Akhal-Teke horses set for global showcase

Doha, Qatar: The Netherlands will take centre stage from September 4 to 6, as the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg hosts the World Beauty Championship And Equestrian Sports Competition among the Heavenly Akhal-Teke Horses, bringing together horse enthusiasts, breeders, scientists, artists and guests from around the world to celebrate one of the world’s most distinctive and prized horse breeds.

Known as one of the oldest and most elegant horse breeds in the world, the Akhal-Teke horse is celebrated for its extraordinary beauty, endurance, intelligence and historical significance. Often referred to as the ‘Heavenly Horse’, the breed represents centuries of Turkmen equestrian tradition and remains a treasured symbol of national heritage. ipl-today.in

The event will begin on September 4 with the first stages of the World Beauty Championship, where young horses and mares aged one to four years will compete before an international jury of experts.

The day will also feature an exciting dressage competition, demonstrating the grace, discipline and athleticism for which the breed is renowned.

الأخبارZverev holds off Shelton to win US Open titleNew York, USA: Alexander Zverev held off Ben Shelton to win the US Open on Sunday, capturing the second Grand Slam of his career just months after winning the French Open. The t...فتح →

At the same time, academics, breeders and equestrian specialists will convene in Venray for the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 'Akhal-Teke Horse: The Turkmen Art of World-Class Horse Breeding,' highlighting the historical, cultural and scientific dimensions of Akhal-Teke breeding.

The highlight of the championship will take place on September 5.

High-level guests will attend the open conference of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a special exhibition dedicated to Turkmen equestrian art, culture, artistic creativity and the European horse industry.

The excitement will continue with the beauty competition for adult horses, followed by the selection of the World Champion Akhal-Teke Horse among the winners of all categories.

Another crowd favourite, the Best Decorated Horse Competition, will showcase the artistry and traditions associated with the breed.

During the afternoon, spectators will enjoy a thrilling show-jumping competition demonstrating the remarkable versatility and sporting abilities of the Akhal-Teke horse.

The championship celebrations will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony on September 6 with cultural performances.

The Akhal-Teke horse breed originated in the territory of present-day Turkmenistan and is known for its tall stature, intelligence, agility, strength and glossy coat.

Its distinctive, shimmering coat has earned it the nickname ‘Golden Horse’.

Today, the Akhal-Teke is considered one of the fastest horse breeds in the world, alongside the English Thoroughbred. Its origins are believed to date back approximately 3,000 years. The Akhal-Teke is also considered a rare breed, with fewer than 7,000 horses worldwide.

Some researchers consider the breed one of the oldest in the world, while the modern name ‘Akhal-Teke’ emerged in 1881, combining the name of the Teke Turkmen tribe with that of the Akhal oasis.

The art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and the traditions of horse decoration were officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023.

The World Beauty Championship and Equestrian Sports Competition among the Heavenly Akhal-Teke Horses is far more than an international sporting event. It is a celebration of a living heritage that connects history, culture, art, science and the timeless bond between humans and horses.

وقّعت مؤسسة دوري نجوم قطر ومركز رعاية الأيتام «دريمة» اتفاقية رعاية مجتمعية لمبادرة «رحلة بناء وتمكين» التي ينفذها المركز. وتأتي هذه الرعاية ضمن برامج المسؤولية المجتمعية للمؤسسة، وحرصها على التعاون مع الجهات الوطنية المتخصصة ودعم المبادرات المجتمعية ذات الأثر الإيجابي والمستدام، بما يعزز دور كرة القدم كمنصة مؤثرة للتواصل وخدمة المجتمع. وبهذه المناسبة، قال السيد ناصر مبارك الكواري، مدير الفعاليات وعلاقات المجتمع في مؤسسة دوري نجوم قطر: «نعتز بالتعاون مع مركز دريمة من خلال رعاية مبادرة «رحلة بناء وتمكين».

Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo believes this year is “probably” his last as a professional footballer, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar said in an interview with Vogue magazine published yesterday.

Ronaldo, who has established his place among football’s all-time greats with more than 950 goals for club and country, had previously spoken of retiring “soon” or within “one or two years”.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he told Vogue, saying his future after football was “all mapped out”.

“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard,” he said, listing travel and padel among his favourite activities.

“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” said the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward.

Ronaldo married his longstanding partner Georgina Rodriguez in an intimate ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais on Tuesday.

He told Vogue he wanted to “continue to enjoy what I’ve earned -- what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice”, referring to his glittering career.

After leading Portugal to the last 16 of his last World Cup this summer, Ronaldo is due to link up with his club Al Nassr for the new Saudi Pro League season.

New Delhi: The Qatar U18 basketball team lost 66-118 to China in their second Group C match at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, currently being held in India through August 23.

The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups.

China dominated throughout the game, winning all four quarters 32-11, 32-20, 30-14 and 24-21.

Despite the wide margin, Qatar captain Abdullah Yassin Moussa was the game’s top scorer with 22 points, while Xuan Hao led China with 18 points.

In the other Group C match, Iran defeated Sri Lanka 110-42 to secure their second consecutive group-stage victory.

China and Iran now top Group C with four points each, while Qatar and Sri Lanka occupy third and fourth place, respectively, with two points apiece.

Despite suffering their second defeat and sitting third in the group, Qatar remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage. The team must beat Sri Lanka in their final group match on Tuesday to keep their hopes of advancing alive and secure at least second place in the group.

The Qatar-Sri Lanka match carries significant importance under the tournament format. The group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the teams finishing second and third compete in qualification games for the quarterfinals on August 20. The second-placed team in Group C will face the third-placed team in Group D, while the third-placed team in Group C will meet the second-placed team in Group D.

Tuesday’s final Group C match between China and Iran will also determine the group winner, who will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the runner-up will enter the qualification round.

The 16 participating teams are divided into four groups of four, with the preliminary round being played in a single round-robin format from August 13 to 18. The group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the second - and third - placed teams compete in the qualification round on August 20.

The quarterfinals are scheduled for August 21, followed by the semifinals on August 22 and the final on August 23.

Beyond the Asian title, the tournament also serves as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, scheduled to be held in Pardubice, Czech Republic, from June 26 to July 4, 2027. The four teams reaching the semifinals will earn qualification spots for the World Cup.