Doha, Qatar named as host of 2019 World Athletics Championships

Qatari capital Doha has been announced as the host of the 2019 World Athletics Championships.

Despite the ongoing speculation about Qatar's hosting of the 2022 football World Cup, Doha beat off competition from Barcelona in Spain and American city Eugene in Oregon.

Searing temperatures mean that the 2022 World Cup is likely to be moved from summer and the 2019 athletics competition will take place in October, instead of August, with the marathon being run at night under lit conditions.

The push-back means that the Championships will take place at the same time as the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Doha also tried to host the 2017 championships, but was beaten by London on that occasion. The next edition in 2015 will take place in Beijing.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre