DOHA — Qatari Olympic and world high jump champion Mutaz Barshim described the Doha 2030 Asian Games as an exceptional opportunity for a new generation of athletes to compete at the highest level, inspire others and explore the opportunities that sport can offer.
Barshim said he was immensely happy and deeply proud to represent Qatar by carrying the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag during the Asian Games flag handover ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, which marked the official start of the journey towards hosting the 21st Asian Games in Doha in 2030.
He said carrying the Asian Games flag was a great honour and a responsibility he deeply valued, symbolising the link between Qatar’s sporting achievements and memories and the young generation of athletes who will shape the future of the continental Games.
Barshim said representing Qatar on a global stage was a source of pride that extended beyond athletes to their families, coaches and communities, who support them throughout their sporting journeys.
He added that every celebrated sporting achievement was built on years of hard work, commitment, sacrifice and belief in the goal.
The Qatari champion also highlighted the Asian Games as a gathering of inspiring athletes from across the continent, each having followed a unique and challenging journey to reach the stage of fair competition.
Barshim said the Doha 2006 Asian Games had marked a historic milestone in the development of Qatar’s sports sector, while Doha 2030 would provide a new generation with an exceptional opportunity to compete, inspire and discover the wider possibilities offered by sport.
