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Asian Game Special: Qatar passes on the baton
Updated: 2010-03-12 11:09
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As the host of the previous Asian Games, Qatar is the country handing the baton to Guangzhou.
Qatar Ambassador Abdulla A. Al-Muftah recalls the Games held at Doha in 2006. In particular he remembers the ‘Orient Charm’ performance at the closing ceremony, when the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia was handed over to Guangzhou.
Qatar invested a massive $2.8 billion into the Doha Games, the most ever spent on the event. Qatar is keen to continue hosting important sporting events. It’s currently preparing a bid to be host of the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar’s athletes are in the thick of preparations. The country will be sending a high level delegation from the sports ministry and a large contingent of athletes to compete. “I am sure that Qatar athletes are very excited and looking forward to achieving much success at the Guangzhou Games,” said Al-Muftah.
But it’s not just the athletes, “everyone in Qatar is looking forward to the Games,” he said.
He added that it will also enhance friendship between China and Qatar. “Our governments cooperate well with each other, and the friendship between our peoples also grows well and fruitfully in every aspect, including in sports.”
“Sport plays an important roles in breaking barriers,” he said. “It has a unique language that is understood and spoken by all.”
As Asia’s top sporting event, the Games provides opportunities for countries in Asia to learn more about and appreciate each other’s culture and traditions. “It’s a great chance not only for participants but also spectators, and even television viewers to interact, learn and understand more about each other. With this understanding comes exchanges and friendship.”
The ambassador said he likes the motto. “The vision ‘Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia’ is very appropriate. The Games will be thrilling as people come to watch sportsmen strive for excellence. But also the event draws all Asians together to seek harmony among themselves and with the whole world.”
This is the second time that China will be hosting the Asian Games after the one held in Beijing in 1990. It also comes just two years after the Olympic Games in Beijing.
The ambassador enjoyed the Olympics. “Like everyone else I was deeply impressed by the spectacular and iconic buildings such as the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
“But what impressed me most,” he added, “was the great enthusiasm of the Chinese people in welcoming their foreign guests, the thousands of volunteers in particular. In my view, they really did China proud.”
“I have no doubt that the 16th Asian Games will be a spectacular success,” he said.
