A total of 54 falcons have qualified for the higher rounds of the Haddad Al Tahadi (where a falcon has to hunt a homing pigeon within certain standards) competitions, in the ongoing 14th edition of Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2023), with seven more birds qualifying Sunday.
The falconers reiterated their dedication to continue training their birds for the intense competitions in the upcoming rounds. Abdulla Fakhro, the owner of the homing pigeons, stressed he has prepared his birds well. He noted that the pigeons that escape the hunt often fly back to their towers at Umm Ebairiya and he would return them to the race after two or three days as each successful race improves their strength and skills.
On Monday, the final of Al Da'aw (falcons speeding) Local championship will be held for five different categories of falcons. A total of 15 falcons of different categories will qualify for the premier final match next Saturday.
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. The event has drawn 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.
