World and Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha has confirmed his participation in the Samsung Diamond League meeting in Doha on May 10, the Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) announced yesterday.

Rudisha, who has been a regular at Doha meets, this will be his sixth visit to Qatar is the second big name announced by the organizers after Jamaican sprint star Yohan Blake, the reigning world champion in the 100 meters.

Rudisha first travelled to Doha in 2007 as a junior and finished sixth, clocking 1min: 45.55secs. In 2008 he registered his maiden victory in 1:44.36 and after a short non-winning break in 2009, when he was fourth with a time of 1:44.78, he bounced back with two impressive wins in 2010 and 2012, setting world leading marks in both races with 1:43.00 (the current meeting record) and 1:43.10, respectively.

“It’s always nice to return in Doha. I have great memories from the Qatar Sports Club track, where I have won three times so far. The spectators are always enthusiastic and push the athletes to their limits” says the two-time African Champion.