By Sarah Saad
The Arab Military Equestrian Championship, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, brought together equestrian teams from 11 Arab nations, namely Egypt, Libya, Qatar, Algeria, Kuwait, Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE, from April 24 to April 27.
The venue for this historic event was the state-of-the-art Equestrian Club in Egypt Olympic Games City, one section of the New Administrative Capital (NAC).
The opening day of the championship witnessed exhilarating competition in the team show jumping category, featuring nine Arab countries.
The Egyptian team emerged victorious, followed by Qatar and Syria in second and third places respectively.
The championship also included the highly anticipated international peg-picking (javelin) competition. Held at individual, double, and team levels, the event saw fierce rivalry amongst the 30 participants representing six Arab nations.
Egypt secured the top spot in the individual category with a score of 41.5 points.
Jordan and Iraq trailed closely behind, achieving 41 and 40 points respectively.
The team competition yielded a different outcome, with Jordan clinching first place (142 points), followed by Egypt (140 points) and Saudi Arabia (32 points) in second and third places respectively.
The championship’s organisation and facilities received widespread appreciation from the participating Arab delegations.
Mohamed El-Sherbiny, chairman of the Judging Committee, lauded the exceptional infrastructure of the Equestrian Club, highlighting its expansive stadiums and cutting-edge equipment.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, he said, is the first president to attend the equestrian championship in Egypt.
He expressed appreciation for President Sisi’s support for various sports in Egypt.
This, he said, would improve the classification and capabilities of Egyptian sports teams, whether in equestrian sports or in other tournaments.
“These capabilities position Egypt to host prestigious events, including Olympic and world tournaments in the future”, El-Sherbini told the Egyptian Mail.
Hamza Osama Amin, a young Egyptian equestrian representing the Armed Forces Equestrian Club, secured a well-deserved first place in one of the junior championships held alongside the main event.
He said he could not imagine that Egypt would one day include equestrian clubs at the highest level, such as the Equestrian Club in the New Administrative Capital.
“It is on a par with the largest equestrian clubs in the world” Hamza told this newspaper.
He expressed admiration of what he described as the ‘magnificent’ Equestrian Club.
“I have a fervent desire, to keep representing Egypt on the global stage.
He said he aspires to participate in the 2026 Equestrian Games Championship in Germany.
The Arab Military Equestrian Championship continued with the international championship for team peg-picking.
The Egyptian Equestrian Federation (EEF) highlighted several positive developments for equestrian sports in Egypt during a press conference.
EEF President Ismail Shaker announced a young rider reached the Equestrian World Cup final last week, and an Egyptian jockey will compete in the Paris Olympics.
The EEF agreed with the Arab Equestrian Federation to hold a tournament in October 2024.
Collaboration with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is ongoing, with preparations underway for the 2026 World Equestrian Championship in Germany.
Shaker commended the government’s support for equestrian sports, particularly President
Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s patronage of the inaugural Arab Military Equestrian Championship. He also lauded the state-of-the-art Equestrian Club in Egypt Olympic City.
Brigadier General Youssef Dasmal Al-Kuwari, President of the Arab Military Sports Federation, expressed gratitude to President Sisi for his sponsorship of the championship and commitment to human development in equestrian sports, as well as broader sporting initiatives.
He highlighted the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange and enhancing experience for riders, organisers, and referees across local, Arab, and international levels.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Issa Al-Fayrouz, President of the International Peeg Pickling Federation (presumably a placeholder for another equestrian organisation), acknowledged President Sisi’s dedication to hosting significant sporting events in the region. He expressed confidence in the tournament’s success due to the exceptional facilities at Egypt’s Olympic Games City.
Once again, the Egyptian team reigned supreme, scoring 131 points, followed by Jordan (122.5 points) and Iraq (102 points) in second and third places respectively.
The individual sword competition saw Osama Liwaa from Iraq claiming the top honour with 42 points.
Egyptian riders Ahmed Bakr and Rani Hamlet Al-Khawas secured second and third places respectively, scoring 37.5 and 36 points each.
Representatives from Arab nations participating in the tournament commended Egypt’s exceptional efforts in hosting the event.
They highlighted the tournament’s embodiment of the spirit of “brotherhood through sports” and expressed appreciation for the organisation and hospitality they received.
The championship concluded successfully, solidifying its position as a significant event fostering camaraderie and competition within the Arab world, while showcasing Egypt’s exceptional equestrian talent and world-class sporting infrastructure.
