Organisers to use West Asian Games to test preparedness

Doha: The stage is set for Doha to host the Third West Asian Games (WAG) that will start here tomorrow and will continue until December 10.

This edition of the Games, which are held every four years, will be the biggest ever in the history of the event that was first held in Tehran in 1997.

More than 1,420 athletes, representing 13 countries, will compete in 11 disciplines. In addition, for the first time in the history of the WAG, women will participate in the games.

The event will also mark Iraq's maiden participation in the history of these Games. The other participating nations are the UAE, Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Syria, KSA and Yemen, apart from the hosts Qatar.

The disciplines included are swimming, diving, athletics, bowling, fencing, football, gymnastics (artistic), handball, shooting, volleyball and weightlifting.

"The third WAG will be a testing ground and a unique experience that will allow the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) the privilege of evaluating the entire process to be used for Doha 2006 Games," Abdullah Yousuf Al Mulla, spokesperson for WAG, told reporters.

"DAGOC will seek to benefit from the field experience provided by the third WAG in terms of management, preparations and planning as the tournament will be the largest sporting event that Qatar will host before Doha 2006."

The Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC), a member of the WAG Union, has organised the Games is coordinating with the DAGOC.

The Third WAG will make use of the many facilities and venues that have been built by Qatar in view of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, the largest international sporting event after the Summer Olympic Games, to be held here next December.