Traditional fishing competition for children at Katara beach

Some 30 children aged between 10 to 13 years took part in the traditional fishing competition (Hadaq) on Sunday at the Katara beach, which was attended by a large number of spectators, including families.

The Hadaq for children was introduced for the first time this year as part of the ongoing Senyar Festival.

The organising committee said the competition aims to familiarise children with the Qatari marine life and strengthen their bond with the traditions of their fathers and forefathers.

Meanwhile, the Hadaq for adults concluded at the Katara beach on Saturday with a grand ceremony (Ghaffal), attracting a huge crowd.

Katara – the Cultural Village general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti led the awarding of prizes to the winners.

The first prize went to the team Al Falah, led by Mohammed Abdullah al-Khulaifi, with the largest fish catch weighing 258.4kg. Team Al Qassar, led by Hassan Khalf al-Kubaisi, bagged the second prize with 196.8kg of fish while the third prize went to Sharao team, led by Ahmed Abdul Rahman al-Darwish with184.8kg.

The team Haql Al Shamal won a special prize for catching the biggest fish weighing 15.5kg.

The first-prize winning team received QR400,000 cash prize while second and third placers received QR300,000 and QR200,000, respectively.

The traditional fishing competition started on Thursday last week when 64 teams, comprising a total of 832 people set sail on wooden boats, spending two days and two nights in the sea fishing from early morning until sunset.

Jihad al-Jaida, a member of the organising committee, said that the traditional fishing competition over the years has gained tremendous popularity, reflecting the traditional affinity of the people in Qatar with the sea.