Maitha to carry UAE flag

Doha: Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, will inaugurate the 15th Asian Games on Friday at the Khalifa stadium in Doha.

The biggest Games in the Asian Games' history will witness the participation of 10,500 athletes from 45 Asian countries who will compete to win medals in 39 disciplines.

The Qataris have succeeded in organising the Games. Most of the delegations are happy with the way Qatar has handled the Games.

"With what we saw in Doha, I think Qatar is capable of hosting the Olympic Games after the great success they achieved in hosting the Asian Games," said Dr Mussa Abbas, the UAE National Olympic Committee manager.

Dr Abbas said that what Qatar did is something marvellous and makes every GCC Arab citizen proud and shows that they can host the biggest international sport events.

Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum arrived in Doha yesterday to take part in the opening ceremony and carry the UAE flag in the opening ceremony.

Shaikha Maitha will lead the UAE karate team when the karate event starts on December 12.

Meanwhile Ebrahim Abdul Malek, the NOC Secretary General and Deputy Chairman of the UAE delegation in Doha yesterday attended the raising of the UAE flag at the Olympic village.

Asian Games Mayor Ahmad Abdullah Al Khulaifi also attended the ceremony.

The swimming events will start tomorrow at Hamad Aquatic Centre and will continue until Thursday.

The UAE are taking part in 50 metres backstroke, 50 and 100 metres freestyle, 100 and 200 breaststroke with two swimmers Obaid Ahmad Obaid and Mubarak Salim.

Saeed Al Hamour, Deputy Chairman of the Swimming Association and Head of the Swimming Delegation in Doha, asked for implementing professionalism so that UAE swimmers can achieve good results.

"We have to turn to professionalism in swimming if we are looking to win medals in the continental and international tournaments. Why only footballers are professionals, the other sports and especially individuals can achieve great success if they are professionals," said Al Hamour.