Some 14 out of 131 entrants have qualified to compete for “Qatar’s Strongest Man” on Friday at Aspire Zone.
“The growing popularity of the competition has generated a lot of interest from participants looking for a chance to show off their skills and strength. We are excited to see these ranks grow,” Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) events manager Abdullah al-Khater said.
Al-Khater noted that they will create two divisions within the tournament: one for Qataris and one for expatriates and GCC visitors who wish to participate and showcase their strength and endurance.
In preparation for the fourth edition of the competition, AZF will hold a technical meeting today to brief participants on the rules and regulations of the competition and explain the point-system ranking.
Qatar’s Strongest Man enables participants to come face-to-face in a number of challenges, including truck pulling, dead-lifting, lifting sand bags, flipping giant tyres, heavy weight and car lifting.
Winners are decided based on a points-system with points awarded based on the speed and weight with which participants complete each challenge.
This year’s competition welcomes back defending champion Fahad al-Haddad (Qatar) and the 2014 winner Christopher Oketch (Kenya).
Second-time participant from Kenya, Ishak Cibola, said: “I have been impressed with the level of competition this year, which has become significantly more challenging.”
“I have even switched up my training routine to stay ahead of my fellow participants, training five days a week and focusing on dead-lifts to improve my strength,” he added.
The competition welcomes members of the community who will visit and cheer for their favourite competitor at designated areas at Aspire Park, opposite the outdoor pitches from 3pm to 8.30pm.
AZF set up corresponding spectator events to make the day fun and entertaining for the entire family such as You.fo training and performances, kids’ activities and food stalls.
The competition is part of a year-round series of events hosted by AZF designed to promote sports activities and encourage healthy lifestyles among community members within competitive and professional settings.
