Abdullah Al Khater, Manager of Events at Aspire Zone Foundation, congratulates one of the participants during the 2014 Qatar's Strongest Man competition in this file photo.
The popularity of “Qatar’s Strongest Man” competition, spearheaded by Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), has encouraged the highest number of participants to date to take part in the fourth edition of the tournament, bringing the total number to 14 competitors who will face off on Friday, December 2 at the Aspire Zone.
Commenting on growing interest in the event, Abdullah Al Khater, Manager of Events at AZF, said: “Our goal at Aspire Zone Foundation is to continually improve the quality and variety of events we offer to the community. The growing popularity of the competition has generated a lot of interest from participants looking for a chance to show off their skills and strength. We are excited to see these ranks grow.”
The surge in popularity has enabled AZF to create two divisions within the tournament: one for Qataris and one for expatriates and GCC visitors who wish to partake in this competition and showcase their strength and endurance.
The participants were briefed on the rules and regulations of the competition and explain the point-system ranking, ahead of the fourth edition of the competition at the AZF yesterday.
Qatar’s Strongest Man' enables participants to come face-to-face in a number of challenges, including truck pulling, deadlifting, lifting sand bags, flipping giant tyres, heavy weight and car lifting. Winners are decided based on a points-system, with points awarded based on the speed and weight with which participants complete each challenge.
The 14 participants qualified to compete this year were chosen from 131 entrants after successfully completing a series of rigorous physical and health tests that assessed their fitness levels.
The fastest participants to complete 200-kg-weight lifts and a 20-metre walk while carrying 120 kg weights in each arm qualified to the final round. This year’s competition also welcomes back defending champion Fahad Al Haddad (Qatar) and the 2014 winner Christopher Oketch (Kenya).
Ishak Cibola of Kenya, who participates in the event for the second occasion, said: “I have been impressed with the level of competition this year, which has become significantly more challenging. I have even switched up my training routine to stay ahead of my fellow participants, training 5 days a week and focusing on deadlifts to improve my strength. It’s impressive to see what Aspire Zone have done to promote healthy lifestyles through community participation in exciting events like Qatar’s Strongest Man.”
Members of the community are welcome to visit and cheer for their favourite competitor on Friday, December 02nd at designated spectator areas in Aspire Park opposite the outdoor pitches from 3:00 – 8:30 pm.
Aspire Zone has also set up corresponding spectator events to make the day fun and entertaining for the entire family, such as You.fo training and performances, kids’ activities and food stalls.
Qatar’s Strongest Man competition is a part of a year-round series of events, hosted by AZF, designed to promote sports activities and encourage healthy lifestyles among community members within competitive and professional settings. The tournament follows the recently concluded Aspire International 6.50 Race, the Aspire Splash and Dash, the Aquathon Series and the currently ongoing Aspire Banks Tournament.
