The President of Qatar and Asian Equestrian Federations, Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, QEF’s Secretary-General, Bader Al Darwish, participating riders, coaches and AEF officials pose for a photograph during the AEF U-21 Dressage Championship Finals a
Doha: Qatar’s Maryam Al Boinin got off to a perfect start by topping the scoresheets as the Asian Equestrian Federation (AEF) U-21 Dressage Championship Finals kicked off in Al Rayyan yesterday.
At the Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) Indoor Arena, Al Boinin scored an average of 64.583% from three rounds. Al Boinin scored 65.714, 64.464 and 63.571 in the three rounds respectively.
Winner of the zonal qualifier in Indonesia, Rosad Febrisamina was at the second spot, with an average score of 62.560.
In the third and fourth places were Indian riders Sudipti Hajela and Raunaq Anand who scored 61.786 and 59.821 respectively.
Top ranked Al Boinin’s compatriots Jassim Mohammad Al Kuwari (55.595) and Sauod Al Boinin (53.810) were occupying the 12th and 14th position at the end of the opening day’s action.
Today, the last day of the competition, will see the young riders from eight countries vying for honours in the second round. Riders, divided into two groups, will compete on the horses provided by the organisers, in two rounds at the same venue, from 9:00am.
The young riders gained entry to the Doha Finals following outstanding performances at the zonal qualifiers, which took place in several Asian countries last year.
Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, QEF and Asian Equestrian Federation President, along with Bader Al Darwish, QEF’s Secretary-General were among the top officials who witness the young riders in action yesterday.
Al Attiyah, who presented mementos to the participating referees after yesterday’s competition, stressed the importance of the continental championship.
“This is an important step to encourage the young riders of Asian region. The Doha Round is the final of several rounds held throughout the season as part of a comprehensive championship. As officials of Asian sports, we must encourage the riders to participate and compete for titles,” the AEF and QEF President said.
“We saw on the first day of the tournament that all the participants were delighted to compete in Doha. We have hosted many world class events, therefore, everyone was certain that the tournament would be organised with excellence. That shows their confidence in our leadership within the Asian Federation, with the great support of the Qatar Olympic Committee under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani,” Al Attiyah said.
