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Qatar pledges US $1m in big boost to Anti-Doping Research Fund

2014-11-25 09:12 WADA

November 24, 2014 - The State of Qatar has given a big boost to the worldwide clean sport movement by contributing US $1 million to the Anti-Doping Research Fund announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Qatar’s contribution is part of a global government initiative to match the IOC’s pledge to invest US $10 million in innovative anti-doping research. The decision by the Government of Qatar to contribute to the fund will significantly help the IOC and WADA in their efforts to fund innovative athlete-centered anti-doping research, which will explore new techniques for the detection of prohibited substances and methods.

WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie: “Qatar is a nation passionate about sport, and in pledging to commit to anti-doping research, they have signaled their intent to prioritize the rights of clean athletes worldwide.

“On behalf of the entire anti-doping community, I would like to extend my thanks to the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani; the Prime Minister of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani; and the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani for their country’s strong commitment to clean sport.

Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani: “Qatar is first and foremost a sporting nation. We are absolutely committed to upholding the fundamental values of sport and fighting against doping to ensure a clean future of sport in which drug use plays no part. It is an honour to pledge our support to the Anti-Doping Research Fund.

“Qatar will continue to work hard to carry out testing, education and research for doping in sport through our state-of-the-art Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar, the first specialized laboratory if its kind in the Middle East, and through our work with WADA and with the IOC.”

The countries that have already financially committed to the fund are Qatar, New Zealand, Korea, Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.

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