Lebanese referee Badaro applauds Kuwait's equestrian development

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 18: The tenth edition of the "Atyab Al-Marshoud" International Two-Star Show Jumping Championship, an annual event organized by Walid Al-Marshoud at the Kuwait Equestrian Center in the Subhan area, will feature ongoing competitions today starting at two o'clock in the afternoon. The competitive events are scheduled to continue until tomorrow.

Heading the Kuwaiti International Referees Committee is Nadar Al-Mustafa, with referees Abdulaziz Al-Mashouti, Nada Al-Awadhi, and Walid Al-Jassem as committee members. Sharon Al-Qaoud leads the Kuwaiti International Arena referees, including Bahraini referees Muhammad Dadullah, Dr. Yahya Al-Hadban, and Ibtisam Al-Arouri, Italian Andrea Colombo, the tournament's course designer, and Lebanese international referee Karim Badaro, the representative of the International Equestrian Federation.

Karim Badaro, the Lebanese international referee and representative of the International Equestrian Federation, highlighted Kuwait's role as the host for three international tournaments in the two- and three-star categories. These tournaments include qualifying rounds for the World Championship.

Expressing his admiration for the development of Kuwaiti equestrianism, Badaro stated, "I have been closely following Kuwaiti equestrianism for years, and it has seen significant growth, hosting three international tournaments per season. The organizational standards have been improving from season to season, aiming to elevate the technical level of equestrianism, which has indeed materialized. Kuwaiti riders are making a mark internationally, and there is a noticeable enhancement in the performance of both local and international horses due to the participation of riders and horses from outside Kuwait in the championships."

Badaro emphasized that Kuwait's accomplishments in equestrianism are a result of the vision and planning by those in charge of Kuwaiti equestrianism in recent years. He disclosed that Kuwait will host two 3-star national championships in February, with qualifying points for the World Cup scheduled in Riyadh in April.

He also outlined the structure of the Arab League, dividing it into North African countries and Arab Gulf countries. A total of five cards are distributed, with two knights from North Africa and three from the Gulf region qualifying. Additionally, two invitation cards are extended to the host country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.