With the successful hosting of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2018 in Doha, Qatar has not only showcased its capabilities as a sports capital but is also heading towards the FIFA 2022 World Cup in the best possible way, feels HE Hans-Udo Muzel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar.
HE Muzel was speaking on the sidelines of a reception held for Germany's gymnastics team along with the President of the German Gymnastics Federation Dr. Alfons Holzl, and the Mayor of the City of Stuttgart Dr. Martin Schairer, on Saturday.
Stuttgart is the host city for the 49th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2019.
Commending the Qatar Gymnastics Federation and Qatar Olympic Committee on the first gymnastics world championships of the Middle East, Muzel said,"We were not surprised that Qatar offered to host the gymnastics world championships because it is gearing up for FIFA 2022 World Cup. We also know that Qatar is quite capable.
"They have an excellent infrastructure. Our gymnasts, athletes and officials from Germany one of the biggest gymnastics federation worldwide were absolutely amazed and astonished to see the organisation, facilities and training venues at the magnificent Aspire Dome.
"Qatar is indeed stepping it up towards 2022 with all these world events and it is admirable. As we can see, the Qatar Classic squash event (where we had a German making the final) was already on alongside the gymnastics worlds. Then, you have the Longines Global Champions Tour showjumping event coming up. It's a huge event too, imagine the logistics of bringing in lots of horses internationally into Doha.
They also have the annual tennis championships the Qatar Open in December and January.
"In 2019, it gets even bigger with the Athletics World Championships in October. This all is getting international focus on this part of the world in a very positive way."
Muzel, however, hoped for more sports tourists to visit Qatar.
"As a German Ambassador, I would like to call upon Qatar, the Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar sports federations to get together with countries like Germany, France, UK and so on in view of next year's athletics championships to try and attract more sports tourists using this as a great opportunity to see fantastic work la sport plus to see Qatar on the way to 2022 World Cup," he said.
As for German sports fans, Muzel said the 2022 World Cup would be an ideal scenario for a lot of them to be here.
"German sports tourists are very keen to be here for the 2022 World Cup. What makes Qatar a suitable destination for Germans is that we have direct flight connects from Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. For me, for example, it takes about half an hour to get to Berlin, half an hour to the airport and similar time for a check-in.
"The flight to Doha is about about five-and-a-half hours, and in the next 30 minutes I am in my hotel room and I can go to the sports facilities. I don't have to travel, like one had to in huge countries like Russia or Brazil.
"What would also make Qatar different when it comes to the football world cup is that you can watch two matches in a day!
Or for that matter, you can just fly in and out for a match. I think it's a great new formula and I guess every football fan is looking to be in Qatar in 2022," he added.
By Vinay Nayudu
