Doha (QAT), 2 November 2015: The Qatar national team were out in force on the opening morning of the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup Doha – 2015. A total of 12 Qatari swimmers will be competing over the two-day-meet at Hamad Aquatic Centre, lining up alongside Olympians, World Record Holders and World Champions.
The FINA airweave Swimming World Cup returns to Doha after Qatar’s ‘year of swimming’ in 2014 during which the nation hosted both a World Cup meet and the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m). Competing in the men’s 200m butterfly heats this morning, Qatar’s Yacop Al Khulaifi has already experienced firsthand the impact that Qatar’s dedication to supporting the development of swimming has had. He said: “This is the third year Qatar has hosted this World Cup event. The first year, I was sat in the stands as a spectator and I thought ‘I need to be in that pool competing’. One important thing is to have fun while you’re racing and gain experience and learn from the big names that compete here. I honestly feel very proud. It’s amazing seeing more and more Qataris competing at this event.”
For Qatar’s young national side, the chance to race the world’s best swimmers, and share knowledge with them, is invaluable. Following his showing in the men’s 100m freestyle heats, which opened the competition on day one, Firas Saidi commented: “It feels great swimming in the same pool as these amazing swimmers. I’m looking forward to meeting them and learning from them.”
Nasser Hamdi, who competed in the men’s 50m butterfly heats, commented: “I met Chad Le Clos and took a picture with him. One day I hope to be a World Champion like him and I’m looking forward to more success.”
The action continues on the final day of competition, November 2nd. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the excitement of the FINA airweave Swimming World Cup 2015 in Doha by picking up your tickets from Hamad Aquatic Centre.
