From February 2–18, 2024, Doha, Qatar, will host the World Aquatics Championships for the first time, setting records for both the most athletes competing and the number of countries represented. On the eve of the competition, World Aquatics and the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 Local Organising Committee jointly held a news conference to reveal the records.
To add to the excitement, more than 2,600 athletes from 201 nations and one refugee team will come to Doha to compete in six water sports. Qualifying berths for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are also up for grabs. A record number of countries will compete in four sports (swimming among them), while record numbers of participants will compete in three sports.
Defending world champion in high diving, Constantin Popovici from Romania; captain of the reigning water polo champions, Sabrina van der Sloot of the Netherlands; diving gold medallist Pamela Ware of Canada; and two-time world junior swimming champion Katie Grimes of the USA are among the athletes.
The five athletes were present at the inaugural press conference, when they spoke about how excited they were about the World Championships and how good the venues in Doha were. The world's largest water sports complex, the Aspire Dome, is one of three locations in Doha where the six aquatic sports will be held. The world's top athletes will compete against each other in stunning settings at the Hamad Aquatic Centre and Old Doha Port.
In addition to the more than a thousand volunteers who will make sure that spectators have an amazing time, the Fan Zone—which is situated between the Hamad Aquatic Centre and the Aspire Dome—will allow them to take in even more of the action.
To guarantee a smooth experience for the hundreds of journalists in attendance, the International Broadcasting Centre and Main journalists Centre are also situated on the premises. In a nation and area with a strong marine legacy, the competition in Doha 2024 is expected to motivate the upcoming generation of aquatic athletes to "Dive Into Your Thrill."
Alongside mascots "Mayfara," a talking, walking coral, and "Nahim," a playful whale shark from Qatar, who symbolise the Championships' inclusion and are deeply rooted in the country's culture, Doha 2024 ambassadors will tour nearby clubs and schools to promote participation.
February 2 will see artistic swimming and diving in Doha, followed by the Opening Ceremony at the Aspire Dome on February 4. The first week of competition will also feature open water swimming, followed by high diving and swimming contests in the second week. Water polo will continue as usual.
To witness the world's top aquatic athletes compete in Qatar during this historic event and ticket news, click here.
