Qatar Airways holds GKA Awards ceremony

Qatar Airways, the title partner and official airline of the GKA Kite World Tour, closed out another successful competition that took place from May 26 to June 7 in Tarifa, Spain.Additionally, Qatar Airways GKA Awards were held on June 3, presenting nine categories that celebrate various triumphs and achievements throughout the year.The Qatar Airways GKA Big Air Kite World Championships connected more than 62 riders from across the globe to compete in three Big Air disciplines – Twin-Tip, Surfboard and Hydrofoil – in men's and women's divisions.The individual winners of the nine awards are:

• Female Rider of the Year: Mikaili Sol
• Male Rider of the Year: Gianmaria Coccoluto
• Women’s Move of the Year: Zara Hoogenraad
• Men’s Move of the Year: Andrea Principi
• Rookie of the Year: Gabriel Benetton
• Social Contribution of the Year: Graham Howes
• Photo of the Year: Samuel Cárdenas
• Video of the Year: Lidewij Hartog
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Legends): Mitu Monteiro.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive and chairman of Qatar Tourism, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: "As we conclude yet another remarkable GKA Big Air Kite World Championships in Tarifa, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the athletes, organisers, and passionate kiteboarding community for making this event an unforgettable success.”"We eagerly anticipate flying enthusiastic fans from around the world to the upcoming Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Finals set to take place this December in Qatar,” he said.Qatar Airways will host, on December 5-9, world-renowned riders and fans at the Fuwairit Kite Beach resort for the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Finals.