Qatar celebrate thrilling title win, eye bigger and better events in the future

After witnessing resounding success in hosting the 4th International Camel Handball Championship at the Libsear Heritage Field in Al Shahaniya, Qatar are planning to stage ‘bigger and better’ camel handball events in the future.

This was said by Dr Hazam bin Nasser al-Maqarih, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Camel Races (AUCR) and Director General of the championship, following Qatar’s spectacular title win on Sunday.

In the final, Qatar beat Iraq 15-12 to seal their second title win in four editions of the hugely popular tournament.

A total of 17 nations from five continents featured in the three-day tournament that was broadcast live on national sports TV channels

“After the success of the fourth edition, the next event will have new plans and surprises that everyone is eagerly waiting for,” Dr Hazam said when asked to about his views on the popularity of the sport. “We, in the organisation, were keen on the success of the tournament in a transparent and fair manner and we did that. We have many plans for the future,” he said. “The details will be announced in due course of time,” he added.

“No work gets completed without proper planning. We worked really hard. The widespread publicity that our tournament achieved was due to the collective effort of everyone in the organising committee,” Dr Hazam stated during a ceremony at the Al Rayyan Hotel honouring the event’s organising committees.

“The ceremony, attended by committee heads and staff, was held to celebrate the effort that contributed to the tournament’s success. The championship, which also saw Morocco finish third and Somalia fourth, highlighted the growing international interest in camel sports,” Dr Hazam said.

Dr Hazam emphasised Qatar’s continued commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.

“Since the historic hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar continues host world-class sporting events,” Dr Hazam said. “We are constantly striving to create works that rival the best of the World Cup, embodying our Qatari and Arab heritage,” he added.

“Without a doubt, every Qatari wishes for victory for their country in any activity, let alone a sport that is popular,” Dr Hazam said regarding the team’s victory. “We consider this win historic, and we thank God for it,” Dr Hazam said. Dr Hazam applauded the contributions of AUCR president Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Kuwari, saying he remains ‘a key figure in the event’s success’.

“Our president deserves our respect. He is multi-talented in camel and equestrian sports, and he has a unique leadership style,” Dr Hazam said. “Everyone knows he gives great support, guidance, strategies. He also provides plans to boost our sport.

“In the end, I want to thank all supporters, sponsors, and partners for their roles in the success of the tournament,” he said.

Dr Hazam also praised the organising committee and the media’s coverage.

“Every success is built on facts. What the audience witnesses is merely the surface; the real driving force is the dedicated work of our teams and committees,” he said. We thank everyone from the bottom our heart,” he said.