Olympians, World Champions and Asian Games medallists among stars to support Doha 2030

A host of international sports stars have expressed their full support for Doha’s bid to host a 2030

Asian Games that will deliver an inclusive and magical experience for athletes and all members of

the OCA family.

Among those to express their support are two-time Asian Games gold medallist, two-time Olympic

medallist and two-time high-jump World Champion, Mutaz Essa Barshim; Asian Games gold

medallist and Olympic bronze medallist in shooting, and rally driving champion, Nasser Al Attiyah;

and Qatar’s first female Olympic swimmer Nada Arkaji.

Mutaz Essa Barshim said:

"One of my first ever senior competitions was the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games and I will never

forget what an honour it was to live side-by-side with my Asian brothers and sisters. While I think the

Asian Games in 2030 may come too late for me personally, I have no doubt Doha 2030 would be an

unforgettable event,

"I have had the privilege of competing in Doha on many occasions, notably last year during the

World Athletics Championships, and international athletes always tell me what an amazing place it is

to compete. It has some of the best venues and training facilities in the world and you always know

the service and support for athletes will be world-class. I really hope that Doha is awarded the 2030

Asian Games so all Asian athletes and the wider Asian sports community can experience this for

themselves."

Nasser Al Attiyah added:

"I had the honour of competing in Doha 2006 and the atmosphere of celebration and unity I

experienced during the Games still lives with me. It was not my most successful Asian Games, but it

was one that provides some of my fondest memories. Since then I have seen how Doha has made

significant investment into sport and hosted hundreds of sports events, training camps and more.

With all this experience and expertise I have no doubt that Doha can host an even better Asian

Games in 2030 to the one I experienced in 2006. But one thing that will be the same will be that all

of Asia is made to feel valued and welcomed."

Nada Arkaji said:

"It has been an honour to be involved in the Doha 2030 bid and ensure that athletes are at the very

centre of the bid’s plans. We want to make sure athletes have everything they need to be able to

achieve their dreams in Doha.

"We know what an important role sport plays in helping to drive positive social change and as a

female Olympian in Qatar, I myself have seen first-hand how powerful sport is in changing attitudes.

Women’s sport is stronger than ever here and only on the rise. Doha 2030 would provide the perfect

platform help inspire the next generation of young boys and girls across Asia."

Doha 2030 is guaranteeing the ultimate athlete-experience. Every aspect of the masterplan has been

developed with athletes in mind, drawing on Doha’s extensive existing state-of-the-art infrastructure

and experience in delivering world-class events. Doha’s sophisticated transport network will ensure

average travel times for athletes of 20-30 minutes and the Athletes’ Village in Qatar’s first ever

sustainable city will meet every need of Asia’s stars. Away from sport, the vibrant and inclusive city

will provide the perfect getaway for athletes, offering beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants and

diverse cultural attractions.

For more information visit: www.agdoha2030@qa

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