Al-Zaini Claims Doha Diamond League Will Help ’17 WAC Bid

Abdullah al-Zaini, President of the Qatar Association of Athletics Federation (QAAF), has claimed that the Samsung Diamond League meeting to be held in Doha on May 6 will provide the perfect opportunity for the city to make a strong case to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

Al-Zaini, who is also chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, hopes the competition will showcase the Qatari capital’s ability to host the World Championships, where they face opposition from London, Budapest and an unnamed Spanish city. 

He stated: “Barring some late pull-outs due to injuries and national commitments, 60 per cent of international athletes in all major events will be competing here.

“Preparations are going well and according to plan.

“We have witnessed considerable rise in public demand for tickets over the past.

“The ticket sales have been brisk both online and at points of sale at various locations across Doha.

“We are expecting a full house at the Hamad Bin Suhaim Stadium on May 6.

“That will in turn spell out a clear a message that we are ready to host the World Championship in 2017.”

The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) are due to announce the list of official candidates on September 1, with the host city to be announced in November this year at the Council meeting in Monaco.

A number of high profile dignitaries, including IAAF President Lamine Diack are due to attend the Diamond League meeting with around 200 international journalists expected to cover the event.