August 10: Qatar Airways has been chosen as the prestige partner and official airline of the 18th Asian Games to be held in Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2. Athletes from 45 participating countries will compete in the top sporting event of Asia.

Following the success of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, of which Qatar Airways was the official partner and official airline, the national carrier of the Qatar has now shifted its focus from Russia to Asia, to expand its global portfolio and celebrate its strong ties across the continent, the company said in a statement.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said, “Qatar Airways is delighted to be the prestige partner and official airline of the 18th Asian Games Jakarta Palembang 2018, and to once more unite fans from around the world through a shared love of sport. This highly-anticipated event strengthens our extensive global sporting portfolio and asserts our continuous dedication to celebrating sports as a means of bringing people together. We are tremendously proud to be flying the Qatar team of more than 200 athletes to Jakarta for the event, and we look forward to welcoming all fans to Jakarta and Palembang.”

The airline expressed its belief that this partnership will further increase tourism and business links between Qatar and Indonesia as well as extend Qatar’s warm hospitality and welcoming culture to the people of Indonesia and fans from around the world.

This is the second time that Qatar Airways has sponsored the Asian Games. The national carrier of Qatar was also the official airline of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

The Asian Games is a pancontinental multi-sport event held every four years, and is the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. The prestigious competition is organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and will include 61 sporting disciplines in more than 40 facilities throughout the two host cities.