Member of Qatar Foundation, Al Shaqab, has earned effusive praise and acclaim from top Qatari athletes for top-notch preparations for Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines, the elite equestrian event. Al Shaqab was visited sometime earlier by Olympic gold medalist (high jump) and world champion, Mutaz Barshim and Mariam Farid, the hurdler who participated in the 2019 World Athletics Championship at Doha along with Hamad Ali Al Attiyah, the champion showjumper who took part in the Rio Olympics.
They talked of their sheer excitement at witnessing the superb preparations for the event. The 7th edition of this signature equestrian event will be held from the 27th to the 29th of February, 2020, at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab. This event will have top-ranked global and local riders take part in Olympic disciplines including para dressage, showjumping and dressage. CHI (Concours Hippique International-International Equestrian Competition) is the official title that has been given by the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) for global equestrian contest with at least three or more disciplines.
CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines is one out of 5 CHI contests globally and is the first and only type of equestrian event taking place in the Middle East and the Asia region as a whole. Barshim stated that athletes are hugely encouraged in Qatar along with being highly inspired since equestrian sports have a special niche in the history of Qatar which enhances the appeal of events like CHI Al Shaqab. Al Shaqab offers top-class facilities which make it more convenient for horses and riders to display their best performances when they’re competing in prestigious events according to him.
Farid who studies at Qatar’s Northwestern University (a QF partner university), stated that CHI Al Shaqab will have female and male riders competing against each other in the same events which will ensure more exciting action for fans. CHI Al Shaqab is another instance of a top class global event being held in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup and 2019 World Athletics Championship. Al Attiyah, the famed Olympic rider, stated that this event will offer great opportunities for global and local riders to perform at an arena which is just outstanding. He also expressed his pride as a Qatari at Al Shaqab organizing one of the world’s largest and most prestigious equestrian contests.
Tickets will be available at Q-Tickets or the Al Shaqab site which includes signature VIP hospitality packages.