Qatar remains focused on strengthening its role as a world-class sporting hub in the region.

As it accelerates toward hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, in recent years the country has been stage to several prestigious international and regional sporting events, welcoming thousands of players and fans.

Last month, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and FIFA revealed that Qatar will host a pan-Arab tournament in December 2021.

Earlier this year, the country submitted its intention to bid for the 2030 Asian Games.

Now with a focus on building its impressive track record, Qatar has expressed its interest to host a future edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) revealed in a press statement.

According to the statement, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has formally submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) its request to join the non-committal “Continuous Dialogue” to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as early as 12 years from now.

The request was sent as an official letter from Qatar to the IOC's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced it has formally submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) its request to join the non-committal "Continuous Dialogue" to host a future edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as early as 2032. #QNA pic.twitter.com/eACWzwjtoI

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) July 27, 2020

His Excellency QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani commented, "Never before has an Olympic Games been held in the Middle East. The Olympic rings are a symbol of peace, unity, and hope for people around the world, including the people of our region. Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a meaningful dialogue with the IOC’s Future Host Commission to explore our interest further and identify how the Olympic Games can support Qatar’s long-term development goals."

He added that sport has remained a major contributor to Qatar's development for many years.

"From athletics to cycling, gymnastics to football, tennis to volleyball, Qatar has earned the reputation of a world-class destination for major sporting events. It is this proven track-record and wealth of experience, along with our desire to use sport to promote peace and cultural exchange, that will form the basis of our discussions with the Commission," HE Sheikh Joaan said.

Under its National Vision for 2030, Qatar has undergone a rapid transformation over the last ten years, the GCO statement highlighted.

The country has established modern sporting venues and transportation networks as part of its preparations to host the 2022 World Cup.

"Hosting a future edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games would further accelerate Qatar’s human, economic, social, and environmental development," the GCO statement said.

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Source: GCO