DOHA: The magnificent Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, is all set and ready to welcome the world’s top riders and horses, when Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2022 gets under way from 24 to 26 February.
A star-studded contingent of 95 riders from 24 countries, and 146 elite competition horses from around the globe, has already touched down in Doha – primed to dazzle and impress the crowds as they compete for glory in Al Shaqab’s signature event, which will be organized for the ninth time at Qatar’s iconic equestrian destination.
The much-anticipated international event will provide equestrian sport lovers with a unique opportunity to be a part of the strongest and only championship of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region, as they witness three days of unparalleled action and entertainment unfold in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.
At a press conference held at Al Shaqab on February 22 to officially launch this year’s event, Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, said: “Al Shaqab is delighted to welcome the world’s best riders and horses to Qatar. They love the amazing facilities, training conditions and competition set-up here, and it shows in the number of champion riders who keep returning for CHI AL SHAQAB.”
This year’s rider’s list is filled with the names of the biggest stars in equestrian sport. Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, ranked world number one in the latest FEI Longines Jumping Rankings, headlines the event entries.
Last year’s five-star Grand Prix winner, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, returns in the hunt for further honors, and will be joined by a host of CHI AL SHAQAB champions and top-ranked riders, including Great Britain’s Scott Brash, Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, and Belgium’s Pieter Devos.
Flying the flag for Qatar will be Wejdan Majed Al Malki, who will be participating in the dressage category, and the showjumping trio of Hamad Nasser Al Qadi – fresh off his second successive Emir Sword title triumph – Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, and Nasser Al Ghazali.
Al Mannai said: “To be able to see the top athletes compete in a truly world-class competition is an incredible opportunity for the equestrian community here in Qatar, and for sport lovers in general. It has been tremendously encouraging, and satisfying, to note the event grow bigger and better with every passing year, regardless of the challenges faced.
