Qatar is all set to host the first-ever Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games, which brings together over 1200 athletes from 97 national Olympic committees.

All arrangements are in place, the organizers have announced, as some of the games of the prestigious tournament begin today.

The official opening ceremony will be held tomorrow evening at the 5,000-capacity Katara Amphitheatre. Although the entrance is free, the seating will strictly be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Speaking at a press conference, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Committee and Director General of the Organising Committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games Qatar 2019, thanked the ANOC for their confidence in granting Qatar the honor of hosting the World Beach Games and said this enhances Qatar's leading position in hosting major sporting events.

اختتم اليوم المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بـ #دورة_الألعاب_العالمية_الشاطئية #قطر2019 في مبنى اللجنة الاولمبية القطرية @ANOC_Olympic @AWBG2019 pic.twitter.com/a1mLz58eXi

— Team Qatar (@qatar_olympic) October 10, 2019

The Secretary-General of the Federation of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), Gunilla Lindberg also took part in the session.

Despite the short time that was available for the preparation of the Games - about three months - Qatar is determined to organize a distinctive and exceptional event, Al Buainain stated.

He added that the hosting of this edition and other major tournaments reflects Qatar's distinguished position as the capital of world sport thanks to the great support of the country's wise leadership.

Al Buainain stressed the importance of such events in contributing to inspiring a new generation of Qatari youth.

Lindberg said that this edition is witnessing new competitions that represent a challenge for the athletes and wished success to all participants and the organizing committee of the tournament.

Volleyball (Men and Women) competitions in the first edition of the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 will kick off on Friday #Q

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) October 10, 2019

Although the tournament officially opens on Saturday, football competitions in the first edition will commence today at Katara beach.

Twenty-four teams are taking part in the football competitions -16 men's and eight women's teams.

Eight men's and four women's matches will be played on Friday.

Additionally, the preliminary rounds of the Men's and Women's Beach Handball will also take place today at Al Gharaffa Sports Club. The full schedule is available here. 

Asian champions, Qatar's national men's handball team will take on Croatia at 10:40 am and Hungary at 10:30 pm. 

The ANOC World Beach Games will feature competitions in 14 different disciplines including Aquathlon, 3x3 Basketball, Karate Kata Individual, Kitefoil Racing, Beach Soccer, Open Water 5km, Beach Tennis and Beach Wrestling, which will be held at Katara Beach and Beach Handball and Volleyball 4x4 competitions, to take place at the Al Gharafa courts.

Additionally, Climb Bouldering and Skateboarding contests will be held in the Aspire Park and The Ritz-Carlton (Leqtaifiya Lagoon) will host the Waterski and Wakeboard competitions.

We wish all the athletes the best of luck for the competition!

Have you made plans to attend the ANOC World Beach Games Qatar 2019 yet? Let us know in the comments below!

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Cover Image Credit: DohaStadiumPlus

Source: QNA