Winners celebrate on the podium with officials.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 5: Saudi Arabia’s national team rider, Abdulrahman Al Rajhi, claimed the title of Kuwait International Champion in Show Jumping, a World Cup-qualifying event, held on Saturday at the Kuwait Equestrian Center. The competition featured riders from Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Britain, and Italy.

In the 150 cm Grand Prix round, which serves as a qualifier for the World Cup, Al Rajhi secured first place with an impressive time of 54.1 seconds and no penalty points in the jump-off. Kuwaiti rider Ali Al Kharafi followed in second place with a time of 56.5 seconds, while Yara Al Hunaidi claimed third. Riders Abdullah Al Awadhi, Fawaz Rashid, and Hamad Al Hajri rounded out the top six positions.

The winners were honored by Masoud Jawhar Hayat, President of the Kuwait Equestrian Federation, alongside General Secretary Ghazi Al Jariwi, Jassim Al Kharafi, and Khalifa Al Kharafi.

Masoud Jawhar Hayat expressed his pride in Kuwait’s successful organization of its first international championship of the current sports season, emphasizing the fierce competition among participants aiming for the top spot. He extended his congratulations to all winners and highlighted that the season will include several significant international championships.

Secretary-General Ghazi Al Jariwi lauded the event as a landmark in the season, with multiple two-star and three-star international competitions on the calendar. He noted the large crowds at the Kuwait Equestrian Center throughout the event, reflecting the strength of the competition and the growing popularity of equestrian sports in Kuwait.

Al Jariwi reiterated the federation’s commitment to a clear strategy aimed at advancing equestrian sports and providing comprehensive support for its development.