The competitions of Haddad Al Tahadi (where the falcon has to hunt a homing pigeon within set conditions) category resumed at the 14th edition of Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2023) Monday.
The morning and evening rounds of this category witnessed scintillating action as the peregrine falcons chased the homing pigeons in a heated race, with eight falcons succeeding, thus qualifying for the higher round of the final.
So far 30 falcons have qualified for the finals of Hadad Al Tahadi.
The qualifier at the final round wins a prize of QR100,000, and competes for an ultimate prize of a Lexus vehicle.
Clear weather conditions Monday gave the competitions more thrill as the peregrine falcons gave exceptional performance against the homing pigeons, keeping both the falconers and spectators highly engaged throughout.
The competitions at Al Tala'a (release of the falcons to hunt) category resulted in four new qualifiers, with the top record of 1.16 minutes, meaning the falcon was able to hunt its prey, the *houbara bustard, within 1.16 minutes of its release.
Al Tala'a Committee head Mohamed bin Mubarak al-Ali said that the competitions of the ninth day took place in excellent weather conditions with clear horizontal visibility to maintain fairness and equal opportunity for all competitors.
He stressed that all participants are anxiously waiting for the finals as it will be a decisive moment in determining the ultimate winners of Marmi 2023.
Marmi 2023, organised by Al Qannas Qatari Society at Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine Area, under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, will continue until January 28, drawing more local, regional and international attention as one of the major festivals in its category, pioneered by Qatar to maintain and develop such heritage traditional sport.
