Doha promotes peace, unity at slick opening ceremony

The World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 Opening Ceremony promoted peace and unity through sport as it showcased Qatar’s deep connection with water during an immersive and exciting show at the Aspire Dome.
The first World Aquatics Championships to be held in the Middle East was officially opened in front of a capacity crowd which included IOC members, senior Qatari dignitaries and members of the World Aquatics family. The creative ceremony emphasised that “in water there are no borders”, while paying tribute to both Qatari history and the six aquatic sports that are on show in Doha over 17 days of competition.
Following a stunning performance of the Qatar national anthem by a local children’s choir, Qatari artist Azzam al-Mannai, famous for his photography of Qatar’s native whale sharks, emphasised water’s role in connecting the world.
The audience’s immersive experience was then enhanced as their wristbands lit up the arena.
Whilst the colours and flags of all the competing nations were projected by the pool together, there were white flags flown as a symbol of peace.
Nada Mohamed Wafa, the first women to represent Qatar at the Olympic Games when she swam at London 2012, delivered a powerful message as the voice of peace.
Nada said yesterday: “We are forever connected by water. However, our connection to water serves as far more than just a reminder of what we have in common. Our connection to water is a constant, forgiving fountain that continues to lift us closer to the core of who we are: teaching us the essence of what we could be.
“If a single drop of water can always be welcomed into the ocean, then a refugee can always be welcomed into peace. Mahmoud Darwish says “poetry and beauty are always making peace. When you read something beautiful, you find coexistence; it breaks walls down.” “I call on us all to become living manifestations of the poetry and beauty needed to create peace. I call on us break walls down, to coexist in peace.”
The message of peace was reinforced by world-renowned dance troupe, Murmuration by Sadeck Berrabah, whose captivating and hypnotising performance concluded with the dancers spelling out ‘peace’ and ‘salam’.
Throughout the ceremony, the pool was illuminated with stunning projections of Qatar’s marine wildlife, its historic connection with the sea and images of the six aquatics sports being competed in during the Championships: swimming, artistic swimming, open water swimming, diving, high diving and water polo.
World Aquatics President Husain al-Musallam said: “This is a very significant moment for our sport. It is the first time that our Championships have been held in the Middle East. In recent years Doha has become firmly established as one of the word’s best locations for hosting major sports events, and I am absolutely delighted that our athletes will have the opportunity to compete in this great city.
“I wish good luck to all the athletes. We are so proud of you. Every year the standards that you set are higher and higher.
“I know that sports fans all over the world will be in awe of your performances. You are great role models.”
Doha 2024 vice-chairman and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid al-Buainain said: “On this historic moment, the world comes together to celebrate Aquatics, and for a chance to qualify to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games; with more than 2600 athletes from 201 nations and a refugee team competing for top honours while upholding the values of understanding and fair play.
“The State of Qatar views sport as a top priority, because it plays a crucial role in human development, it brings people together, it builds a better understanding and connection between different cultures and it creates a lasting legacy for millions of youth in the region and the entire world.”
To attend this historic event in Qatar and to watch world’s best aquatics athletes in action further details including ticket news can be found at https://www.worldaquatics-doha2024.com/en/ticketing
Rasovszky holds on to win men’s open water 10kmOlympic silver medallist Kristof Rasovszky underlined his form ahead of the Paris Games by winning gold in the 10km open water event at the world championships in Doha yesterday.
The 26-year-old Hungarian won in 1 hour 48 minutes and 21 seconds to claim his first gold at the distance in an international championship.
His previous world championship gold in 2019 came in the 5km event.
Leading for most of the race, Rasovszky helf off a spirited comeback by Frenchman Marc-Antoine Olivier, who was second 2.40 seconds behind.
Great Britain’s Hector Pardoe took bronze at 8.00sec.
The top 15 finishers qualified for the Paris Olympics, where the event will be held in the River Seine. Defending champion Florian Wellbrock, who won last year’s world championships in Fukuoka, could only finish 29th but the German has already secured his place in Paris.
The World Aquatics Championships end on Feb 18.