Qatar to host world short-course champs in 2014

Doha will host the short-course world swimming championships in December 2014, the sport's governing body, FINA, announced on Wednesday.

It is the latest sporting event to be handed to Qatar, a long-term venue for top tennis, golf, MotoGP and cycling events and one which will also host the 2022 football World Cup and is pushing for the 2020 Olympic Games.

"We are delighted with this decision, which fits well with our commitment to FINA's global events programme and the development of swimming in Qatar," said Khaleel al-Jabir, president of the Qatar Swimming Association.

"This a real boost to our plans for the sport here in Qatar and also a great platform to further develop swimming in the region."

The next short-course world championships, raced in a 25-metre pool, will take place from December 12-16 later this year in Istanbul.