President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday expressed his happiness and pride in seeing the Qatari team among the 45 Asian teams marching during the opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta.

H E Sheikh Joaan was among a host of dignitaries who represented the competing nations during the glittering ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium last night. Young squash star Abdulla Al Tamimi carried the Qatari flag during the march past in which over thousand athletes took part.

“The opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games (Jakarta 2018) today brought back the memories of the unforgettable opening ceremony of the 15th Asian Games (Doha 2006), which had a significant impact on the development of the sports movement in Qatar, which contributed to its global recognition as an important sporting destination,” the QOC President said after the opening ceremony at the Indonesian capital.

Team-qatar-asian-games

Source: Peninsula Qatar

“We are proud of the heritage of the 15th Asian Games (Doha 2006) which contributed to the country’s sustainable development,” said H E Sheikh Joaan, expressing his thanks to the Organising Committee of Jakarta 2018 Games, adding that the “success of the opening ceremony confirms Indonesia’s readiness to host a special round.”

More than 200 Qatari athletes, including 29 sportswomen will be seen in action during the 16-day multi-sport extravaganza which is only second to Olympics in terms of the number of participants.

The Qatari athletes will compete in more than 20 sports and 30 disciplines and will target a rich haul at the Asiad to better the 14-medal mark they achieved in Incheon four years ago.

This is the biggest-ever Qatari contingent at the Asiad. Team Qatar will rely on athletics, shooting, beach volleyball, weightlifting, handball and equestrian events to deliver medals. Al Annabi have won a total of 107 medals in 10 appearances, including 37 gold medals.

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Source: Peninsula Qatar