IAAF Announces Amendment of Qatar 2019 World Championships in Athletics Schedule

Doha, May 04 (QNA) - The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has announced changes to the 2019 World Championship schedule in order to highlight this sport in a better and unprecedented image, and gain the attention of young people in Qatar and all countries of the world. Vice-President of the IAAF and Chairman of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) Dahlan Al Hamad, said at an international news conference held today ahead of the start of the Doha round of the Diamond League, that the changes in the 2019 World Championships in Athletics schedule will be innovative, and for the first time, some morning competitions will be carried out in the evening with only one hour's rest between the competitions with the arrangement of entertainment and family events to better highlight the sport to capture the interest of young people in Qatar and all the countries of the world. Al Hamad added that the Marathon and walking competitions will be held in the evening, and will run across Doha Corniche and around the towers area, with full lighting of the race area, and there will be events for spectators and families and the application of previous experience in Qatar organization of cycling and racing events. He explained that organizing the marathon in the evening will be the best time period and the city and the surrounding area will be very distinctive and illuminated by the latest technologies. Al Hamad said that the world championships will be held on the field of Khalifa International Stadium, which hosted many races such as Grand Prix, the Asian Championship, and the Arab Championship, pointing out that the stadium modernization was completed last year and the entire stadium became an architectural masterpiece and got an accredited certificate. He said that the organizing committee of the tournament also sends a message through these amendments, saying that we want new generations not only to break records, but also to participate in the festive atmosphere. Al Hamad added that Qatar Airways, one of the world's largest air carriers, will be one of the sponsors of the championship and with the new procedures for canceling visas for more than 85 countries, it will open the door to many spectators to enjoy the atmosphere of world championships. Doha is expected to host World Championships in Athletics from September 28 to October 6, 2019. For his part, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Lord Sebastian Coe said that the amendment of the 2019 World Championship will be new and exciting. He added that the IAAF can learn and adapt to the preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He also said that the search for ways to instill enthusiasm and excitement and to spread the sport of athletics to the citizens of Qatar and the people in the neighboring regions was one of the aspirations of Qatar and the reason for the Qatar 2019 World Championships. He added, adding that everyone has devised creative ways to adapt all things to a championship packed with excitement. Creating a wonderful recreational atmosphere, hoping that the public and fans will be partners in this global celebration in Doha. Coe said that the tournament schedule will apply some innovations that will be seen for the first time; the relay 4*100 m race will see the participation of both male and female athletes and will take place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The marathon will be held for the first time in the evening. Games will not be continuous, as there will be breaks. There will also be a semi-final and final arrangement to give everyone a chance to follow up with only two finals every night to showcase the abilities of the athletes and enjoy the atmosphere of the track and field. Coe noted that this was a media demand for a very long time. Director of Marketing and Communications at Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the organizing committee HE Sheikha Asma Al-Thani said that Qatar is committed to making the World Championships a source of inspiration for a new generation in the region, adding that hosting the tournament for the first time in the Middle East offers a unique opportunity To change the region in athletics. Her Excellency shed light on the Qatari athletics rally since Mohammed Sulaiman won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and until Mutaz Barshim won the best athlete in the world 2017 and said it was a great and very distinctive track for Qatari athletics and that it had many successes. Her Excellency stressed that the competition will inspire confidence in the young girls' ability to realize their dreams. Her Excellency added that there will be huge promotional campaigns that will take place in Qatar and the region through the provision of international travel packages, and for those who want to come to Doha to follow the World Cup in Europe. (QNA)