Doha: Thanks to its exceptional organisation, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) has received kudos from the world’s top gymnasts to FIG officials.

Doha will become the first city in the region to host the Artistic World Championships in October, 2018. The event is expected to attract more than 500 competitors.

“Every year I visit Doha, it looks new. It’s a fabulous city. The venue is just too good,” Armenia’s Artur Tovmasyan had said in an interview during his last visit in March.

“I want to come back again and also hope to compete at next year’s Artistic World Championships. I find the organisation truly world-class,” said Romania’s Catalina Ponor.

The 2018 World Championships is going to be something special for the QGF, who had won praises in the past for their excellent arrangement and hospitality.

“It’s a big honour for Qatar to organise such an important event. The annual World Cup has helped us learn a lot in terms of organising a top tournament ever since we hosted it since 2008,” said QGF President Ali Ahmed Al Hitmi.

“The next year’s edition in March will be a complete dress rehearsal before the mega event in October,” he added.

Australian women’s artistic team head coach Peggy Liddick, who conducted a FIG Coaches Clinic here, said, “Qatar is an important FIG member and is very serious in promoting the sport in the region. QGF’s mission to develop young athletes shows Qatar’s commitment.”