Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Diamond League athletics meet in Doha has been postponed by six weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with organisers prioritising safety amid regional tensions. The event, which was originally scheduled for May 8, will now take place on June 19. The decision comes even as a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been announced, reflecting continued uncertainty in the region.The Doha leg holds special significance for Indian fans, as it was at last year’s event that Neeraj Chopra achieved a major milestone.
The Tokyo Olympic champion breached the 90-metre mark for the first time with a throw of 90.23m, though he finished second to Germany’s Julian Weber. His performance was widely seen as a landmark moment in Indian athletics.
Event changes and safety concerns
Organisers made it clear that the postponement was driven by concerns over the safety of athletes, officials and spectators.“In the interests of athlete and spectator safety, a decision has now been taken to postpone the meeting. Should conditions allow, it will now be held on June 19,” they said in a statement, as quoted by AFP.In addition to the date change, the venue has also been shifted from the Qatar Sports Club to the Khalifa International Stadium. The move is aimed at tackling extreme weather conditions, as the stadium is equipped with temperature-control technology and has previously hosted major global events like the World Athletics Championships and FIFA World Cup matches.
Wider impact on sports
The disruption is not limited to athletics. The ongoing conflict has already forced the cancellation or postponement of several high-profile sporting events across the region. Formula One races in Bahrain and Jeddah were cancelled, while football’s Finalissima clash and other competitions like MotoGP and gymnastics events in Qatar were also affected.Despite this, some events have gone ahead, including a high-profile horse racing meet in Dubai. Meanwhile, the Diamond League season will now begin in Shanghai on May 16, as organisers adjust the calendar to navigate the uncertain situation.
