DUBAI (UAE) – Qatar, which is slated to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, announced on Monday it would like to be the venue of the Olympics, possibly in 2032.
Its Olympic committee said it had submitted a request to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to join the phase of “continuous dialogue” about playing host to the Games.
The Middle Eastern country is keen on hosting global sports events. It has already welcomed world athletics championships, though the blistering heat during summer has caused some anxiety in the sports world.
“It is this proven track-record and wealth of experience, along with our desire to use sport to promote peace and cultural exchange, that will form the basis of our discussions with the Commission,” Qatar Olympic Committee President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said in a statement.
No Middle East country has ever hosted the Games and if Qatar gets the nod, it will be the first to do so.
It has already pumped in billions of dollars to prepare for the soccer World Cup. However, human rights groups have criticised the country over illtreatment of its migrant workforce.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field
