DOHA: The fourth edition of Al Galayel Championship for Traditional Hunting has attracted many Qatari youth and participants from other GCC countries who want to experience the heritage sport.
The month-long contest at Al Areeq Reserve south of Qatar comprises four heats with 16 teams.
The first heat began on Wednesday and included four teams — Al Sadd team and first-timers Al Asifa, Al Sailiyya and Marmi teams.
The third of the first heat yesterday saw Al Sailiyya in the lead after hunting four habaris (bustards) equivalent to 80 points, garnering 180 points in the first three days of the week-long contest.
Amid yesterday’s competition, Al Sailiyya team surpassed second day’s leaders Marmi team by 20 points.
Talal Hussein Al Jalabi, Member, Al Sailiyya, said he was taking part for the first time and found the competition very exciting.
“Our team is doing very well in the lead with 180 points which has boosted the members’ morale,” he told Al Sharq yesterday.
“The competition this year is not easy because there are excellent teams with experienced members who have competed in the championship in the past,” he said.
Saudi Mohaamed Nasser Al Shairi, member, Al Sailiyya, said Al Galayel is also popular in his country.
“Our team has obtained excellent result and we feel that we can do better because we have determination, although the difference between our score and Marmi’s is very small,” he said.
Mohammed Nasser Al Marri, member, Al Sailiyyam, said he was taking part in the championship for the second time and that he was proud to revive the tradition of his ancestors through his participation.
Although 80 percent of Al Sailiyya team is new, he said they were eyeing the top position and he believed they could win.
Marmi scored 40 points yesterday, taking its total to 160. Al Asifa ended the day with 100 and Al Sadd with 40 points. “We are not new in the competition. We have experience because we have members who participated last year and traditional hunting is our hobby,” said Ibrahim Nasser Al Naimi, Leader, Marmi.
“It is good to see participants from GCC join their Qatari counterparts and we are proud of them. I have a member from Kuwait in my team and last year I had one from the UAE,” he added.
Ali Al Ghaithal, Member, Al Asifa, said he participated last year and his team won.
“Until the final moment we will keep fighting to gain more points. If we don’t win, still we will feel proud because participating in the championship is a dream for those whose hobby is hunting,” he added.
The Peninsula
