Qatar does not let politics affect sports, says official

Upon the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar welcomes all citizens of the GCC to the country’s sports events, highlighted the Vice-Chairman of the Camel Racing Organizing Committee, Abdullah Al Kuwari yesterday at a press conference.

Al Kuwari emphasized that Qatar does not mix sports with politics and GCC residents who wish to attend the events organized by the Committee are encouraged to do so, reported the Gulf Times.

The press conference was part of the annual camel racing festival for the sword of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Qatar doesn't mix sports with politics, says official https://t.co/ijNpmr0qsm pic.twitter.com/Qf3RV10sQy

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The Committee invites all guests and all brothers from the GCC states who are keen to take part in events held in Doha every year, reiterated Al Kuwari.

He further acknowledged Saudi citizen, Batshan Saleh Al Yammi who was the winner of the main event at the morning session of the festival.

One of the most popular and significant camel-racing events in the GCC, the annual festival was officially opened yesterday by the Committee and will last until March 13.

A total of 37 races took place on the first day and some 44 are planned for today, according to The Peninsula.

Camel racing is a popular sport among Qataris and other people in the GCC and is considered as a part of the Arabian region’s esteemed heritage. The Committee recognizes this and orchestrates the event to maintain the country’s link to its past.

Qatar has planned to build a new, world-class camel racing track, Al Kuwari revealed at the conclusion. He further praised the support and directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani for this innovative initiative.

Director of the organizing committee, Mubarak al-Nuaimi, shared his happiness at the strong start the festival this year. He noted that the Committee was keen to raise the prize money this year by holding several more races as compared to previous year’s edition.

Will you be going down to see the races at the festival? Let us know in the comments below!

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