Muscat, December 16 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has won the bid to host the 2030 Asian Games after Doha file achieved the highest number of votes in the voting which took place on the sidelines of the 39th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in the Omani capital of Muscat on Wednesday.

The 39th OCA General Assembly was attended by HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Doha 2030 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani and HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah announced that Qatar won the bid to host the 2030 Asian Games as Doha bid won 27 votes against 10 for Riyadh, while 8 countries abstained from voting, according to the OCA.

Doha had hosted the Asian Games once before in 2006. The State of Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup for the first time in the Middle East.

Doha 2030 Asian Games bid caught attention during the General Assembly and won the approval of all attendees as it included many pillars concerned with the future of the Asian continent and what Qatar will present when hosting this great sporting event.

The presentation included a promotional video for the ready facilities and infrastructure in the State of Qatar to host the events. The Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee unveiled the Project Legacy 21 as one of the most important pillars of Asia 2030, which will start next year while meeting the highest standards of transparency approved by the Olympic Council of Asia.

Project Legacy 21 aims to set up a program that provides financial investments for sports development programs. It will implement a knowledge-sharing program that focuses on sports development for the national Olympic committees. Tailored training programs will be prepared for athletes to visit the advanced facilities at Aspire City and train there.

Qatar also launched the Stars of Asia Program designed to develop future ambassadors for sport in Asia by collaborating with all Asian NOCs to invite 90 bright individuals of diverse Asian cultures to take up a full scholarship in Qatar.

Doha 2030 cultural programs will be launched three years before the Games throughout the Asian continent, not only in the State of Qatar, as Qatar is keen to help everyone and will therefore provide transportation and accommodation assistance to athletes.

HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Doha 2030 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani affirmed Qatar's readiness to host the 2030 Asian Games in his speech in the bid presentation, saying that the State of Qatar has worked for 20 years to build world-class sports facilities.

HE noted that he was an ambassador for the Asian Games torch which Doha hosted in 2006, and said, "I have traveled thousands of miles and visited 27 countries over the course of 55 days to celebrate the values of friendship, respect and sporting spirit."

HE underlined that Qatar's hosting of the 2030 Asian Games is a source of pride for the Qatari people, noting that the winning was the result of commitment and determination to make sport the focus of attention, noting that sport is part of the national identity of Qatar.

HE added that Qatar built more than 200 sports facilities that hosted more than 50 regional and international sporting events. These facilities have gained the confidence of the various Olympic federations and committees, and this confirms that Asian athletes can compete at the highest level.

HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Doha 2030 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani said that Doha bid to host the 2030 Asian Games is distinguished by that it is not limited to tangible matters, stressing that Doha is a place that brings everyone together, and that Doha 2030 will be a model and a victory for the Olympic Council of Asia and the Olympic movement around the world.

Before his speech, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani greeted the members of Riyadh 2030 bid and congratulated them for presenting the file and wished them success in a very wonderful gesture.

According to the Qatari file, the financial budget for Qatar 2030 Asian Games is estimated at $1.3 billion. Because Qatar includes a very developed sports market that is based on profits and television broadcasting rights, it will achieve revenues of $1.46 billion. According to the contract signed with the Olympic Council of Asia, part of these revenues will go to the Olympic Council of Asia and the Asian Olympic Committees, thus the net profit is expected to reach $151 million.

Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee Jassim Rashid Al Buainain said that the State will reinvest these profits during and after the Asian Games 2030, stressing Qatars readiness to host the 2030 Asian Games competitions through the best facilities and opportunities that help athletes succeed and rest during the competitions.

In his speech during the presentation, Al Buainain noted that the Olympic Village, which will be dedicated to athletes during the Games, will contain 2000 units capable of hosting more than 15,000 people and can be expanded to 18,000 people at a high level. It is 10 to 15 minutes away from all the stadiums that will host the competitions. After the Games the Village will be converted into residential areas.

He added that He said that 4000 hotel rooms have been reserved for guests at the five-star level, and there are 14 hotels ready to receive all delegations participating in the Games.

Al Buainain noted that transportation is usually a challenge for all Asian Games, however this is not the situation in Doha. In addition to the public transport system in the city, the capabilities of hosting the Asian family will be strengthened by allocating 900 cars to secure transportation, and they will be managed through a unified traffic system.

He underlined that the best medical facilities and medical care will be provided for all attendees in all stadiums and for all participants free of charge.

For her part, HE Director of Marketing and Communication at Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikha Asma Al-Thani said that the investments that the State of Qatar made in the field of sports made Doha 2030 exceptional, noting that Doha 2030 focuses on the investment in the success of Asian athletes.

She noted that the infrastructure of Doha 2030 is already on the ground, not on paper, and that Doha file is the only one capable of ensuring a zero risk level for the Games, which allows more time to focus on providing the best experience in the Asian Games for athletes and investing the resources accomplished in the Asian Olympic family.

