85th Congress of International Gymnastics Federation concludes in Doha

The 85th Congress of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has successfully concluded in Doha. The three-day event brought together over 500 officials representing 157 national gymnastics federations from around the globe.FIG President Morinari Watanabe, First Vice President Ali Al Hitmi, alongside several FIG officials and representatives from national federations attended the final day of this event.The financial plan for the federation for the next four years (2025-2028) was signed on the third and final day. This plan will initiate the implementation of the FIG strategy and objectives, which include organizing world tournaments in the seven branches of gymnastics, hosting 'Gymnastics for All' events, managing tournaments and other international events, and supporting educational and development programs globally.The participants discussed an array of reports for the Independent Ethics Foundation for Gymnastics and the International Solidarity Foundation, highlighting the latest developments pertaining to protection of athletes, along with the governance report of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations.The Congress approved modifications to the FIG statute, foremost of which is the inclusion of gymnastics for persons with special needs (PWSN) as a new competitive branch, along with the launch of a new trademark that designates FIG. Additionally, the participants approved the joining of five national federations to FIG, namely federations of Antigua and Barbuda, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Kenya, and Zambia, bringing the number of federations under FIG umbrella to 164.The convened federations unanimously approved the Gymnastics Association of Thailand's bid to host the 86th FIG Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. The event accorded silver and bronze awards to a phalanx of members and honored the Secretary-General of Qatar Gymnastics Federation Abeer Al Bouainin, Assistant Secretary-General Muhammad Al Maraghi and member of the Board of Directors Eisa Al Hitami.The congress meetings reelected Ali Al Hitmi as FIG First Vice President during the elections, in addition to reelecting Morinari Watanabe as President.Al Hitmi affirmed that the meetings of the 85th Congress of GIF in Doha were productive at all levels which aimed to advance the game and elevate the number of participating countries.