The Police Sports Federation launched its international show jumping championship on a Thursday at the union’s racetrack in Sabhan, drawing an array of riders representing Kuwait alongside competitors from several Arab, Gulf and European countries. Brigadier General Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, president of the federation, attended the opening rounds that featured intense competition and a large crowd filling the stands from morning until the final events. The championship included an accompanying aerial display by the Ministry of Interior parachuting team that drew applause and heightened the festive atmosphere. According to a statement from the federation, the opening day reflected the high organizational standards that have earned the event regional and international recognition.
Equestrian activities at the Police Sports Federation facility have accelerated in recent months, encompassing the local Equestrian League, dressage championships and the World Dressage Challenge conducted under the auspices of the International Equestrian Federation. A cooperation protocol signed with the Kuwait Equestrian Federation allows the Police Sports facilities to host tournaments, training camps and related events, contributing to the overall advancement of the sport in Kuwait. Kuwait Equestrian Federation president Masoud Juhair Hayat praised the arrangement for unifying efforts and expanding the base of participants, consistent with national goals for athletic development.
Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Yousef Al-Sabah expressed appreciation to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah for sustained support of the sports sector and for ensuring resources reach athletic programs across the country. In an announcement on its newsroom, the federation described the championship as part of a broader push to elevate Kuwaiti riders through access to top-tier venues and competitive opportunities. The event also hosted the final of the local show jumping league, underscoring the close partnership between the two federations.
Subsequent rounds maintained high performance levels across beginner, intermediate and senior categories with heights reaching 145 centimetres in the grand prize. Rider Abdullah Al-Awadhi secured the title with a faultless round timed at 43.47 seconds, followed by several Kuwaiti and international contenders who pushed the competition throughout the three-day program. Deputy Minister of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Ahmed Al-Wuhaib, Kuwait Olympic Committee president Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and other officials attended the closing ceremony where trophies were awarded.
The championship built upon earlier local events at the same venue and served as preparation for additional high-profile tournaments scheduled later in the season. Figures from the Kuwait Equestrian Federation indicate steady growth in both local registrations and international engagements over the past two years, driven by improved infrastructure and collaborative frameworks. All facilities at the Sabhan site remain available for ongoing training and future competitions as the new season progresses.
