MORE than 250 birds of prey recently competed in the international round of the 11th edition of the Nasser Bin Hamad Falconry and Hunting Season falconry contest, being held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
The competition, organised by the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Mawrooth), was dominated by Saudi falconers, who made off with 14 trophies in total, including four first place finishes.
There was also some strong competition from participants flown in from the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar.
In the Gyr Shaheen Qarnas round, Kuwaiti falconer Ahmed Abdullah claimed first place, while Saudi falconer Humaid Al Mansouri finished second, followed by his compatriot Mohammed Al Hamdawi in third place.
The Gyr Shaheen Furokh round was won by UAE’s Nad Al Sheba Team. Saudi falconer Nasser Al Qahtani came second, while Abdulrahman Al Shumaisi of Saudi finished third.
The Shaheen Qarnas round saw complete Saudi dominance, with Humaid Al Mansouri taking first place, the Shaj’ah team finishing second, and Fahad Al Mansouri placing third.
Saudi competitors also swept the top three positions in the Hurr Qarnas round, where the Shaj’ah team claimed first place, Ahmed Al Mutairi finished second, and Sultan Al Mutairi took third.
In the Hurr Furokh round, Kuwaiti falconer Ahmed Al Quloub won first place, ahead of Qatari falconer Mohammed Al Henzab in second, while Qatari falconer Muhanna Al Dossari came third.
The Shaheen Furokh round also saw Saudi success, with Hamad Al Marri taking first place, followed by his compatriot Saeed Al Marri in second, and Qatari falconer Jassim Al Kuwari in third.
The competitions concluded with the Gyr Hybrid Qarnas round, which was again dominated by Saudi falconers. Omar Al Sufiani secured first place, Ali Al Mallakh finished second, and Dhafer Al Marri took third.
Nasser Bin Hamad Season for Falcons and Hunting president and Mawrooth board member and falconry committee chairman Mohammed Al Marri stated that broad participation from the GCC reflects the prestige that the competition enjoys at international level.
“The high technical standard and the number of entries, which included more than 250 falcons, highlight the success of the international rounds. We’re proud of the distinguished international presence and strong competition witnessed.
“The Nasser Bin Hamad Season for Falcons and Hunting has become an international meeting point for the exchange of expertise, the promotion of fair competition and the preservation of falconry as an authentic heritage that brings together the people of the region.
“Efforts will continue in order to develop the season and strengthen its presence.”
The GDN reported yesterday that a number of top diplomats visited the arena and watched the falconry competitions, including representatives from Italy, Russia, Germany, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the US, France and China. They were briefed on the rules and the high level of precision and skill needed by the competitors and their birds.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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