The upcoming weeks will see thrilling sports action across the country as Qatar is gearing up to stage many high-profile competitions which are part of its annual sports calendar. From pulsating horse racing events to prestigious tennis and pedal tournaments, fans will be in for a treat during the month when Qatar marks the National Sport Day (NSD).
One of the eagerly-awaited events on country’s sports calendar, H H The Amir Sword Festival featuring sensational horse racing and showjumping competitions will get underway on February 16. The mega equestrian Festival is expected to be the best-ever edition as Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) announced unprecedented prize money for races to take place at the Al Rayyan Racecourse. The total prize money has been increased by more than a double to nearly $10,000,000 is the highest ever in the history of the Festival.
Preparations are also on track for the prestigious showjumping event – the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines. Now in its 10th year, the event will again be the signature annual event at Doha’s world-famous Al Shaqab equestrian center from February 23 to 25.
Meanwhile, Doha’s Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex will soon become the centre of attraction as the internationally-renowned venue will host the prestigious tennis and padel tournaments, which will see the best players in action. The high-profile action in Doha will kick off with the Qatar TotalEnergies Open – a WTA 500 event – scheduled to be held from February 13 to 18. Nine out of the world’s top ten players including World No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek, recently-crowned Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur – the highest-ranked African and Arab tennis player in history – set to feature in the tournament.
Just after a day’s break, elite players on ATP circuit will begin their quest for glory at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open that will take place from February 20 to 26. The eagerly-awaited tournament will be followed by the Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel set to take place from February 26 to March 5. The event will serve as Premier Padel’s inaugural event of the 2023 season.
The QNB Stars League (QSL) – country’s top flight has also entered a crucial stage and the upcoming weeks is expected to see scintillating battle for the coveted Falcon Shield among the leading teams including Al Duhail, Al Arabi, Al Wakrah and defending champions Al Sadd. The high-profile action in a month when Qatar marks the National Sport Day with a flurry of activities is icing on the cake for country’s celebration of sports.
