Qatar, over the last two decades, has built up its reputation as the world’s sports capital. Right from the 2006 Doha Asian Games to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it has hosted a wide spectrum of big and small, regional and international, sporting events.
The country is set to add another feather to its organisational cap on Tuesday when the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 kicks off at the Fuwairit Kite Beach.
The event, which is free to watch for spectators, will see some of the world’s best kitesurfers, including men’s world No.1 Gianmaria Coccoluto and women’s No.1 Mikaili Sol, take part.
The kitesurfers are expected to put up an exhilarating display of freestyle kiting, which will focus on big air tricks, loops and jumps. The competition will run until February 4.
#VisitQatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 to be held at Fuwairit Kite Beach!
The #VisitQatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 will launch this year’s @qatarairways GKA Kite World Tour at Fuwairit Kite Beach, from 31 January to 4 February 2023. #Qatar #QatarTourism pic.twitter.com/6Zq7lATpvz
Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker was thrilled with the competition’s imminent start.
“As the Official Tourism Partner of the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) Kite World Tour, we welcome athletes and fans to enjoy an incredible event held at a state-of-the-art facility. We’re thrilled that the kitesurfing competition is coming to Qatar, following the huge success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar is quickly becoming a key destination for sports travel. This incredible event will only continue to build on that momentum,” he said.
Last year, Qatar Tourism had become GKA’s Official Tourism Partner for three years, with Qatar Airways becoming the GKA Kite World Tour’s Title Partner and Official Airline.
Fuwairit Kite Beach is one of Qatar’s most exciting new attractions and an upcoming global kitesurfing hotspot. The resort, which opened to guests last October, sits on white sands beside a shallow enclosed lagoon.
In addition to the current event, the facility will also host elite kitesurfers during the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Finals 2023, set to be held later this year.
GKA Kite World Tour CEO Dr Jorgen Vogt, said, “The GKA Kite World Tour crew are thrilled to open the 2023 season with a super competitive Freestyle event at the Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort. Kiteboarding fans worldwide will once again see and experience the improving landscape for world-class kiteboarding competition that our partnership with Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism continue to deliver.”
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