Doha: The Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (QSRF) will host the 2014 Formula Kite Course Racing Asian Championship from November 10 to 15 at The Pearl-Qatar, it was announced here yesterday.
For the first time, kiteboarding is coming to the Gulf region and Doha will host the five-day inaugural Championship under the auspices of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC).
“Kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and this trend is reflected here on the shorelines of Qatar,”QSRF Advisor for Sport Sarah Lord said.
She added that the nationals are extremely lucky to be given the support from the federation to be able to achieve high level training in kiteboarding.
“It is with great pride that we will enter five Qataris in the competition, who have been training hard to learn the tricky discipline of kiteboarding racing over the last year. We wish them every success in the championship and we are happy that they have the fantastic opportunity to compete against the best kiteboard racers in the world,” Lord added.
Since the initiative was taken two years ago, the QSRF now have 18 Qataris registered in the kiteboarding programme. Most recently, a training site has been established on the beach of Fuwairit, where all nationals are welcomed to participate in the sport.
The Qatari squad includes Khalifa Al Misnad, Omar Al Hammadi, Bader Al Madani, Khalid Festook, and Alaa Festook.
“Since I started with the QSRF programme two years ago, I never imagined then that I would be competing in an international championship now! It has been a great experience, Kiteboarding is life changing. I love everything about it, getting out in the fresh air, being on the ocean, and keeping healthy are all a bonus of the sport,” said Qatari participant Omar Al Hammadi.
The Qatari participants will be competing alongside the worlds top Kiteboard racers, including course racing world champion Florian Gruber of Germany.
In total, up to 60 men and 30 women will compete at the championship.
Although, this is an Asian Championship, the event is open to the entire world, allowing all to compete under different age categories.
An Asian champion will be crowned, in addition to an open men’s and an open women’s fleet.
The Pearl-Qatar with its picturesque views, advanced facilities and waterfront aspect has provided the ideal venue for this event, allowing the championship to be held in the Qanat Quartier beach area.
“We welcome this exciting new sport to our region and to The Pearl-Qatar. Qanat Quartier, where the competition will be held, offers a spectacular setting to all sorts of beach activities and water sports ensuring competitors and spectators both enjoy the championship,” said The Pearl-Qatar’s Director of Operations Saeed Al Sulaiti.
Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation President Khalifa Al Sewaidi expressed his joy and pride in heading the host country on this new venture.
“As a national sailing organisation, it was difficult to ignore the explosion of kiteboarding on the international scene. It was a delight to hear of the recognition of the sport by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), which prompted a decision to be made to develop this as a national sport. The sport has only just begun to develop in Qatar, with a high level of interest shown from our local people,” he said.
He added that being the host country to an international kiteboarding event, with the inclusion of five Qatari competitors, after only two years of starting the programme is a great indicator of how the sport is developing in the country.
The event is sanctioned by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), who has been working closely with the QSRF to ensure a successful event in Qatar. The Championship will start on November 10, with registration for all competitors and practice races starting from 1pm.
For the next five days, the Championship will run from 9am to 4.30pm daily, with races ongoing, leading to the grand final being held on November 15.
The premises at The Qanat Quartier beach will be transformed to accommodate all event participants, with the provision of seating areas. Live commentary of races will be broadcast on the beach.
For more information on Sailing in Qatar, please visit www.qatarsailing.org. Those who wish to follow the Qatar National Kiteboarding team can see facebook page Qatar National Kiteboarders – QNK.
Information on registering for Kiteboard training can also be found on the Facebook page.
The Pennsula
