In the expatriates’ category, Kenyan contestant Cristopher Oketch secured a well-deserved win after a remarkable show of strength in the truck pulling challenge.
Now in its fourth year, the competition attracted an unprecedented number of spectators from the local community, with more than 1,500 people cheering on the contestants from the stands at what has become one of Qatar’s most popular events.
Designed as the ultimate test of strength and endurance, competitors had to complete a number of intense challenges that included lifting cars, heavy weights and sand bags, flipping giant wheels and truck pulling.
Hamad al-Jaidah and Fahad al-Maadid – both competing for the second-time this year – secured second and third place respectively in the Qatari nationals’ category. Other contestants in the Qatari nationals’ category included Thamer al-Kuwari, Abdullah al-Mohannadi and Khamis al-Khulaifi.
Meanwhile in the expatriate category, Portuguese contestant Ricardo Ferreira finished in second place, with Egyptian contestant Mohamed Duwaidar finishing third. Other contestants included Ahmed Ghassam (Syria), Haakon Miknas (Norway), Abraham Abonyo (Kenya), Meshack Ogola (Kenya) and Joseph Iroo (Kenya).
Winners in both categories were awarded trophies by representatives from Aspire Zone Foundation comprising Abdullah al-Khater, events manager, Tariq Saeed al-Abdullah, venues manager and Ali Hassan al-Mansouri, head of Khalifa International Stadium.
Commenting on his second win, Qatari participant al-Haddad said: “This year’s edition was far more challenging than previous ones, and I’m very proud of myself for winning a second time. The atmosphere inside the arena was incredible and the support and encouragement from the spectators really helped us to keep going. Aspire Zone Foundation has done a remarkable job every step of the way and I look forward to taking part again next year.”
Kenyan participant Cristopher Oketch, winner in the expatriate category said: “This year’s event was definitely a tougher challenge for me compared with previous years as I was expected to defend my victory in the 2014 contest. I’m very happy with the win and I attribute my success to the great support I received from the coaches, organisers, family, friends and the amazing spectators who cheered us all on.”
Champion Fahad al-Haddad walks 20 metres while holding 180kg in less than 10 seconds.
Qatari participant Fahad al-Haddad has been crowned as champion in the Qatari nationals category for the second year running in Aspire Zone Foundation’s annual competition for the nation's 'Strongest Man'.
