Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, has received glowing praise from leading Qatari athletes for the outstanding preparations of its signature equestrian event — the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines.
High jump Olympic gold medallist and world champion Mutaz Barshim, hurdler Mariam Farid, who ran in the 2019 World Athletics Championship in Doha, and showjumper Hamad Ali al-Attiyah, who competed in the Rio Olympics, visited Al Shaqab yesterday and expressed their excitement at the arrangements that are being made for the event.
The 7th edition of the prestigious competition, will take place from Feb 27-29 at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. It will see top-ranking local and international riders compete in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.
CHI (Concours Hippique International – International Equestrian Competition) is the official title awarded by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to international equestrian competitions with three or more equestrian disciplines. Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region.
Barshim said: “In Qatar, athletes are encouraged and inspired in every sport. Equestrian sports hold a special place in Qatar’s history, which adds to the significance of an amazing event such as CHI Al Shaqab. The facilities at Al Shaqab are truly world class, which makes it easier for the riders and the horses to perform their best when competing. We’re all looking forward to some spectacular performances.” Farid, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar — a partner university of QF — said: “CHI Al Shaqab will see male and female riders riding against each other in the same competitions, which will deliver exciting and unique action for spectators. Sports fans in Qatar are getting the very best, with CHI Al Shaqab being yet another example of world-class sporting events held in Qatar, after the 2019 World Athletics Championship and FIFA Club World Cup.” Olympic rider al-Attiyah said: “The event provides wonderful opportunities for local and international riders to perform in a fantastic arena. As a Qatari rider, I’m proud that Qatar, and Al Shaqab, is organising one of the biggest and most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world.”
Tickets for Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, including exclusive VIP hospitality packages, are available online at https://www.q-tickets.com/ or through the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com).
Champion high-jumper Mutaz Barshim (second from right) clicks a photo during his visit to Al Shaqab yesterday.
