Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, will roll out its welcome carpet to top International Federation of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) athletes next month when it hosts the prestigious Champion of Champions event.
The two-day championship, which has attracted the best performers of the UIPM season, will take place at the Al Shaqab Outdoor Arena on November 12 and 13.
Preparations are in full swing to organise the highly competitive championship which will have the women’s contest on the first day, while the second day will see the best males of the world in action.
Mohamed Al Naimi, Event Director of the organising committee said about the efforts being put in to make the event even a bigger success than the previous year.
“We’re quite excited that another edition of the UIPM Champion of Champions event is round the corner. Qatar has established itself as a sports hub in the world by hosting so many high-profile championships every year. Events like UIPM Champion of Champion with so many top male and female athletes competing in it cement Qatar’s position as a favourite sports destination further.
“We’re delighted to work with the UIPM and its President Dr HC Klaus Schormann to give boost to the Modern Pentathlon in the Middle East. We’re confident that the 2016 championship will provide a stronger push to the sport at the local level as well.
He added: “The 2015 event had offered plenty of thrills and we expect that the latest championship will not be short of such pulsating moments and actions. We’re really ready to get going!”
South Korea had dominated the 2015 men’s contest, with rising star Jun Woong-tae emerging the winner after a tight battle for the top prize. Lithuania’s Justinas Kinderis bagged the silver medal and Jung Jin-hwa took home the bronze medal.
German Annika Schleu had beaten Australian Chloe Esposito to pocket the women’s title. Lithuania’s Gintare Venckauskaite claimed the last spot on the podium.
However, Esposito turned in a remarkable display in this year’s Rio Games and fulfilled her dream to be the Olympic champion.
UIPM President Dr HC Klaus Schormann and Secretary General Shiny Fang had attended the 2015 edition and both were wowed by Al Shaqab's hosting capabilities.
"I think it was a great competition on both days. This is a great promotion for our sport in Qatar. All of us, including our athletes, will be very happy to return in future years for the Champion of Champions in Doha," Dr Schormann added.
The modern pentathlon comprises five different events: fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping, and a final combined event of pistol shooting and a 3200m cross-country run.
