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Tribune News Network
Doha
Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al Thani and Bassem Hassan Mohammed have both qualified for the 2017 World Show Jumping Cup to begin in the United States from March 27 to April 2, after securing first and second places at the conclusion of the Arab League qualifying rounds.
KSA rider Abdulrahman al Rajhi was third (85 points) and will join Sheikh Ali (104 ponits) and Bassem (90 points) in the World Cup Finals. This is the first time in equestrian that Qatar will be represented by two riders in the World Cup for show jumping.
This feat was achieved at the last four fiercely contested qualifying rounds of the Arab League, held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharja and Al Ain where both riders gained maximum points.
It is another bright spot in a long list of outstanding achievements by Qatar riders over the recent years at International level. Last year in the Rio Olympic Games, Sheikh Ali narrowly missed out on a medal.
QEF President Hamad Abdulrahman al Attiya dedicated the feat of the two riders to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the Father Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee. He said without the support and attention that Qatar riders receive, these achievements would be hard to secure.
"We have achieved our target and for the first time, Qatar will have two riders in the finals. This is really a proud moment for us," Attiya said.
The QEF head said that all the horses are safe and in good health despite the numerous qualifying rounds in different countries.
Speaking about the forthcoming qualifying round for the Nation's Cup Finals, the QEF boss said,"Another challenge awaits our riders in Al Ain in the UAE to qualify for the finals in Barcelona. We anticipate a successful qualification based on the fine form and confidence our riders are currently enjoying and raising the colours of Qatar very high."
