Doha, January 03 (QNA) - The organizing committee of the 17th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) unveiled the names of the winners in the Promising Falconer Championship.

This championship was designated for the 6-15 age group and took the form of a Da'wa competition over 200 meters, conducted based on specific technical conditions governing the falcon, whereby its measurement must not exceed 15 inches, comprising Kubuj, Qarmousha, and Wakri.

Imran Nasser Al Qubaisi clinched first place, followed by Abdullah Umair Al Nuaimi in second place, and Majid Mohammed Al Qahtani in third place, while Saleh Mohammed Jassim Sultan came in fourth, with Mohammed Salem Mohammed Jarallah Al Nabti rounding out the standings in fifth place.

In the Tab'a and Shawayhina category, Ali Mohammed Mohsen Al Marri secured first place, followed by Ali Mohammed Ali Al Asiri, Amer Abdullah bin Diya Al Kaabi, Saeed Abdullah Saeed Obaid, and Ali Jarallah Al Ghayathin, respectively.

Chairman of the Committees and Official Spokesperson of the Marmi Festival, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Ali, said Marmi 2026 places special emphasis on young people by introducing and advancing the Promising Falconer rounds, aiming to inculcate a passion for falconry and preserve this legacy among younger generations.

This category has included the youngest participants who incrementally moved from little falconers to promising ones, within a clear-eyed vision pursued by the festival over the past six years to strengthen falconry skills for new generations, Al Ali highlighted.

Al Ali further noted that the committee dedicated competitions tailored to this category's capabilities, with reduced Da'w distances of around 200 meters to ensure safety and encourage participation, pointing out that a number of former youth participants are now competing alongside professionals in various festival rounds.

Meanwhile, Al Talaa Championship qualifiers for Groups Five to Ten were held Saturday, resulting in the qualification of Faisal Jaber Al Buraidi, Abdulhadi Obaid Al Mehran Al Marri, Abdulhadi Jaber Abdulhadi Jaber Hussein, and Team Barzan.

Qatar News Agency (QNA) reached out to Vice Chairman of the Al Talaa Committee at the Marmi Festival, Rashdan Obaid Al Rashdan, who affirmed that the second day of qualifiers featured a high profile of competition and enthusiasm, reflecting the strong preparedness and readiness of the participating falcons.

Al Rashdan further clarified that the Al Talaa Championship is one of the most consequential tournaments, as it plays key roles in preserving the time-honored Qatari and Gulf falconry legacy, as the true practice of live hunting.

The tournament receives a record turnout at home and from various GCC states, in terms of onsite presence and through screens, Al Rashdan pointed out.

He emphasized that the atmosphere has significantly contributed to the competition's success, which seamlessly proceeded without hitches, as visibility was quite clear, without the existence of any weather factors to hamper hunting or falconers' performance.

A host of falconers spoke to QNA and applauded the role of this tournament in protecting this Qatari legacy and promoting the practice of falconry in nature. They clarified that participating in this championship requires special training for the falcons.

Falconer Abdulhadi Obaid Al Mehran affirmed that this is his first participation in this year's Al Talaa Championship, preparing three falcons alongside a new addition, all trained according to a program tailored for the competition, which reflects our heritage.

He noted previous achievements, including top rankings in past editions, and highlighted that the contest requires gradual training over long distances, up to 2 kilometers, to enhance the falcons' physical and visual fitness.

Jaber Hamad Hamdan of Team Barzan said the team is participating this year with 18 meticulously selected falcons across various Marmi competitions, emphasizing that the readiness of the champion falcon is key.

Team Barzan, he noted, has a record of previous successes in Al Talaa, reflecting continuity and dedication to preserving our heritage.

Falconer Mohammed Talib Halil of Team Al Shaqab confirmed full readiness for competition, fielding six falcons over several days of the championship.

He noted the team's historic achievements in Al Talaa, including first place in 2018 and second in 2020, expressing their aspiration to return to the podium this year.

Halil heaped praise on the Al Talaa field this season, alongside the efforts of the organizing committee, highlighting the continuous positive enhancements and attention to participants' feedback, which strengthen the championship's sustainability and competitive edge.

At Marmi 2026 today, the Arabian Saluki Race final concluded with Team Al Janoub taking first place, Jumaa Saad Al Buainain second, and Team Rawdat Al Hammam third.

Final qualifiers for the male category advanced Aman Majed Eid Jasim, Abdulrahman Ahmed Mubarak Al Sulaiti, Al Hasher Team (Salukis), Mansour Hassan Al Kuwari (Salukis), Jumaa Saad Al Buainain, Al Gharbi Team, Hassan Tareq Al Miftah, and Team Al Janoub.

For the female category, the finalists are Al Hasher Team (3 Salukis), Team Al Janoub (Salukis), Hamad Khalifa Saleh Al Kuwari, Al Taqawi Team (Salukis), Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Sulaiti, and Hassan Tareq Al Miftah.

On Sunday morning, Al Talaa qualifiers will continue for Groups 11 to 15, while the Haddad Challenge and Group Three competitions will take place in the evening. (QNA)