Doha: International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Sebastian Coe highlighted Qatar as one of the major global destinations for athletics, noting that cooperation will continue between IAAF and its Qatari counterpart, which is embodied in the successful hosting of the first round of the Diamond League.
Speaking on Thursday during a press conference in the presence of Dahlan Al Hamad, president of the Asian Athletics Association and Qatar Athletics Federation, Coe said Doha's hosting of the first round of the Diamond League is an evidence of the IAAF's trust in the Qatari organizers who proved their ability once and again to host international athletics competitions.
He also pointed to Qatar's role in the athletics sport, hailing its hosting of the 2019 IAAF World Championships.
For his part, Al Hamad stressed the importance of the Diamond League meeting in Doha, particularly with 2016 an Olympic year, which makes the Doha round a perfect preparation for athletes.