Doha World Championships Announces Mascots, Nahim and Mayfara
World Aquatics on Tuesday revealed the mascots for the 2024 Doha World Championships, which will take place in Qatar from Feb. 2-18.
The mascots are a, “playful Qatari whale shark” named Nahim and Mayfara, “a walking, talking, smiling coral.”
From the World Aquatics press release:
Nahim and Mayfara are intimately tied to Qatar’s heritage and represent the inclusivity of the World Aquatics Championships and its commitment to promoting sustainability.
The whale shark is the world’s biggest fish and commonly found in the safety of Qatari waters. The gentle giant, Nahim, a funny, friendly, and fun character that will be on hand to entertain the crowds and ensure everyone is made to feel welcome in Doha.
Mayfara, reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the coral ecosystem with a family of clownfish living in her fringe anemone and a laid-back starfish on her forehead. A great team player, Mayfara will raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and help to light up the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024.
The 2024 World Aquatics Championships will be held in the Aspire Dome, the Old Doha Port and the Hamad Aquatics Centre. Doha hosted the 2014 Short-Course World Championships. The port has hosted four FINA Marathon World Series events, while Doha has been a nine-time stop in the FINA World Cup.
“We are excited to introduce Nahim and Mayfara as the official mascots of the World Aquatics Championships, Doha 2024,” said Doha 2024’s director of marketing and communications Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani in the press release. “Together, they embody our passion for aquatic sports and our commitment to ensuring that Doha 2024 is an unforgettable celebration for all. We want everyone visiting Doha to have an exceptional time; from watching the world’s best athletes compete, to experiencing Qatar’s wealth of history, culture and entertainment.”