Latest news with #KhalifaAlHamed
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Two UAE endurance riders make history in 1000 km 'Mongol Derby'
Two UAE endurance riders Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed and Issa Al Khiyari concluded their historic participation in the 'Mongol Derby' endurance race by tying for first place with American rider Michael Pollard and British rider Anna Boden. The world's greatest equine adventure race, covering a distance of 1,000 km, was held over eight days from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., making it the longest in the world for this distance. It began on August 4 and will culminate with the awards ceremony on Wednesday. Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed stated that reaching the finish line with his fellow rider Issa Al Khiyari was an achievement in itself, given the extremely challenging conditions and great obstacles. These included varied terrains, mountain passes, green valleys, rolling hills, plains, sand dunes, and riverbeds. He explained that they were determined to continue the race until the end to demonstrate the capabilities of Emiratis in facing challenges, and not to withdraw from such a difficult competition despite the circumstances during the race. Meanwhile, dozens of riders withdrew at various stages due to exhaustion and difficulties in handling the Mongolian horses, with the rest of the participants failing to reach the finish line after eight days. Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed revealed that the daunting challenge they faced was handling the unfamiliar Mongolian horses—unlike other races where the rider competes with their own horse. In addition, staying on horseback for about 12 hours a day made simply reaching the finish line a major accomplishment in their first-ever participation. The Mongol Derby is an equestrian endurance race and world's longest horse race. It extends 1,000 kilometres through the Mongolian Steppe.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
UAE riders make history in the Mongol Derby
The world's longest horse race Dubbed the world's greatest equine adventure, the Mongol Derby spans 1,000 kilometers across the rugged terrain of the Mongolian Steppe. Held from August 4 to August 11, the race ran daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. over eight consecutive days, testing the limits of both riders and horses. Overcoming harsh conditions Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed described the experience as a true test of endurance, facing mountain passes, valleys, sand dunes, plains, and riverbeds. Dozens of riders withdrew due to extreme exhaustion and difficulties handling unfamiliar Mongolian horses, which posed a unique challenge as participants could not ride their own horses. A triumph of Emirati determination Reaching the finish line alongside his compatriot, Al Hamed emphasized that completing the race was a major achievement for Emirati riders, especially in their first-ever participation. Riding for 12 hours daily, they persevered through physical and mental challenges to prove the strength and resilience of UAE endurance athletes. The Mongol Derby's global prestige Recognized as the world's longest horse race, the Mongol Derby traces the route of Genghis Khan's historic postal system across Mongolia. It is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious endurance events in equestrian sports.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Two UAE endurance riders make history in 1000 km Mongol Derby
11 Aug 2025 20:10 ULAANBAATAR (WAM)Two UAE endurance riders Sheikh Khalifa Al Hamed and Issa Al Khiyari concluded their historic participation in the Mongol Derby endurance race by tying for first place with American rider Michael Pollard and British rider Anna world's greatest equine adventure race, covering a distance of 1,000 km, was held over eight days from 7:00am to 7:00pm, making it the longest in the world for this distance. It began on August 4 and will culminate with the awards ceremony on Khalifa Al Hamed stated that reaching the finish line with his fellow rider Issa Al Khiyari was an achievement in itself, given the extremely challenging conditions and great obstacles. These included varied terrains, mountain passes, green valleys, rolling hills, plains, sand dunes, and explained that they were determined to continue the race until the end to demonstrate the capabilities of Emiratis in facing challenges, and not to withdraw from such a difficult competition despite the circumstances during the dozens of riders withdrew at various stages due to exhaustion and difficulties in handling the Mongolian horses, with the rest of the participants failing to reach the finish line after eight Khalifa Al Hamed revealed that the daunting challenge they faced was handling the unfamiliar Mongolian horses—unlike other races where the rider competes with their own horse. In addition, staying on horseback for about 12 hours a day made simply reaching the finish line a major accomplishment in their first-ever participation. The Mongol Derby is an equestrian endurance race and world's longest horse race. It extends 1,000 kilometres through the Mongolian Steppe.
