Duqm, Under the auspices of HH Sayyid Loay Ghalib Al Said, the International Tent Pegging Championship 2021 kicked off here today with the participation of 33 horse riders (men and women alike) from around 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malyasia, Iraq, Britain, Germany, Norway, Iran, Russia, Pakistan, Canada, the United States, Jordan, Sudan and Palestine, as well as Oman.

The ceremony began with a welcome pageant that saw the participation of school children, the equestrian sports and paragliding team (Oman) and participating squads carrying the flags of their respective countries. It included a display of horse-riding skills known in Oman as “Ardhat Al Khail”, performed by a number of Omani riders.

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The first day’s competitions consisted of two single lance runs, two double lance runs and two rounds of lance show. First place was won by the Iraqi team, while the teams of Sudan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) won second and third places, respectively.

In individual contests, Iraq’s Abdulhameed Rasheed won first place, followed by UAE’s Mohammed Al Hammadi and Norway’s Zubair Akram in second and third places.

Sayyid Loay said in a press statement that the championship enhances Oman’s presence in international events and promotes it at different levels.

Sheikh Ma’dad Mohammed Al Yaqoubi, Governor of Al Wusta, said that the event is a suitable opportunity to familiarize the participants about Oman’s economic and tourist landmarks.

In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Yaqboubi said the championship will benefit small and medium enterprises, artisans and other segments of society who exhibit their products to the participants and visitors.

Meanwhile, Sayyid Munthir Said Al Busaidi, Chairman of Oman Equestrian Association (OEA), said that the championship, co-organized by the OEA, alongside the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) elevates Oman to the rank of top countries supporting equestrian sports. He spoke about ongoing cooperation between Oman and the ITPF to develop tent pegging.

Source: Oman News Agency