Performers hold torches below a sign welcoming guests to the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 at the Khalifa stadium on 1 December 2006 in Doha, Qatar (© Getty Images)
A spectacular Opening Ceremony to mark the official start of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 took place today at the Khalifa stadium in Doha, Qatar.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, opened the Games, and as well as a large array of world leaders and dignitaries, was joined from the world of sport by President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, and IAAF President Lamine Diack.
The Athletics programme takes place in the Khalifa stadium and will last for six days beginning on Thursday 7 December 2006 with the 20km Race Walking events.
The IAAF website will be providing daily reports and photographs of the Athletics, respectively from our correspondent at the Games, Elshadai Negash, and our official photographers, Getty Images.
Murofushi injured
After the withdrawal from the Games of double World 3000m Steeplechase champion Said Saaeed Shaheen of Qatar due to injury earlier this week, it was today announced that Japan’s Koji Murofushi, the Olympic Hammer Throw champion, one of the biggest stars of the Japanese team, will also now not compete. Team officials said the 32-year-old Murofushi had pulled a muscle in his right calf.
IAAF
