(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
The Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) delivered another spectacle of top-notch gymnastics action by hosting the four-day FIG Artistic World Cup, leaving Romanian giant Catalina Ponor promising a return for next year's World Championships to be held in the Qatari capital.
The annual event, which concluded on Saturday, saw participation of over 240 gymnasts and officials from 30 countries. Chinese gymnasts regaled fans with sublime performances, winning five gold, a silver and a couple of bronze medals.
After four days of absorbing action, gymnasts from all over the globe left Doha with fond memories, expressing their desire to return to the country.
Though Chinese teenager Liu Tingting hogged limelight in the competition as the 16-year-old won three gold medals, all the gymnasts left with valuable experience praising hospitality and facilities they received in Qatar.
'I loved the atmosphere here in Doha and it is one of my favourites legs in the World Cup, Ponor, a triple gold medallist at the 2004 Athens Olympics, said on the last day.
'The facilities here at Aspire are of top quality and the hospitality has been great. I will definitely come back, added the Romanian.
Apart from the same event, the QGF will host the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (October 25 to November 3, 2018) in Doha next year.
The Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari said Qatar would deliver a 'memorable worlds' and Ponor agreed.
'Qatar has been hosting this event very successfully and I am confident they will host a memorable World Championships. I will like to come back to Doha and compete here, said the 29-year-old.
Pablo Braegger failed to win the gold and had to be content with bronze medal in men's ring event on the last day, but the Swiss also expressed his content with his sojourn in Doha.
'It was an amazing experience to perform here in front of good number of spectators. I am looking forward to return here next year.
Meanwhile, International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) coach Takashi Kobayashi hailed QGF's efforts to promote gymnastics in the region.
'QGF has done excellent work in promoting the sport at the grass-roots level, said the Japanese coach.
'The Individual Apparatus World Cup shows Qatar's ability to organise top events in the country. The annual competition is a proof of QGF's dedication, he added.
QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi said his team will continue the efforts to lift the sport.
He added the QGF was not just making efforts to host major events but it is also taking measures to produce world class gymnasts from Qatar.
'It's difficult to retain some youngsters as they leave for other sports when they grow up, but we're working out plans on how to keep them, said QGF President.
'We've been able to create a platform for gymnasts through our development programmes and the schools have also shown keen interest, he added.
Al Hitmi said QGF is preparing to stage 'a memorable World Championships' next year.
'We hosted the 2006 Asian Games gymnastics event in a befitting manner. This year's FIG Artistic World Cup saw an unprecedented number of gymnasts. We are looking forward to host the World Championships in a best possible way, he said.
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