Falcons regained their winning streak over the homing pigeons Friday at the competitions of Haddad Al Tahadi (where the falcon has to hunt a homing pigeon within certain standards) at the ongoing 14th edition of Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2023). Accordingly, six falcons were able to successfully capture their prey of homing pigeons at both the morning and afternoon rounds, taking to 65 the total number of falcons qualifying for the higher round, since the start of the festival.
Friday's competitions were witnessed by a considerably high number of spectators from among Qataris, other GCC citizens and expatriates and visitors with their families. Ali Sultan al-Kuwari, head of Haddad Al Tahadi committee, said that the peregrine falcons gave very good performance Friday and the weather was excellent for both the falcons and pigeons, with good light and visibility. He said that both the falconers and the owner of the homing pigeons exert great efforts in training their birds and keep them fit and qualified. He added that competitions are growing stronger at the festival year after year affirming its success.
The organising committee of Marmi 2023 has been organising shooting activities from 9.30am until the end of the afternoon period, where some related competitions are held in co-operation with the Qatar Shooting Club. Shotguns are used to fire at specific targets in activities open for both professionals and amateurs. A falconry workshop is also conducted to introduce related topics and information to the visitors and show the various components and tools of the sport.
Marmi 2023, organised by Al Qannas Qatari Society at Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine Area under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, will continue until January 28. The event has been drawing more local, regional and international attention as one of the major festivals in its category, pioneered by Qatar to maintain and develop such heritage traditional sport.
