SALALAH: Sami bin Ali al Hadadi of Faris Oman Equestrian Centre claimed the overall title at the Dhofar Horseback Archery Championship, which concluded at the Al Haffa Beach Equestrian Arena in Dhofar Governorate after two days of competition as part of the equestrian programme accompanying the 2026 Khareef Dhofar Season.
The championship brought together 15 riders and featured two distinct disciplines. The opening day was dedicated to the Plate Course, while the second day saw riders compete in the Sequential Course, with both events producing intense competition and high levels of skill.
The equestrian activities held during Khareef Dhofar 2026 are being organised in cooperation with the Dhofar Equestrian Committee, with support from the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, Dhofar Municipality and the Festival Department at Dhofar Municipality.
In the Plate Course on the opening day, Basil bin Rabie al Hinai of Al Sharaf Equestrian Centre secured first place. Mahmoud bin Sulaiman al Shiryani of Faris Oman Equestrian Centre finished second, while Sami bin Ali al Hadadi, also representing Faris Oman, took third place.
The competition continued on the second day with the Sequential Course, where al Hadadi produced another strong performance to take first place. Ahmed bin Nasser al Sawafi of Al Saad Stud finished runner-up, while Ali bin Khamis al Balushi of Faris Oman Armoured took third.
Al Hadadi's consistent performances across both disciplines earned him the overall championship title. Al Sawafi secured second place in the overall standings, while Al Shiryani finished third.
Speaking after the conclusion of the championship, Mohammed bin Hamid al Marhoon, Chairman of the Dhofar Equestrian Committee, expressed his appreciation to the Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation for organising the horseback archery championship, which was held at Al Haffa Beach for the first time.
Al Marhoon said the event was a notable success, highlighting the strong public turnout and the high level of competition among the participating riders.
"The championship witnessed a remarkable level of success, reflected in the large attendance and the strong competition among the riders, who delivered high-quality performances," Al Marhoon said. "We would also like to thank the Office of the Governor of Dhofar and Dhofar Municipality for their contribution and support in ensuring the success of this championship."
Overall champion Al Hadadi said he had prepared thoroughly for the event through an intensive training programme in the lead-up to the competition.
"Thank God, I prepared well for this championship through intensive training over the past period," Al Hadadi said. "I was able to win the Sequential Course, finish third in the Plate Course and ultimately claim first place in the overall standings."
He added that the strong competition among the riders made the achievement particularly valuable.
"The competition was very strong throughout the championship, which made winning the overall title especially meaningful to me," Al Hadadi said. "I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who supported and encouraged me in achieving this accomplishment."
The championship forms part of the wider equestrian programme accompanying Khareef Dhofar 2026, contributing to the promotion of equestrian sports and providing riders with opportunities to compete in a distinctive sporting environment at one of Dhofar's prominent coastal venues.
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