DOHA, Qata (CMC) — The Spanish city of Barcelona has been chosen as the host for the 2012 IAAF World Junior Championships from July 27 to August 1.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) made the decision at its meeting in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.

“Barcelona again proves its organisational capacity to host international sporting events,” said the city’s mayor Jordi Hereu. “It is important to maintain high-level sport and competitions in our city.”

The Catalan city is also set to host this year’s European Athletics Championships.

It has previously hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, the 1989 IAAF World Cup, and the 1995 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Looking forward to the next edition of the World Championships, members of the IAAF Council and IAAF President Lamine Diack said they were impressed by the progress being made.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress being made,” said Diack. “And we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that these will be the best-ever World Juniors.”

The 2012 World Junior Championships will be the first time that this particular championship will be held in Spain.

Up to 2,000 teenage athletes from as many as 200 nations are expected to take part.