Opening round of Diamond League a success: Al Kuwari

Doha:   Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and President of Qatar Athletics Federation Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari (pictured) said that the opening day of the Doha round of the IAAF Diamond League has been successful in every aspect.

Al Kuwari praised the achievements of the two Qatari athletes Mutaz Essa Barshim and Abdelrahman Samba who won the high jump and 400 meters hurdles respectively. Al Kuwari noted that it was the first time that Qatar's wins two competitions in one stage of the IAAF Diamond League, something that reflects the progress Qatari Athletics has made. Al Kuwari then offered his congratulations to both Barshim and Samba, expressing his hope that they continue progressing in future rounds all the way to the World Championship in London that will take place later this year.

On Samba's win, Al Kuwari said that it was a surprise as the federation did not demand him to win the race, but merely to gain experience since it was his first time participating in the diamond lead. Al Kuwari expressed his belief that Samba outperformed himself and not just world champions and stressed that the best is yet to come from the rising Qatari star.
The Secretary-General of QOC also expressed his delight at the praise he received from participants in this year's competition. Al Kuwari noted that they will hold the meeting after the conclusion of the competition to stand on the positives and negatives of this year's edition.
Al Kuwari also added that the meeting will not just focus on the organisational aspect of the competition, but Qatar's performance in it as well. Al Kuwari revealed that they have long-term strategy for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Key competitions along the way will be the 2019 World Championship in Athletics in Qatar, and the 2017 edition of the same competition that will take place in London.