Having enjoyed the eventful National Sport Day last week, sports enthusiasts yesterday relished plenty of top-notch sport action taking place across the country. Qatar was a place to be for the horse racing and equestrian fans in particular as the prestigious H H the Amir Sword Festival 2024 and H H The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival featuring the world’s best competitors concluded after producing exciting action.
The Al Rayyan Racecourse, hosting eight high-profile races competed among many international horses besides the Qatari challengers, took the centre stage as Al Shaqab Racing-owned Al Ghadeer claimed the coveted H H The Amir Sword title in a thrilling fashion.
It was a great honour for the winners as H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presented the coveted H H Golden Sword to winners. H H the Amir also honoured the champions of H H The Amir Trophy, H H The Amir Silver Sword and H H The Amir Shalfa as the three-day racing Festival came to a fitting end. This year’s edition of the Festival which offered a total prize purse of $10m witnessed an unprecedented number of international entries adding spice to the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s popular annual event.
A few kilometers away from the Al Rayyan Racecourse, top riders showcased their skills on the final day of the The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival producing thrilling action as they competed for titles at state-of-the-art Al Shaqab.
Brazil’s Santiago Lambre bagged top honours as he won the prestigious H H The Amir Sword showjumping title after a flawless performance in five-star (CSI5* - 1.60m) contest. The Brazilian, along with Qatar’s Jassim Mohamed Al Kuwari, who won H H The Amir Sword in dressage on Friday, was also honoured by H H the Amir yesterday.
Hardly after a half-hour drive following action at the Al Rayyan Racecourse, fans had a chance to witness the mouth-watering Qatar TotalEnergies Open final between World No.1 Iga Swiatek and World No.4 No. 4 Elena Rybakina at the Khalifa International and Tennis Complex. Swiatek became the first player to bag three straight titles in Doha, defeating 7-6 (8) and 6-2 after an exciting title clash. Swiatek’s 18th career singles title was her first of the year.
The iconic venue is now bracing to host the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024, which will see many stars including Russia’s Andrey Rublev and Britain’s Andy Murray in action from tomorrow until February 24. The sports action will continue in the upcoming weeks in Doha with several competitions lined up including major motorsports and showjumping events.
