Amidst high competitiveness and a significant rise in performance and rivalry, the qualifying rounds of the 19th edition of the camel racing championship, organized by Fazza's Championships Management in the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage Revival, concluded yesterday at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The two-day qualifiers saw the top finishers in 16 races for amateurs, owners, and professionals advance, bringing the total number of finalists to 42 jockeys who will compete for the titles at the championship's finale on April 12th. The qualifiers saw wide participation from various emirates of the country, along with a notable Gulf presence, reflecting the championship's status as one of the premier camel racing events in the region and affirming its ability to attract elite participants in a well-organized competitive environment. High Readiness Meanwhile, Rashid Harib Al-Shaklouni, Director of Fazza's Championships Management at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage Revival, confirmed that the numbers recorded during the qualifiers, in terms of both the number of participants and the strength of the results, reflect the high level of readiness among the competitors. He noted that these indicators heighten expectations for intense competition in the final stages of the championship. He stated that the camel racing championship has firmly established itself as one of the strongest events of its kind in the region, thanks to its comprehensive organization and advanced technical standards. He pointed out that the close results seen in the qualifiers reflect a clear development in the level of preparation and training. Al-Shaklouni expressed his delight at the significant Gulf participation, praising the brothers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the competitive and technical value they added to the championship. He considered this interaction a reflection of the deep-rooted connection to this traditional sport and an enhancement of the championship's role as a platform that unites the people of the region in a spirit of brotherly competition. He explained that Fazza's Championships Management is committed to continuously developing this event by providing a state-of-the-art organizational environment that meets the participants' aspirations and contributes to preserving this sporting legacy and promoting it among future generations. An Annual Opportunity On his part, Hamad Al-Shamisi, one of the qualifiers, expressed his happiness at advancing to the finals. He confirmed that the camel racing championship represents a vital platform for enthusiasts of this traditional sport, offering a high level of competition and organization that reflects its standing at the national and regional levels. He said that the championship is not just about competition but also serves as an annual opportunity that participants look forward to for meeting and exchanging experiences. He noted that this atmosphere fosters technical development and gives participants a chance to learn from each other's experiences. Al-Shamisi welcomed the Gulf participation, stating that the presence of brothers from GCC countries adds a significant dimension to the competitions and reflects the depth of ties that bind the people of the region through this traditional sport, which is an integral part of their shared identity.
