3rd West Asian Games logo (© wag2005)
The multisport 3rd West Asian Games in Doha, Qatar (1 - 10 December) include a three day programme of Athletics competition which commenced today.
One of 12 venues each hosting a different sport, the Khalifa stadium is the arena for the Athletics. The venue also hosted the 16th IAAF Grand Prix Final in 2000.
In the opening morning session, Asian champion Ali Mohamed Al Zankawi of Kuwait took the first track and field title with a 76.25m fifth round release in the men’s Hammer Throw. The 21-year-old who was the World Junior silver medallist in 2002, dominated his three opponents with three throws over 71m, while his nearest competitor had a best of just 65.07m. Al Zankawi’s throw was his year's best topping the 76.10m which took him to the Arab title in September, and is a mark not far short of the national record of 76.54m he established in 2004.
A further eight finals will be contested in the first evening session, including the men’s and women’s 100m.
The West Asian Games involves 13 countries - Kingdom of Bahrain, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sultanate of Oman, Palestine, State of Qatar, Syrian Arab Republic, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen - with Iraq competing for the first time. Its mission statement is to “promote friendship, understanding and peace in the region and take active measures in order to increase the Olympic movement through ‘Faith, Health and development’."
Significantly, the 2005 edition is the first West Asian Games to welcome women as participants, though in athletics this only means five events - 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay, High Jump and Long Jump - while men have 21 events to contest including a half marathon.
The 3rd West Asian Games come one year before Doha hosts the 15th Asian Games, and will act as a timely test for many of the facilities and highlight Qatar as an Asian sports hub.
Click here for further information including full results
Chris Turner for the IAAF
