By Fawad Hussain
Doha: Top gymnasts from around the world will come to Doha next week to compete in the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series to be staged at state-of-the-art Aspire Dome.
The ninth edition of the prestigious event which carries a prize money of $50,000, will see the influx of over 100 gymnasts, representing as many as 33 countries from March 24 to 26.
The competition promises top-notch three days of gymnastics action at the iconic venue.
“We are ready to deliver another successful edition (of Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series) which is rated as one of the best gymnastics events in the world,” Ali Al Hitmi, President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) told a press conference in Doha on Tuesday, while announcing the details of the event.
“This year also the event has attracted top names from all over the globe,” added Al Hitmi who is also the executive committee member of the International Gymnastics Federation.
Olympic stars who will showcase their skills in the three-day gala include two-time Olympian Catalina Ponor of Romania.
Born on 20 August 1987, Ponor won three gold medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics, on balance beam, floor, and as part of the Romanian team. She also earned a silver medal on floor and a bronze medal as part of the Romanian team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as multiple World Championship and European Championship medals.
With China returning to event, Zou Kai will spice up the men’s event at the Aspire Dome.
Kai was part of the Chinese team that won the gold medal in the team event at the 2006 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and the 2006 Asian Games.
He won three gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and later won two additional gold medals and one bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
“Over the years, this event has seen big names in action and that has helped building Doha’s reputation as a major venue for hosting mega sports events.
“Our ambitions have no limits, after hosting this event and our next goal will be World Artistic Gymnastics Championship in 2018,” said the QGF President.
“The QGF is deeply committed to assure the prosperity of gymnastics in the country and to support the vision of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) in bringing the world together through sport,” he added.
Another highlight of the event is participation of Cuba which is making debut in the annual competition.
Young Cuban sensation, Manrique Larduet Bicet will also feature in the event. The 20-year-old burst into the world gymnastics scene with triumphs in the XXII Central American and Caribbean Games 2014 Veracruz.
Gymnasts from Iraq and Syria are also expected to attract gymnastics fans who have turned out in huge numbers in the previous editions at Aspire Dome.
Top officials of different gymnastics federations are also expected to visit Doha during the competition.
Hosts Qatar will field three gymnasts including Mahmoud Mohammed Al Saadi, Ahmed Saleh and Farah Tareq Mahmoud Redha.
“‘We are just fielding the gymnasts who we feel are ready for the tough competition,” said Al Hitmi.
“Some of our gymnasts are not fully fit and we cannot take risk by fielding in this competition,” he added.
Abeer Ali Abdullah Al Buanain, Director of the event said the QGF has finalised the arrangements to organise the event in a befitting manner again. “All committees have finalised their preparations for the beginning of the event. I’m also proud that the state of Qatar have a best gymnastics training centers in the region which are ready for hosting the participating teams, even before the beginning of the championship,” she said. Meanwhile, the QGF has put the tickets for the event on sale.
Fans eager to watch the proceedings can book their ticket online at www.q-tickets.com while tickets will also be available at Aspire Dome during the competition days.
The Peninsula
