POSTED: March 20th 2010
NewsUpdate
Qatar anti-doping centre underlines strategy to attract world's top events
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT / Sports Features Communications
DOHA, Mar 20: Qatar has taken another step in its strategy to gain a place at the top table of world sport with plans for a state-of-the-art anti-doping testing and research facility in Doha.
The project has been confirmed by Anti Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) whose facilities will be centred on the Aspire Zone ‘sports city’ in Doha.
Dr Mohammed Al Maadheed, the ADLQ director-general, said: "We are very excited about this project and its implications for Qatar and the region. Athletes in Qatar will benefit from the laboratory's activities, which will ensure fair and honest competition and protect their health.
“Also, the testing provided at our facility, accompanied by our ongoing research programme, will significantly advance the wider struggle to eliminate drug use in sports and promote healthy and drug-free athletics."
Support for WADA
Qatar’s significant gesture towards the fight against artificial stimulants and towards the work of the World Anti Doping Agency can do harm in the Gulf state’s bid to attract major international events – of which the most ambitious target is the 2022 World Cup.
The new facility would be the first anti-doping laboratory in west Asia and only the second in the Middle East. Completion is aimed for 2014 and, in another gesture – this time towards the International Olympic Committee - the laboratory will operate independent of Qatar's existing sporting agencies.
Access to dope-testing facilities would be offered around the region rather than be restricted to Qatar.
Keywords · Qatar · anti-doping · WADA · Aspire · 2022 World Cup
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