Doha, Qatar, November 7, 2021: The President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, Ali Al-Hitmi, was elected as First Vice President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) on Saturday, November 6.
Ali Al-Hitmi, who was elected at the 83rd FIG Congress held in Antalya, Turkey, said his success was due to the “fruitful efforts made by Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and his support for sports in the country” which has resulted in a high profile nature for Qatar in the sporting world.
“I am very happy for this precious confidence that I obtained from the members of the Congress of the International Gymnastics Federation who voted for me,” Al-Hitmi said.
“The sports world is well aware of the value of the State of Qatar, which helped the members of the FIG Congress to give their votes to the candidate of the State of Qatar,” he said.
Al-Hitmi also acknowledged the support of Arab colleagues who stood behind the only Arab candidate, and said it was a matter of pride for him.
Al-Hitmi pledged to live up to the expectations of the FIG Congress and work to promote and develop gymnastics in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Japan's Morinari Watanabe was re-elected FIG President for a three-year term, 2022 to 2024. Watanabe, who has been at the helm since 2017, obtained 81 votes against the 47 won by Farid Gayibov of Azerbaijan.
