FROM LEFT: Mutaz Barshim, Katie Moon, Letsile Tebogo, Hamish Kerr and Neeraj Chopra pose for a group photo.
Doha: For over two decades, Qatar has been a hub for world-class athletics, with Doha firmly cemented on the global map as a regular stop on the prestigious Diamond League circuit since 2010. But tonight’s showdown at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium could be the most electrifying edition yet.
Why all the excitement? A staggering 45 medallists from the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2023 World Athletics Championships are set to clash with an extra twist: a $5,000 bonus for every new meeting record. The stakes are sky-high and the intensity promises to match.
A file photo of the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium during an earlier edition of the Doha Diamond League.
Track and field giants including sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, javelin world champion Neeraj Chopra, pole vault star Katie Moon and rising sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo are all set to shine under the Doha lights.
With a stacked schedule, standout moments are expected across marquee events such as the men’s 200m, high jump, javelin, discus and the women’s steeplechase and pole vault. But the spotlight will burn brightest on the women’s 100m, where Fraser-Pryce makes her long-awaited return.
For local fans, all eyes are on Qatar’s beloved high jump icon, Mutaz Barshim. However, a lingering injury that kept him out of last week’s “What Gravity Challenge” could sideline him again tonight.
“I want to jump at home. This is the place I care about most,” Barshim said at a pre-event press conference yesterday.
“It was really difficult not to jump last week and it’s the same again here. We have responsibilities in this sport, we put our bodies on the line and part of that includes dealing with injuries. If you don’t push yourself to the limit, you never know how far you can go.”
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist, who also holds two silvers and a bronze from previous Games, is setting sights on this year’s World Championships.
“Tokyo World Championship is definitely the main target. I’m working towards that. The Asian Games are close to my heart, and I want to do one more,” said the three-time world champion while ruling out fifth Olympic appearance.
He also praised the new meeting record incentives.
“Track and field isn’t an easy job,” he said. “It’s tough out there. Financially, you can be fourth or fifth in the world and still need a job after retirement. So change is good and I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr, fresh off his Olympic gold in Paris, echoed the sentiment of a fiercely competitive high jump field.
“The high jump is very open right now. For me, it’s about learning and building from each competition. Physically, I’m in great shape, but I haven’t quite connected fully yet - that’s why having these opportunities to compete is so valuable.”
Fraser-Pryce ready for a ‘special’ night in Doha
One of the most decorated athletes in history, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce returns to Doha with fond memories especially her iconic 2019 World Championship win.
“2019 was really special for me. I love Doha. I think of it as the place where I defied the odds,” said the 38-year-old, who won that title after giving birth to her son Zyon in 2017.
“Crossing that line, holding my son on the track, and doing it all after turning 30 that was unforgettable. I think tomorrow will be special too.”
A fan favourite in Doha, India’s Neeraj Chopra is back in the Qatari capital hoping to break the elusive 90m barrier - his current personal best stands at 89.94m. Now coached by world javelin record holder Jan Zelezny, Chopra is focused on consistency.
“The fans always expect big things when I compete here and with good conditions and a great atmosphere, it’s definitely possible,” he said.
“But for me, consistency is more important than just chasing a number. I love competing in Doha – many javelin throwers achieve personal bests here. Plus, the incredible support from the Indian community makes it even more special.”
In the women’s pole vault, Katie Moon is eyeing victory in what she describes as one of the sport’s most competitive disciplines.
“On any given day, several of us can win and that’s what keeps me motivated,” said the 2021 Olympic champion and two-time world champion, who claimed silver in Paris.
“I’m feeling great. This is the best stretch of training I’ve had in years. Indoors went really well, and so far - knock on wood - it’s all been positive. The runway here is excellent and conditions are ideal. I just love jumping in Doha.”
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo is expected to set a new meeting record in the men’s 200m. The current mark of 19.67, held by Kenny Bednarek, could fall if Tebogo replicates his gold medal-winning 19.46 area record from Paris.
“A good performance for me would be to finish healthy,” Tebogo said with characteristic humility.
