Doha: Doha’s Aspire Dome will be under the spotlight when world’s best gymnasts take the centre stage at the 9th Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup from March 24 to 26.
The organisers of the three-day event, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, has already finalised all arrangements to ensure smooth flowing of the world class gymnastics extravaganza.
With US$50,000 up for grabs, the event will feature top gymnasts from 33 countries.
The opening day of the tournament will feature the qualifying rounds of all disciplines while the finals will be staged on the next two days.
Ali Al Hitmi, Chairman of Organizing Committee said the QGF is coordinating with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to organise an exceptional event that live up to the expectations.
He also stressed that hosting the World Challenge Cup in Doha for the ninth time reflects the trust of the FIG officials in the QGF abilities.
He also said that the gymnasts who arrived in Doha held their initial training session at the QGF training center in Al Laqta District in Doha while the official training hall of the tournament at Aspire Academy will be available for the participants from Wednesday.
“The official website of the world challenge cup, www.dohagym.com includes all schedules and results of the different disciplines as it enables its visitors to get all the updated data about the tournament,” he added.
Three Qatari gymnasts, namely Mahmoud Al Saadi, Ahmad Al Dayani and Farah Tariq will be in action during the tournament in front of the home crowd. The Qatari trio participated in the previous editions of World Challenge Cup, so they have the required experience to make some good results in Doha this time.
Argentina’s Nicolas Cordoba, the men’s world No.1 in High Bar and fellow countryman Federico Molinari, the world No.3 in rings are among the top ranked gymnasts who are expected to impress.
Other notable participants include China’s Zou Kai, winner of three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as two gold and one bronze at London Olympics. Zou will be making a return to competitive action in Doha after a three-year hiatus.
The championship features world-class gymnasts in six apparatus events for men - floor exercises, pommel horse, rings, vaults, parallel bars and horizontal bars. Women’s events include vault, uneven bars, balance beam as well as floor exercises.The Peninsula
