Doha bid for 2020 games

Doha has confirmed its intention to bid for the right to host the 2020 Olympics after the Games chiefs revealed they would consider the possibility of letting Qatar stage them in the autumn.

The International Olympic Committee met in Daegu, South Korea, to discuss the idea of allowing the Middle Eastern country to stage the event later in the year because of the extreme heat. IOC president Jacques Rogge told a press conference they would explain their decision to Qatar before making it public and, on the back of that, a bid has been lodged.

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani has gone public with the application, to join those of Istanbul, Madrid, Rome and Tokyo. Al-Thani said: "In light of the decision of President [Jacques] Rogge and the IOC Executive Board, I am delighted to formally announce Doha's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020."

He added: "It is fitting that the dream of hosting the names should come to the Middle East at this time; our bid can inspire peace and is a priority for our youthful region.

"Sport and Olympism together instil self-discipline, teamwork, drive and help teach all of us the means of achieving our personal goals.

"To simply have a chance to enter the bidding process is a step closer to realising something very special for our nation, our region and the Olympic Movement.

"I wish to personally thank Jacques Rogge and the IOC for guiding us through and supporting the QOC in entering the bidding race without the disadvantage of dates.

"I look forward to working closely with the IOC and the wider Olympic Family hopefully all the way through to the IOC Session in Buenos Aires in September 2013 for what could be an historic moment for the Olympic Movement and the Middle East."