KUWAIT CITY, Feb 2, (Agencies): The 22nd edition of the Kuwait International Camel Racing Championship is set to commence tomorrow, attracting widespread participation from camel owners across Kuwait and several Gulf and Arab nations.

The prestigious event, featuring 82 races, will be held over over six days at the Martyr Fahd Al-Ahmad Track, the venue affiliated with the Kuwaiti Camel Racing Club.

The inaugural day will showcase 21 rounds, comprising 17 in the morning and four main rounds in the evening, coinciding with the official tournament opening. Racing enthusiasts can anticipate a week of sequential races, culminating next Thursday with the highly anticipated Golden Sword competition.

Rabih Al-Ajmi, Secretary of the Kuwaiti Camel Racing Club and tournament director, expressed said today in a press statement that the championship has evolved into a crucial gathering for enthusiasts of this traditional Arab sport from the Gulf and Arab countries. With its esteemed reputation established over the past 21 editions, the tournament has become a key platform for camel racing aficionados.

Al-Ajmi highlighted the organizing committee's completion of preparations, emphasizing the demand from camel owners to register for the races, indicating the anticipation of intense and competitive races. Valuable cash prizes, along with cups, symbols, and gold and silver encrusted swords and daggers, have been allocated for the race winners, showcasing the committee's commitment to recognizing excellence in camel racing.

A distinctive feature of this year's championship is the allocation of 22 rounds specifically for camels belonging to highnesses, sheikhs, and princes, while the remaining rounds are designated for citizens. Additionally, the committee has assigned certain rounds to camels from the country's local production, aiming to support and encourage Kuwaiti owners in camel breeding.

Al-Ajmi predicted that the championship races would be marked by intense competition and excitement, attributing this to the participation of the finest camels from the Gulf region, renowned as the best in the world. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Public Authority for Sports, acknowledging its role in preserving the heritage of camel racing in the Arab region. The tournament director also commended the efforts of the committees and volunteers, underscoring their significant contributions to the distinguished preparation for the event.