Sports

Qatar announces interest to host 2032 Summer Olympics

Cairo, Jul 27 (efe-epa).- Qatar’s Olympic Committee announced on Monday it is interested in hosting the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The oil-rich country has taken the first step to exploring the possibilities of organizing the event deemed as the biggest sports fixture in the world.

“Qatar Olympic Committee announces interest to host future Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the committee said in a brief statement posted to its Twitter account.

“The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) today announced it has formally submitted to the International Olympic Committee (ICO) its request to join the non-committal ‘Continuous Dialogue’ to host a future edition of the Olympics and Paralympic Games as early as 2032,” the statement ran.

Tokyo will host the 2020 Olympics, which has had to be moved to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, while Paris and Los Angeles will organize the 2024 and 2028 competitions respectively.

Qatar has joined countries including Australia, Indonesia and India that have shown an interest in organizing the 2032 event.

Chairman of the Qatari committee Joaan Bin Hamad said the move is based on “five pillars”, including “sports infrastructure, civilizational renaissance, strong experience and prestige in the global peace community and aspiration for a more prosperous future”.

Qatar has hosted previous international sporting events, including the 2015 World Men’s Handball Championship and 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championship.

It is also preparing to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which authorities expect will generate $20 billion in revenue.

The preparations have been marred by denouncements by NGOs over the conditions workforces have had to endure, especially in the construction sector.

Since the preparation for the event began six years ago, including stadium construction, the organizers have reported that 34 workers have died for different reasons.

Human rights organizations have reported higher figures.

Amnesty International said in a statement in June that 100 construction workers involved in building venues for the Qatar 2022 World Cup have not been paid for months and were only partly paid a few weeks ago.

More than 200 nations take part in the Olympics with thousands of athletes from around the world competing. EFE/EPA

cgs-ta/rb

Related Articles

Back to top button