Falconry teams from 15 countries at inaugural Dubai Cup

Dubai: The International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing (IFFSR) has unveiled an impressive roster of participants for the inaugural edition of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing Cup.

In this exciting event, international teams will showcase their talents as they compete head-to-head on a challenging 400-meter course.

Slated for 14 December, the event will feature the participation of both founding and sports members of the International Federation.

In all, 16 teams from 15 countries have confirmed participation for the competition, the organisers said.

The announcement about the participating teams for the competition is aligned with the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, who approved plans for staging the tournament earlier this year to further raise the profile of falconry globally and set the stage for it to spread wings and build a massive following cutting across international borders and age groups.

Rashid bin Markhan, IFFSR Secretary-General, said: “The inaugural edition of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing Cup is a celebration of Emirati culture and heritage while the sporting rivalry promises to showcase shared elements of this tradition across the globe.”

International teams vying for the coveted trophy have been drawn from 15 countries, with 16 entries confirmed.

International teams battling it out for the grand prize include:

Bin Markhan confirmed the receipt of entries from the international teams following the submission of documents required for registration of teams.

“Entries had been accepted for 30 days following the official announcement by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed. Falcons due to participate in the tournament will be checked and approved by experts. A day before the tournament opens, the competing birds will be put through a process wherein electronic shuffling will determine who they ultimately team up with,” Bin Mirkhan added.