From left: Media and Broadcast Manager Fahad al-Hajri, CHI Al Shaqab event director Omar al-Mannai, Exxonmobil president and general manager Bart Cahir, Executive Director of Al Shaqab Fahad Saad al-Qahtani and Exxonmobil vice-president Saleh al-Mannai.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Qatar will host the second CHI A ShaqabInternational Equestrian Championship from March 10 to 15 at the Al Shaqab arena. This was announced by Executive Director of Al Shaqab Fahad Saad al-Qahtani yesterday.
Also present in the occasion were the main sponsors Exxonmobil’s president and general manager Bart Cahir, Chi Al Shaqab event director Omar al-Mannai and Media and Broadcast Manager Fahad al-Hajri.
Al-Qahtani explained the importance of hosting such a mega event in Qatar. “The inaugural CHI Al Shaqab was a spectacular success, and this year will be even better. Al Shaqab supports Qatar Foundation’s vision to promote the country’s heritage by showcasing its equestrian excellence. This is another opportunity to display our potential in host such big events. We are confident that this will be another great event.”
“There is no doubt that Equestrian sport is very dear to the Arabs. It is part of our culture. During the recent years we have revived the strong link between Arabs and horses. It is the favourite sport in the GCC and we will ensure that the trend will continue in the years to come,” al-Qahtani added.
Over 200 horses and 170 riders from 30 countries will be taking part in the six-day event which has a total prize money of nearly 2mn euros. Apart from jumping, dressage and endurance, this edition of CHI Al Shaqab will feature vaulting for the first time.
“The increase in the number of participants illustrates the importance of this event. We are very happy to invite them to Qatar and look forward to an exciting event. There will be 20 riders from GCC and six from Qatar who will be vying for honours along with the elite riders from Europe and elsewhere,” Event Director Omar al-Mannai said.
Exxonmobil’s Cahir, was delighted that his company is again the main sponsor of CHI Al Shaqab. “I am pleased to renew our sponsorship for CHI Al Shaqab for the second time. Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani and Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, this festival is a flagship event on the international equestrian calendar.”
“It also provides an opportunity to showcase the world class facilities at Al Shaqab. These facilities pay homage to Qatar’s past, commemorating the famous battle of Al Shaqab, which was won by warriors riding Arabian horses. The Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, with its respect for Qatar’s past and its eye towards building a stronger future of education and community stands as a symbol of the modern state of Qatar.”
CHI Al Shaqab is also sponsored by Qatar Airways and organized under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani and HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani.
The 2013 tournament was the first CHI event ever to take place in the Middle East and Asia.
