24th WMC Equestrian - Doha (QAT) - Summary News
DOHA (QAT) - The 24th World Military Equestrian Championship - Show Jumping commenced with an impressive opening ceremony at the Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab, Doha, Qatar. Organized by the Qatar Military Sports Federation under CISM's banner, the event embodies the slogan "Friendship through Sport." CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia joined officials, athletes, and guests in celebrating the camaraderie and excellence of this global military sports event.
Prestigious Venue and Participants
The championship, held in the Middle East for the first time, showcases Qatar’s unparalleled ability to host world-class competitions. Featuring riders from 15 countries, the event includes individual and team categories governed by a points system. It highlights Qatar’s reputation as a hub for international sports and diplomacy.
Opening Rounds: Highlights of Early Performances
The competition began with a 120/125 cm round, where Romania's Captain Norbert Schumann-Raducanu claimed victory. Qatar’s First Lieutenant Hamad Ali Al-Attiyah and Ecuador’s Captain Xavier Alejandro Mosquera Salgado secured second and third places, respectively. The second day featured an Accumulator round, with Sergeant Madian Said Hamed AlYusfi of Oman taking first place, followed by First Lieutenant Saeed Almaazmi of the UAE and Italy’s Primo Graduato Emanuele Addis.
Italy’s Dominance on the Final Day
The championship concluded with a thrilling final round on November 30. Italy’s OR4. App. Filippo Codecasa delivered an outstanding performance, earning 42 points in the final event and amassing 123 overall to secure individual gold. His teammate, OR4. Primo Graduato Emanuele Addis, claimed silver with 116 points, while Romania’s Captain Norbert Schumann-Raducanu took bronze with 104 points. Qatar’s Ali Al-Attiyah, a local favorite, achieved an admirable fourth place.
In the team competition, Italy triumphed with a combined score of 302 points, followed by Brazil with 273 points and Qatar with 255 points, earning bronze and delighting the home crowd.
Closing Ceremony and Legacy
The event concluded with a prestigious closing ceremony attended by CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho and His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs. Medals were awarded to the victorious athletes, celebrating their dedication and talent.
The championship was lauded for its meticulous organization, exceptional hospitality, and the iconic Al Shaqab venue. Participants praised the quality of the course and the collaborative spirit, which fostered enduring friendships among riders.
Looking Ahead
The 24th World Military Equestrian Championship will be remembered as a milestone event that upheld CISM’s values of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence. The next chapter in military sports unfolds at the 53rd World Military Swimming Championship, scheduled for December 8-15, 2024, in Warendorf, Germany.
This championship not only celebrated outstanding equestrian talent but also strengthened bonds among nations, leaving a lasting legacy for military sports.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
