By Sports Reporter/Doha


Qatar will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions and a world-class network when thousands of visitors arrive in Doha for the 24th Men’s Handball World Championship, which begins on January 15, 2015.
Under the direction of H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar 2015 Organising Committee and Dr. Thani Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Director General, Qatar 2015, the IT Committee has developed an entirely new infrastructure for the three venues being used for Qatar 2015, that builds upon and improves the systems deployed for earlier major sporting events in Qatar.
A full sports information system is in-place, to provide instant updates and information to referees, also to capture, broadcast all results from the Championship, in-line with the requirements of the International Handball Federation (IHF).

In addition, the Committee has developed a world-class network connecting the Media Centre, Volunteer Centre, and ticketing booths, as well as linking Qatar 2015 areas at the supporting hotels and Hamid International Airport to deliver a fully interconnected Championship. During the Championship, a dedicated team of 54 IT experts will be distributed throughout competition and non-competition venues to provide technical support.
Meshaal Ali al-Ruwili, Head of the Information Technology Committee, explains: “Our job was to improve upon the incredible results that Qatar has achieved in previous sporting events, while showcasing a truly world-class network and technology to our international visitors. This will be one of the most inter-connected sporting events ever staged in the region. We will have full access and control over all information through our Network Operation Centre.”
One of the new innovations being deployed at Qatar 2015 is a pioneering example of “smart stadium” technology. A core Network Operation Centre (NOC) will connect all three venues through a centrally- managed system, operated by a dedicated team. The NOC will monitor the networks in all the venues, identifying issues before they happen and centrally detecting when any device or cable has a problem.
The NOC will be able to issue instructions to technicians on-site at every venue, ensuring smooth management of IT issues. From another perspective, each team is receiving iPads equipped with a special system for recording matches, so that they can review and examine each game without the need for DVDs. The availability of this information within 30 minutes of the close of every match will be incredibly useful for athletes keen to review their performance – and is a major step forward for sport in Qatar.  
Both innovations were trialled and tested during the IHF Super Globe Championship 2014 and the 17th Asian Club League Championship held in Doha in 2014. The feedback from players and visitors has been universally positive.
“Our use of the iPad recording and feedback system is an innovation that was developed by Qatar. We believe it will be adopted and deployed by the IHF in future Championships. Our IT efforts here will help leave a strong legacy for future sporting events held in Qatar and around the world,” concluded Al-Ruwili. Efforts have been made to boost Internet speeds in areas close to the venue and at all the participating hotels during the Championship. The Technology Committee has formally thanked Ooredoo, ictQATAR and the Qatar Olympic Committee for their work in supporting this major network upgrade.