10. März 2015  
Doha, Qatar  
Artistic Gymnastics

* Preview: 2015 World Challenge Cup in Doha

The state of Qatar is set to host the FIG World Challenge Cup 2015, which will be held from March 25 to 27 at the Aspire Zone. Qatar’s challenge will be spearheaded by Mahmoud Mohamed al-Saadi and Ahmad Saleh al-Dayani in men’s and Farah Tareq Mahmoud Redha in women’s. Al-Saadi and al-Dayani have travelled to Malaysia for a training camp, while Farah has been working out in Doha.
Organised by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, the annual event which started in 2008, has attracted 128 gymnasts, including 84 males and 44 females from 34 countries this year. This year’s event will hold more significance, as this will be the first event Qatar will be hosting after it won the bid to conduct the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.

* Read more on www.qatargym.com

Al-Hitmi said the event will be of the highest standard and added that his association is focusing towards hosting the 2018 World Championship, for which the World Challenge Cup will act as a prelude.
“It is our pride that we have earned the trust of the International Gymnastics Federation to host such an important event in Qatar. We have the best possible facilities and infrastructure to host any world class event,” said al-Hitmi. “Gymnasts like to come here as we provide them the world class facilities. They appreciate the high quality of event and hospitality, which they experience here,” added al-Hitmi.