Doha, June 18 (QNA) - Qatari Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim confirmed his full readiness to compete in the high jump event at the Doha Diamond League meeting tomorrow, Friday.

Speaking at a pre-event press conference on Thursday, Barshim said he looks forward to delivering his best performance as he returns to the high jump following a notable absence. He noted that continuous training has brought him to a high level of physical fitness, which will enable him to compete for top results.

Barshim explained that he aims to maintain his focus to achieve the competitive milestones set in his program for this year. The Qatari champion, a three-time consecutive world champion, characterized the start of his 2026 season as a success following his performance at the Gulf Games last May and his recent gold medal victory at the Asian Athletics Championships in China.

He stressed the significance of sustaining excellence this season, revealing that his consistent core message across all championships remains the necessity of preserving sporting success as a lasting Qatari legacy.

For his part, Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra confirmed that the Doha Diamond League represents a fresh challenge at the start of the athletics season, as he seeks to achieve top results and qualify for the Diamond League Final. Chopra added that he expects fierce competition in the javelin event, particularly from Sri Lankan thrower Rumesh Pathirage, the current Diamond League standings leader.

However, Chopra noted that he has prepared well to deliver a strong performance, adding that his appearances in Doha have consistently been exceptional. He described the upcoming javelin competition as highly challenging due to a field stacked with Olympic and World Championship medalists.

Chopra also praised Qatar's organization of the Diamond League meetings, noting that the excellent environment, hospitality, and medical services help athletes perform at their absolute best.

At the same press conference, Dominican sprinter Marileidy Paulino confirmed her target to clock the fastest possible time in the 400-meter race. Acknowledging that the race would be highly competitive, Paulino stated she would give her all during this third appearance in Doha, aiming to surpass her previous successes at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. (QNA)