Doha, Qatar, April 1, 2020: The President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, has reiterated the QOC's commitment to the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Speaking during a video conference call with IOC President Thomas Bach and representatives of Continental Associations and National Olympic Committees on March 27, HE Sheikh Joaan emphasized the total support of His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the decision to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
The QOC President said: “His Highness, the QOC and the whole of Qatar stand in solidarity with the IOC and Tokyo 2020. We have no doubt that they will deliver an exceptional Olympic Games next year.
“This pandemic is unprecedented and has shaken the world but the Olympic Movement, under the leadership of President Bach, has shown great unity.
“We are all facing common challenges and, by working together, we can ensure that we continue to safeguard the health of our athletes, fans and the whole Olympic family.
“Tokyo 2020 serves as a beacon of hope for us all to aim towards as we look forward to a time when the world will have emerged stronger from this current crisis."
In other news from Qatar:
*The Qatar Taekwondo, Judo and Karate Federation announced on March 29 that it has postponed the 2020 IJF Masters which was scheduled to take place in Doha from May 28-30.
The event, which will feature the 16 top seeds of each judo weight category, will act as a qualifying tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics now to be held in 2021.
*The QOC has extended the suspension of all local sports activities and events from March 29 until April 14 to ensure the safety of all employees of sports organisations and the public against COVID-19.