Formula Kite Course Racing Championship begins

Khalifa al-Sewaidi, president of Qatar Sailing & Rowing Federation, declared open the 2014 Formula Kite Course Racing Asian Championship, that began at the Pearl Qatar’s Qanat Quartier yesterday. PICTURES: Thajudheen

By Sports Reporter/Doha

President of the Qatar Sailing & Rowing Federation, Khalifa al-Sewaidi, expressed his pride in hosting the new venture while officially declaring the event open in the presence of participants, officials and volunteers.

“Being the host nation to an international Kiteboarding event, with the inclusion of five Qatari competitors, after only two years of starting the programme is a great indicator of how the sport is developing in our country.

“The progress of the sport in Qatar is evident in the presence of our national team which is eagerly waiting to begin its first kiteboarding race,” he said.

Participants during a practice session.

“I thank the support given by local companies who have generously offered sponsorship to support this event. In addition to the support from the Qatar Olympic Committee, I express my deep thanks to the National Academy of Professional Training (NAPT), Apollo Enterprises, and The Pearl Qatar for offering services to ensure the success of our upcoming championship.”

For the next five days, the championship in which 60 men and 30 women will compete, will run from 9am to 4.30pm daily at Pearl Qatar’s Qanat Quartier, with races ongoing, leading to the grand final being held on November 15.

The Qanat Quartier beach has been transformed to accommodate all event participants, with the provision of seating areas and an onsite catering outlet. Live commentary of races will be broadcast on the beach.

Although this is an Asian Championship, the event is open to the entire world, allowing all to compete under different age categories. An Asian champion will be crowned, in addition to an open men’s and an open women’s fleet.

Khalifa al-Misnad, Omar al-Hammadi, Bader al-Madani, Khalid Festook and Alaa Festook are the Qatari participants who will be competing against worlds’ top kiteboard racers, including course racing world champion Florian Gruber of Germany.