She added that Doha legacy will be the human legacy and it is the greatest legacy that can be made for the Asian family.

HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani promised that Doha 2030 will provide the perfect platform to celebrate the success of Asian athletes in the Asian continent because sport is where everyone belongs.

"I have always loved sports and sporting events since childhood, and I have learned many lessons from going to the Al Shaqab stables, which were established by HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to preserve the purebred Arabian horses. Sport is a global language because it is a form of education and lessons, and I believe in the power of education, as it is one of the noblest causes that we can devote our lives to serving," HE Sheikha Hind said.

She underlined that education, whether athletic or academic, is fundamental to the success of young people and children, because sport gives the tools to achieve the desired goals and to seize opportunities. Sport is able to inspire everyone and the supreme goal of education is not only helping children to create a better future for themselves, but for all, to meet and create a world to which everyone belongs.

For his part, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani underlined the great commitment and support provided by the State of Qatar to sports which represents a part of the national identity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 39th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs extended thanks to the government and people of the Sultanate of Oman for the hospitality and warm reception and the distinguished organization of the Olympic Council of Asia meeting.

HE affirmed Qatar's commitment to Doha 2030 as it was in 2006, noting that hosting such a big and important event requires facilities that Qatar already has. However, the matter is related to many intangible things that achieve success for such games, such as friendship of the people, the acceptance of the diversity and seizing future opportunities without relying on the past.

HE underlined that one of the most important components of the Qatari bid is the security and safety of the guests, stressing that Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Crime Index, therefore the athletes attending will enjoy safety, security and a very unique experience. 

Following the announcement of Qatar's win, HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Doha 2030 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani said that winning the honor to host the 2030 Asian Games is the fruit of the efforts exerted, noting that acheiving this win amidst the National Day celebrations gives it a special taste.

HE expressed pride for winning this prestigious event, and extended thanks to the Asian Olympic committee and its leadership for the renewed confidence in Doha which has become an icon of Asian and international sport, is hosting more continental and international tournaments.

HE reiterated Doha's determination to combine creativity and fun in organizing the Asian Games, and to offer a unique Asian Games that belongs to everyone and leaves an indelible mark on the history of the Asian Games.

HE Sheikh Joaan congratulated Riyadh on winning the host of the 2034 Asian Games, wishing the Saudi Olympic Committee success.

Following the announcement, Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee held a press conference during which Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee Jassim Rashid Al Buainain offered congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Doha 2030 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the Qatari people on the occasion.

Al Buainain underlined that the achievement is the fruit of 16 years of efforts in the field of sports, expressing pride to achieve this victory as Doha owns world-class infrastructure, great cadres and administrative expertise, and extensive knowledge on organizing such major events. 

In Doha, President of the Qatar Tennis Squash and Badminton Federation Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khulaifi expressed delight at the achievement, and extended thanks to the wise leadership and HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Chairman of Doha 2030 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani on this success.

He praised the efforts exerted by HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani which led to this new Qatari accomplishment that represents a source of pride to everyone.

He underlined that Qatar's win to host the 2030 Asian Games was achieved thanks to its pioneering experience in hosting major sporting events, in addition to its huge sports facilities, especially as it prepares to host the 2022 World Cup.

Meanwhile, President of the Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah expressed pride at Qatar's success to host the biggest sports event in the Asian continent for the second time after the 2006 Games.

He underlined that Doha 2030 will offer athletes the best conditions for training and competition, and will be a legacy gateway towards the future.

The Asian Games is the largest tournament supervised by the Olympic Council of Asia, and it is the second largest multi-sport event in the world after the Summer Olympics, with more than 10,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries.

Doha hosted the 15th Asian Games in 2006, with the participation of the 45 member states of the Olympic Council of Asia, 423 competitions were organized across 39 sports.

Qatar has a strong track record in organizing world championships, including the 2010 World Indoor Athletics Championships, IAAF World Athletics Championships in 2014, World Handball Championships 2015, UCI Road World Championships 2016, World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2018, World Athletics Championships 2019, and the Games the First World Beach Games Qatar 2019.

Qatar is set to organize a number of major tournaments, among which are the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 World Aquatics Championship, the 2023 World Judo Championship as well and other tournaments listed on its sports calendar.

Qatar Olympic Committee also announced that it had formally submitted its request to the International Olympic Committee to join the continuous dialogue and non-binding on hosting one of the Olympic and Paralympic Games starting with the of 2032 edition.

It is worth noting that the last edition of the Asian Games was held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia in 2018, while the next 19th edition will take place in Hangzhou, China, from Sept. 10-25, 2022 and the 20th edition will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in 2026. (QNA)