By IANS
Doha : Doha, after successfully hosting the 15th Asian Games in December 2006, is hoping to stage the Olympics in 2016.
On Tuesday, Doha submitted its bid for the 2016 Games to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The bid was submitted by chairman of the Doha Bid Committee, Hassan Ali bin Ali, who said the Qatari capital has world-class venues and an excellent history of hosting sports events.
“We have world-class sports facilities. Nobody can dispute that. Also, we have the passion to bring the Olympic Movement to the Arab world. And let’s not forget our Arab culture of hospitality that can help us ensure that we stage a memorable edition of the Games – remember the Asian Games in 2006?” Ali was quoted as saying in the Qatari media.
Ali said that the bid committee enjoys the support of the Government of Qatar. “The government has pledged to provide complete financial cushion to organize the Games in 2016,” he added.
Doha is competing with Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid, Baku, Prague and Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The judgment day is set for Oct 2, 2009.