Falah Mascot for IAAF World Championships Doha 2019

Falah, a loyal, courageous, helpful, sharp and fun-loving falcon, is the official mascot of the IAAF World Championship Doha 2019. At a colourful ceremony on Tuesday, it was unveiled as 50 out of more than 400 young kids present on the occasion put together the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle.

The setting at the Awsaj Recreation Centre in Qatar Foundation was perfect for the launch as the day also marked the National Sport Day for Qatar. IAAF World Championship Doha 2019 Local Organising Committee Chairman and Qatar Olympic Committee President His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani lifted the last two kids, helped them lay the final pieces to complete the mascot.

Falcon, known for his speed, sharpness, courage and discipline, doesn’t stop till it has reached the target. The hunting bird has been part of the Arabic traditions for centuries.

Sporting a cape, sleeveless vest, shorts and shoes in a mix of maroon, orange, yellow and blue colours, Falah was seen standing in front of the Khalifa International Stadium, which will stage the first World Athletics Championships of the Middle East region from September 27 to October 6.

Also present on the occasion were QOC Second Vice-President and QAF President Dr Thani Abdulrahman al Kuwari, QOC Secretary-General Jassim Rashid al Buenain, IAAF Vice-President Dahlan al Hamad, World Championship Doha 2019 Local Organising Committee Marketing and Communications Director Sheikha Asma al Thani and Championship Ambassador Mariam Farid.

In the morning, about 490 school children had gathered and they were introduced to different running and jumping events under the careful guidance of instructors. Later, they witnessed the exciting moments of the mascot launch. Around 11 am, 50 boys and girls sported the same outfit as Falah and began building the mascot through pieces they had been provided.

“Athletics for Falah is a way to show the world how to be a true athlete. He is competitive, courageous, and helpful like no other. He is loyal, funny, helps his friends and often shows off his athletic moves,” said Theodore Paul Manuel, the Filipino expat who created Falah.

Manuel, who has called Qatar home since 2010, received a financial prize for his winning design, but the real prize will be watching Falah take centre stage at the World Championships in September, and inspire thousands of children as he visits schools and sports clubs across the country on his journey to the World Championships. “I’m very excited that my idea will become a reality. I want to see how Falah inspires the event especially amongst the younger generation,” Manuel said.

Sheikh Joaan, upon his arrival, was greeted by the kids and officials in traditional ways. After the ceremony, the local organising committee chief had a group picture with them, besides selfies.

Qatar Academy Doha’s young student Mansour took part in the unveiling ceremony. He placed number 48 piece on the board. “Falah is the name of falcon. He is the mascot of the 2019 world athletics. I like falcons because they are strong, can fly high and do hunting.

“I’m very proud to be part of the (mascot unveiling) ceremony. Sports are good for our health and if you play regularly, you will stay fit and long life,” he added with a smile.

IAAF Vice-President Dahlan al Hamad commented after the ceremony: “Falcon is a bird we are all proud of. It represents speed, strength, sharpness and discipline. Also it follows the command and will not stop till it reaches its target.

“There was a drawing contest for the mascot. It was drawn by children and then a committee, made of children from various schools and Qatar Foundation, voted for Falah. We’re very happy with the launch today,” he said, adding, “Everything is on schedule for the championships.”

Sheikha Asma said the unveiling of the mascot on the National Sport Day would inspire the new generation of Qatar to work hard and achieve the best in whatever they do. “Falah or falcon is a bird that is strong, flies high and determined to achieve its target. Athletes are also like that…they also aspire to fly high and get their goals. So I think Falah represents athletes and their ambitions the best.”

Talking about the tickets sale, she said, “Since the online ticket sale began in November last year, there has been good response. After the mascot launch, I think the sales will get further boost."

Mariam Farid, a 400m and 400m hurdles runner in the national team, was quite excited at the ceremony. “I am proud to be part and the ambassador of the world championship 2019 journey. From the day one, we have been working hard as a team for the success of the championship. We are now quite close to it and we just can’t wait for the start.”

By Raajiv Tripathi