21 Mar 2016
Doha, 21 March 2016: From March 24-26 the world’s top gymnasts are going to compete in the ‘9th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series’ at Aspire Dome.
This year’s edition of the event, that is organised by the Qatar Gymnastics Federation and co-sponsored by Aspire, has a special significance for the more than 100 gymnasts from 33 countries, since it is also a great opportunity for them to prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio.
“The Qatar Gymnastics Federation is deeply committed to assure the prosperity of gymnastics in the country and to support the vision of the Qatar Olympic Committee in bringing the world together through sport,” said Ali Al-Hitmi, President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation. “We are ready to deliver another world class competition which unarguably is rated as one of the best gymnastics events in the world.”
Qatar’s team is led by three young gymnasts, Farah Tariq, Mahmoud al-Saadi and Ahmad al-Dayani, while the international field will be led by Olympic stars, which includes two-time Olympian Catalina Ponor. The Romanian won three gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics on balance beam, floor and as part of the Romanian team and is also a multiple World and European Championship medalist.
In the men’s competition, China’s Zou Kai is the athlete to watch. The 28-year-old gymnast won three gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Four years later in London, he won two more gold medals and one bronze at the 2012 Olympic Games and he was also part of the Chinese team that won gold at the 2006 World Championships and the 2006 Asian Games.
Find out more about the ‘9th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series’ on www.dohagym.com
COMPETITION PROGRAM
Thursday, 24 March 2016:
2 – 7:30pm: Qualification for men (6 apparatus) and women (4 apparatus)
Friday, 25 March 2016:
5 – 8pm: Apparatus Finals
Men Competition: Floor Exercises-Pommel Horse-Rings
Women Competition: Vault-Uneven Bars
Saturday, 26 March 2016:
4:30 – 7:30pm: Apparatus Finals
Men Competition: Vault-Parallel Bars-Horizontal Bar
Women Competition: Balance Beam-Floor Exercises