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Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, said the UAE has won the bid to host one of the qualifiers of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports’ (FEI) inaugural Longines League of Nations series for the next four years, featuring the world’s top ten jumping teams. The FEI’s new series reimagines the storied history of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup with a unique, unified, and global format.
The competition will kick off in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of teams from around the world, he added, stressing that this is a crowning achievement in the UAE’s stellar track record. Al Raisi explained that this major event is a key milestone for Emirati riders ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the UAE is committed to demonstrating to the world its ability to effectively organise and host international sporting events.
He then praised the UAE’s leadership for celebrating 2022’s continental and international sports champions at the 17th edition of the ceremony held yesterday, which highlights their continuous support for Emirati citizens who are competing and representing the nation.
Al Raisi highlighted the ambition of the country’s showjumping team to perform well and secure a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as his trust in the UAE’s riders who have made it to the finals of the major international event. The top ten teams on the Longines League of Nations Qualification Ranking include Ireland – the frontrunner – followed by the USA, France, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Brazil. The inaugural Longines League of Nations season will see the world’s best Jumping teams compete against each other at four qualifiers in Abu Dhabi (UAE), Ocala (USA), St. Gallen (SUI) and Rotterdam (NED), in order to secure one of the coveted spots at the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona (ESP) where the best eight nations will battle for the title.