Doha, Qatar, February 4, 2024: The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, declared the 21st World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 officially open at the opening ceremony on Sunday evening.
The ceremony, which celebrated Qatar’s rich cultural heritage and how water links the world, was held at the Aspire Dome and marked the official start of the world championships, which will run from February 2-18.
The President of World Aquatics, Capt. Husain Al-Musallam, described it as a “very significant moment” for the sport of aquatics as it was the first time the World Aquatics Championships have been held in the Middle East.
“In recent years, Doha has become firmly established as one of the world’s best locations for hosting major sports events, and I am absolutely delighted that our athletes will have the opportunity to compete in this great city,” said Capt. Husain.
He thanked the organisers, under the leadership of HE Sheikh Joaan, who is also Chairman of the local organising committee, for preparing the “excellent venues, which I describe as an aquatic palace.”
Capt. Husain added that the 21st World Aquatics Championships would be “very important” for the athletes, not only because they would be aiming for world championship gold but also because many of them would be striving for qualification for the Paris Olympic Games this summer.
“Athletes, we are so proud of you,” he said. “Every year the standards that you set are higher and higher. You are a great sport role model.”
HE Mr. Jassim Rashid Al Buainain, Secretary General of the QOC and Vice President of the local organising committee, said the vision of the QOC was “to become a leading nation in bringing the world together through sustainable sport development” into a reality. He also invited participants to join in the National Sports Day celebrations on Tuesday, February 13.
During the ceremony, water was described as a “blue beacon of hope” at times of war and unrest around the world, and the ancient Qatari fisherman was also celebrated.
An eye-catching display of flags, and a group performing sharp, crisp movements only with their arms, were well-received by the spectators, especially when the performers spelled out “Peace” and “Salam”.
