World Athletics has postponed the start of the Diamond League season in Doha due to concerns about the safety of athletes and spectators due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The meeting, originally scheduled for May 8 in the Qatari capital, will now take place on June 19, depending on the security situation in the region.
The global athletics body cited the ongoing conflict associated with the US-Israel war involving Iran as the main reason for the postponement. She confirmed that the event will continue on the revised date only if conditions permit.
Diamond League organizers have been closely monitoring developments in Doha and coordinating risk assessments with Qatari authorities and other stakeholders. Despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, Gulf states have reported numerous interceptions of missiles and drones on their territories.
Qatar’s defense ministry said it had intercepted a missile attack just hours before the ceasefire was announced. Even after the ceasefire was declared, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain reported similar incidents, underscoring the volatile security environment.
In response, the organizers emphasized their commitment to ensure a safe and secure competition environment for athletes, media and spectators. The venue for the rescheduled event has also changed from the Qatar Sports Club to the Khalifa International Stadium, which features temperature control and advanced air-cooling equipment.
The Khalifa International Stadium hosted the 2019 World Athletics Championships and was also a key venue during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, the change of venue helps address the higher temperatures expected in Doha in June compared to May.
Notable athletes from previous editions include Botswana’s Olympic gold medalist Letsile Tebogo, who won the 200m race in 2025, and Jamaica’s Tia Clayton, winner of the women’s 100m. India’s javelin ace Neeraj Chopra, crowd favourite and multiple podium winner from Doha, finishing behind Germany’s Julian Weber in the last edition.
The revised date places the Doha Diamond League as the eighth leg of the 2026 season, which falls between the Bislett Games in Oslo on June 10 and the Meeting de Paris on June 28. The postponement reflects a wider disruption to Qatar’s sporting calendar due to regional instability, including the delay of the MotoGP in Qatar and the cancellation of a high-profile soccer match between Spain and Argentina.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
08 Apr 2026 19:09 IST
