Camel handball fever grips Al Shahaniya as international championship nears climax

The Libsear Heritage Field in Al Shahaniya is buzzing with anticipation as the 4th International Camel Handball Championship Qatar 2025 reaches its thrilling final stages. After two days of intense competition, the final four teams are set to battle it out for the coveted title, with the grand finale scheduled for 7:15pm on Saturday The hugely popular championship, which began on April 11, saw teams from 17 nations from five continents, showcasing the global appeal of this unique sport.Today, the semi-finals will see hosts Qatar face off against Morocco, while Iraq clashes with Somalia. The losers of these matches will then compete for third place, leading up to the highly anticipated championship final.The tournament has been a whirlwind of excitement, with teams displaying remarkable skill and determination. Morocco's initial victory over Bulgaria, followed by a decisive win against Tunisia, set the tone for the high-stakes competition. Other standout matches included Mauritania's triumph over Algeria, Oman's victory against the USA, and Qatar's win over Lebanon.The quarter-finals brought even more drama, with Morocco continuing their strong performance against Oman, and Iraq edging out Palestine. Somalia's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mauritania, following a 12-12 draw, has been hailed as one of the tournament's biggest upsets. Qatar's national team also secured their spot in the semi-finals with a hard-fought win against Australia.The Arab Camel Racing Federation (Mahari), in collaboration with the Qatar Handball Association, has ensured a professionally organized event, providing top-notch facilities for the participating teams. The semi-finals, final, and third-place match will be broadcast live on Al Rayyan TV and the Arab Union for Camel Races' (AUCR) YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to witness the action.Abdullah bin Mahmoud Al Kuwari, head of the organizing committee, has confirmed that all preparations are complete for the closing day. The Libsear Heritage Field is adorned with national flags, and all logistical details have been meticulously arranged, promising a fitting finale to this exceptional championship. The world watches as the final chapters of this thrilling tournament unfold."We were surprised by the strong performances of the teams participating in the International Camel Handball Championship," Dr. Hazam al-Maqarih, Secretary-General of the AUCR, said. "The fourth edition, which concludes today, was different from all previous championships. Everyone was surprised by the technical level, the organization, and even the shape of the trophy."Al-Maqarih, Director-General of the championship, further elaborated: "We have set rules for participation, which have been translated into several languages. They are referenced by the Arab Union for Camel Races. They combine the special specifications of the stadium, the participating camels, the players, the referee, the competition mechanism, and the general and specific rules of the game, combining handball with the technical requirements specific to camels in particular."