The Peninsula: Qatar Becomes Center of Equestrian Sports

Doha, February 21 (QNA) - English-language newspaper The Peninsula affirmed in its editorial on Monday that the State of Qatar has become a destination for international sports and a capital for hosting major events, noting the success of the three-day HH The Amir Sword Festival 2022, with the participation of competitors from inside and outside the country at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). The newspaper said that this festival, which is the main event in the Qatar racing season this year, has succeeded by various measures, pointing to the side events that were held on the sidelines of the festival, where 24 thrilling races were decided (eight per day) during the Festival. The newspaper indicated that apart from the races, QREC hosted many other activities including special horse shows. The premier event $1m HH The Amir Sword lived up to its billing as Lady Princess, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, bagged the victory after a stunning 2400m race. The newspaper also pointed out that besides the races, to HH The Amir Sword Equestrian Festival, featuring dressage, Small, Medium, Big Tours and Future Riders competitions, was also held. The showjumping event also turned out to be a huge success as riders showed their class to grab honors, the paper said, adding that however, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi clinched his second successive Amir's Sword title. The Peninsula concluded its editorial by noting that the success of the festival proves that this sport has continued to grow despite the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that there will more showjumping action in the country as Qatar will host the CHI Al Shaqab and world's premier five-star showjumping championship Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and the Global Champions League (GCL) 2022 season opener. (QNA)