I feel Qatar has a genuine chance to make it to the top. Their biggest USP is that the event has never been held in the Middle East. Such an event will surely help dispel some of the insecurities people feel about the region when they first hear of it.

I agree with all the above-mentioned comments, about the culture, about the lack of good roads, infrastructure and the like.

But don't you feel that Qatar has changed dramatically in the past five years? Could you have imagined today's country had it not been for the Asian Games? This is but a natural evolution for the country. With the kind of money they are investing into sports and education projects, I should say the leadership is passionate and serious about promoting Qatar as a great sports destination.

A woman representative from Qatar first appeared veil-less during the opening ceremony of the 2002 Busan Asian Games. And see how much things have changed in just seven years? It is only a matter of initiative and gritty determination.

From the outset, all the above-mentioned problems may sound insurmountable. However once someone starts making a serious attempt, things will fall into place smoothly. The Doha Tribeca Film Festival is an example. Qatar didn't have a film culture and they had to start from scratch. See how fast they have built excitement around the unique project among Qatar's movie loving public?

Sure, there will be problems, but isn't that what makes a challenge more relishing? There are no problems that determination cannot solve. The royal family would not have involved themselves in the bid had not they passionately believed that things can indeed be changed.

I believe the bid is doable. Believe that we can, because we CAN!


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