Sports Reporter/Doha

Abdullah Abdulghani and Bois managing director Dr Nasser Abdulghani (centre) receiving a memento from Enduranace Committee general secretary Owieda Salim al-Hajri after signing the sponsorship agreement yesterday. Picture: Noushad Thekkayil
Abdullah Abdulghani and Bros (AAB) will sponsor the first ever Ladies Endurance Ride that is to be held on March 5.
The agreement was signed by AAB managing director Dr Nasser Abdulghani and Endurance Committee general secretary Owieda Salim al-Hajri.
In a bid to promote the sport among ladies, the Endurance Committee had organised a ladies championship a fortnight ago. After noticing the enthusiasm among the participants, the Endurance Committee have included a ladies ride in their annual calendar of events with the intention to kindle the interest among the local riders. About 40 Qatari and expatriate riders will take part in this 80km race.
Speaking after signing the sponsorship agreement, Dr Nasser said. “The equestrian sport needs no introduction to the sport lovers of this country. A highly esteemed and traditional Arabian sport, the Endurance race is popular even today among the most civilised and developed nations. We at AAB are extremely privileged and honoured to sponsor the first Ladies Endruance Ride as it is our corporate policy to support major government sponsored events, be it sport, social, educational, cultural, philanthropic or religious. The participation of ladies in the endurance race for the first time in Qatar shows how popular this sport is among all. We thank the Endurance Committee for giving us an opportunity to be a part of this event.”
Endurance Committee general secretary Owieda Salim al-Hajri was elated with the sponsorship deal and was looking for a long term partnership with AAB. “We are very happy to have AAB as our sponsor for this race and we are looking forward to continue our partnership with them. Our goal is to promote the sport among Qatari ladies and this race is just the beginning. Qatari riders have shown interest to take part in this event and we are sure that there will many more that will take part in the forthcoming events.”.