Doha’s bid to host the 2030 Asian Games gathered further impetus this week as the Qatari capital demonstrated its world-class hosting credentials with the staging of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Qatar Classic.
The PSA Platinum event took place on November 1-7 at the state-of-the-art Khalifa International and Squash Complex – Doha 2030’s proposed squash venue. More than 40 of the world’s best athletes from 18 countries took part. After a week of breath-taking action, it was world number one Ali Farag from Egypt who defended his title beating world number five Paul Coll from New Zealand in the final.
As one of the many tried and tested world-class venues that has been proposed for Doha 2030, the Khalifa International and Squash Complex gave athletes a taster of the excellent conditions that can be expected at an Asian Games in Qatar.
All athletes and participants at the event were subject to strict Covid-19 safety protocols to protect the health of everyone involved. As a result, the venue was open at only 20% capacity for spectators.
Doha 2030 CEO and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General, Jassim al-Buenain said: “Doha is honoured to host elite sporting events like the PSA Qatar Classic and welcome exceptional athletes from around the world to our country. Providing athletes with a safe and world-class environment to compete is always our first priority.
“The Khalifa International and Squash Complex has shown this week, and many times before, it is capable of doing just that.
“If Doha has the honour of hosting the 2030 Asian Games, our state-of-the-art venues will provide a gateway to certainty for the OCA family and for Asia’s athletes that they can expect the very best conditions.
“We have proven ourselves reliable partners and we are ready to put our experience and expertise to the benefit of Asian sport.”
