately called ‘Iron Lady’ by fans around the world, said she preferred the biennial event to be held in Doha.
“Personally, if the competition isn’t happening in my homeland, I’ll always prefer it to be in Doha. I’m partial to these two because they’re closest to my heart. The Qatari capital is my lucky venue and I’ve set some of my fastest times here. The city is almost like a second home to me. I’ll root for it to win the bid,” said Hosszu.
“More than anything else, Doha has the resources to make it one of the best in history. The facilities are simply too good. I do hope it gets to host the tournament,” she said.
FINA’s Media Committee Chairman Camillo Cametti, a 72-year-old former swimmer and water polo player, said Doha had submitted a solid bid file.
“First of all, I would like to clarify that I’m not speaking as a FINA representative, but as an individual and a sports lover. From personal experience, I feel Doha’s infrastructure and competition knowhow are second to none. Qatar has great experience in organising major competitions,” said Cametti.
“Doha complies with all of FINA’s requirements for bidders and has submitted a very strong file. This was my third visit to the city. The extend of progress it has made in such a short time is amazing. The ’14 FINA Short Course Worlds here was a huge success. Many swimmers told me they had enjoyed competing here,” the Italian added.
Meanwhile, Qatar Swimming Association President Khaleel Al Jabir, who is heading Doha’s bid, sounded confident.
“We’ve submitted a strong bid file and we’re confident of our chances. The Doha leg of the FINA/airweave World Cup once again helped showcase our facilities. The World Cup has further helped us strengthen our claim for hosting the event,” Al Jabir told Doha Stadium Plus.
“We started working on the World Cup’s Doha leg well in advance and it helped us put together one of the strongest fields in the entire series this year. We also ensured our next generation of swimmers had a ringside view of the entire event.
“From close quarters, they observed and learned from the best how to approach big competitions. Inspiring the next generation of swimmers is one of the key reasons why we’re keen to organise major competitions,” added Al Jabir.
One of the top names who inspired Qatari youngsters was Chad le Clos, who has been a vocal supporter of Doha.
“I hope the Qatari capital gets the ’21 or ’23 event. If it does, then even if I’m not officially competing, I’ll still come here as a spectator and cheer my favourite swimmers on. Doha deserves to host the Worlds for the sheer effort it has put in to develop the sport in the region,” said Le Clos.
“Moreover, from personal experience, I know the Qatari people are wonderful hosts. They’ve welcomed me warmly each year. It’s only natural I feel a country I love should host the World Championships at some point. I hope it does,” said the genial South African.
That dream could just take wings.
