With just four days to go before the start of the 2016 Doha Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup, organisers Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) have been putting final touches to stage the annual championship. The three-day event will be staged at the Aspire Academy of Sports Excellence from March 24 to 26.
Offering $50,000 in total prize money, the championship will feature gymnasts from 33 countries. The first day of the tournament is for qualifications in all disciplines. The finals will be staged on Friday and Saturday.
Ali al-Hitmi, Chairman of Organising Committee said the QGF is co-ordinating with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to organise an exceptional event, that will live up to the expectations. He stressed that hosting the world challenge cup in Doha for the ninth time reflects the trust of the FIG officials in QGF’s abilities.
The gymnasts have started arriving in Doha and some had their initial training session at the QGF training centre in Al Laqta District. The official training hall of the tournament at Aspire Academy will be available for the participants from tomorrow.
The QGF has selected three players—Mahmoud al-Saadi, Ahmad al-Dayani and Farah Tariq—to represent Qatar in the tournament. The Qatari trio participated in the previous editions of World Challenge Cup, so they have the required experience to fetch some good results in Doha this time.