The mascot is called "Saham", a caracal, a mid-sized cat found across the Arabian Peninsula, which is especially important to Qatar because it is one of the few remnants of the desert heritage of its people.

The caracal, in Arabian lore, very much like the iconic falcon or the lynx which it shares physical traits with, is a symbol of vitality and great skill.

It has thrived in the region for many centuries even in the face of adverse weather and urban areas slowly encroaching into its natural space.

Being a protected species, this mascot is also a channel for generating awareness within the local community of the presence of such majestic creatures that need our support to flourish into the future, officials said.

Abdulrahman Al-Dossari, the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), who are helping organise the Championships, said: "Saham is not just any mascot.

"Like many of us, he can tell us the story of how he became the person he is today and what makes him ideal for the job he has been entrusted with."

According to officials, Saham, who was born in Al Shahaniyah, on the outskirts of Doha, grew up with his family near Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation.

The eldest of three children, Saham was groomed from an early age to carry on the family’s great affection for sport.

A natural athlete, he learnt at an early age, from his grandfather and father, that sport is more than just performance.

He plays the Nai with passion, loves sport of all kinds, likes going out on excursions with his friends, and even likes keeping fit by running on the Corniche at sunset.

Al-Dossair said: "Saham was chosen because of the values he represents.

"They complement our overall ambition of challenging the limits of Qatari achievement in sport, as well as inspiring the participants as well as people in general to challenge their own Limits during the upcoming championships. 

"We don’t want this to be just another global sporting event held in Qatar.

"We want it to be a premier sporting extravaganza that includes an experience like no other.

"Part of our mandate therefore is enthusing confidence in the youth of our nation and encouraging them to aim as high as they can, which is where Saham will play an important role."

The International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) Coordination Commission have just completed a visit to Doha to inspect the facilities for the event, which are due to take place at the Aspire Academy from March 12 to 14.

During their tour, the IAAF delegation were accompanied by Abdullah Al Zaini, the President of Qatar Association of Athletics Federation.

His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the secretary general of QOC, met Robert Hersh, the vice-president of the IAAF, who is heading the Commission.