Qatar- Al Shaqab to host LGCT and GCL 2021 season opener

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, will once again host the opening competition of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and Global Champions League (GCL) team series.
The latest edition of the world's premier five-star showjumping competition will bring together the  best riders and horses in their quest for individual and team glory from March 4-6, 2021, under the stunning and iconic architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, setting the scene for an electrifying weekend of equestrian sport.
There will be 16 events worldwide on the LGCT and GCL calendar next year, starting with the championship season opener in Doha, and finishing with the Finals in New York, in September, before the ultimate showdown at the Global Champions Prague Playoffs in November.
The kick-off event in Doha will see the maiden LGCT Grand Prix of the year, where riders will look to be the first to book their Golden Ticket to the Prague Playoffs. The GCL teams will go into battle over two rounds, armed with new strategies to take them to victory in 2021.
Khalifa al-Attiya, Executive Director, Al Shaqab, said: 'Since 2013, Al Shaqab has been a proud host of the Longines Global Champions Tour. The Arab world has a very rich equestrian heritage and, through events such as this, Al Shaqab preserves and perpetuates an important aspect of Qatari tradition and culture. Al Shaqab's hosting of such an internationally renowned championship bears testament to Qatar's position as a global sporting destination.
'The Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will provide the perfect backdrop for the world's leading equestrian athletes and horses to kick off what promises to be a thrilling championship, as they compete for one of the most coveted titles in the world of showjumping.
Jan Tops, President of LGCT and GCL, said: 'We are pleased to announce our dates for 2021 and look forward to a new season with confidence and excitement, but also with humility. I know all our stakeholders and especially our loyal fans are looking forward to a fresh start with a new season after such a difficult year for everyone due to the global pandemic.
'We are working closely with our host cities and organising partners to deliver a welcome return to top-level showjumping with robust health and safety protocols. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support including our sponsors and team owners.
In view of the current Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Public Health's precautionary measures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, equestrian fans, and all who are involved with the event.
Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab's vision was to build on Qatar's Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global centre for equine professionals, while providing an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not only meant preserving, improving, and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but also encouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport. 
Today, Al Shaqab's impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square metres. With a state-of-the-art Main Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar's growing reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level.

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