Doha to stage 2016 ANOC General Assembly

Sheikh Ahmad informed the ANOC General Assembly that next year's event will take place in Doha ©Getty Images

Doha has been confirmed as host of the 2016 Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly to replace Rio Janeiro, with the event now set to take place either at the end of October or the beginning of November next year.

The news, exclusively broken by insidethegames earlier this week, was confirmed by ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah at the end of today's meeting here.

He revealed the Qatari capital had initially bid to host the 2017 edition.

Yet, with barely six months to go until next year's ANOC General Assembly was due to begin in April in the Brazilian city, no preparations hadtaken place and no plans had been set in motion.

Understandably, Rio 2016 organisers are more concerned with preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Qataris were, therefore, asked to host the event next year rather than the year after, with the event also pushed back six months.

Holding it in October and November rather than April will allow the Qataris more time in which to prepare, but will also mean the third ANOC Gala Awards dinner can recognise performances from Rio 2016.

Doha has stepped in to replace Rio de Janeiro as host of the 2016 ANOC General Assembly ©Getty Images

“Thank you all for giving us the task to be host for next ANOC General Assembly," said Qatar Athletics Federation President Dahlan Al Hamad, speaking on behalf of the new hosts.

"Holding such a prestigious event in Qatar makes us more committed to emphasise our commitment to sport and the Olympic Movement.

"We are pleased to welcome all the NOCs to our city and our region."

It had been been traditional practice for the Olympic host to hold the last General Assembly before the Games stretching back to the 1983 meeting before Los Angeles 1984.

This will not mark the first occasion this not happened, however.

Rio de Janeiro itself held the 2000 edition rather than Sydney, while Moscow held the 2012 event instead of London.

Holding the General Assembly later in the year will also avoid a clash with the SportAccord Convention, which is expected to take place in April.

Following the withdrawal of Dubai as likely hosts of the event yesterday, there is also speculation that Doha could also hold that event as well, although nothing has been confirmed.