Doha, September 20 (QNA) – The Organizing Committee of the 15th Al Galayel Traditional Hunting Championship 2026 has conducted the draw for participating teams, dividing 16 teams into four groups of four each to compete for the championship banner, scheduled to take place from Jan. 22 to Feb. 12, 2026.
The event will be held under the patronage of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara and supported by the Social and Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam).
Group One includes Al Rayyan, Suhail, Shaman, and Al Asilah. Group Two features Al Naksh, Al Sadd, Lajla’ah, and Dukhan. Group Three comprises Haloul, Al Sulaymi, Al Adeed, and Al Za’eem, while Group Four includes Al Husain, Al Jurayan, Al Shaqab, and Al Tofan.
Al Tahadi will serve as a reserve team if any main team is unable to participate.
In the finals, the group winners will compete for the championship banner and cash prizes totaling QR 1 million for first place, QR 700,000 for second, and QR 500,000 for third, reflecting the significant attention to this heritage championship and the importance of supporting participants while promoting the preservation of traditional sports.
The tournament has become one of the foremost heritage and sports events in the country, representing a unique model that combines authenticity with innovation, offering young people the opportunity to showcase their skills in traditional hunting within a competitive environment, Vice President of the Organizing Committee and CEO of the Al Galayel Championship, Mohamed bin Nahar Al Nuaimi, affirmed.
He noted that the event confirms the ongoing substantial support from Katara and the Daam Fund, reflecting a commitment to preserving Qatar’s cultural and sporting heritage.
Al Nuaimi added that the championship also sends an important message to future generations about the value of adhering to Qatar’s rich mores while ensuring comprehensive organization that improves year after year in line with participants’ and audiences’ aspirations.
The success of Al Galayel would not have been possible without the collaboration of various committees and supporting entities, as well as the diligent commitment of participating teams, he said, stressing that the event continues confidently toward greater excellence, remaining a shining mark in the record of Qatar’s heritage sports and a global platform for showcasing Qatari identity.
Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Championship, Ali Hamad Al Marri, said this edition comes in a distinctive form, evolving year after year with increasingly intense competition, reflecting the sharpshooter’s skill in practicing traditional hunting methods known in Qatari culture.
The rules of the championship remain fixed, with adherence to standard starting mechanisms ensuring a fair and organized competition, while incorporating minor adjustments to facilitate smooth launches and maintain orderly proceedings, Al Marri highlighted.
He also noted that the passion of Qataris for hunting has made Al Galayel a prominent symbol in national culture and a model for preserving and enhancing heritage.
Assistant Executive Director and Head of Logistics for the Al Galayel Championship, Ahmed Ali Al Ali Al Maadeed, affirmed that all preparations will be completed well ahead of the tournament, noting that this diligence reflects the seriousness of the organization and its commitment to the event’s success.
Mubarak Rashid Al Hajri, field judging officer of the Al Galayel Championship, pointed out that the draw represents the official launch of the championship into the competitive atmosphere, noting that his responsibilities include monitoring all teams on the field, overseeing the performance of referees assigned to each team, and ensuring strict and transparent enforcement of all rules and regulations.
Al Hajri explained that each team will have a dedicated referee following them from start to finish, responsible for recording points and observing all competition details, while he supervises full compliance with regulations.
Head of the Financial, Administrative, Public Relations, and Media Committee of the Al Galayel Championship, Rashid Haseen Al Ameri, stated that attention to the organizational, administrative, and financial aspects of the championship is of paramount importance alongside technical matters, stressing the committee’s commitment to providing all necessary amenities for participants, both in terms of logistical support and administrative and technical arrangements. (QNA)
