Qatar Gymnastics Federation hails female participation at key workshop

Female participation at an international refereeing workshop has delighted organisers Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF).
Officials from Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Singapore, China, India, North Korea and Hungary joined comrades from hosts Qatar at an International Judges Course organised  by QGF in collaboration with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and held in Doha.
The January 13-20 symposium has also featured women referees.
"We are constantly aiming at developing this sport in Qatar. We are confident we will achieve our targets of taking the game to the youth of the country. To see so many girls feature in the symposium is also very heartening," Ali Ali Hitmi, President of QGF, said.
A series of lectures and practicals have taken place during the week-long symposium.
"All areas of refereeing has been discussed in detail. We are pleased with the outcomes we have seen so far. It has been an engaging experience for all of us," Al Hitmi said.
"The participants have got first-hand info on the developments made in this area of the sport. At the same time, it is also a great opportunity for the youngsters to learn from FIG experts," he said.
Qatar will stage the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 2018.
"Those who feature at these lectures can easily graduate to the next level and take part in global events," he said.
Experts from the FIG  Helena Diaz, Radi Zinal, Donattela Sacchi, Liubov Andrianova and the QGF Technical Director Anis Saoud, were also present during the symposium.
"It is essential that we get to see all-round participation at such gatherings. We are happy to see the positive response," Sacchi said.
"The entire event was well organised," Sacchi added.
"We feel that Qatar Gymnastics Federation has achieved tremendous success over the years. The overall development only gives us confidence that the sport will flourish in this country," she said.