26 Qataris take fitness test for voyage to India

Date

9/1/2015 8:21:30 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)Physical fitness test in progress for the Fath Al Kheir 2 voyage.

DOHA: Physical fitness tests for 26 Qataris aspiring to join the 48-day Fath Al Kheir 2 voyage to India concluded yesterday on the Katara beach.

The participants between 20 to 45 years of age underwent a series of tests in front of judges who would gauge their abilities in swimming climbing and rescuing among others. In order to pass a participants should accumulate at least 45 points out of the 70 points in the seven-part test.

“I want to take part in the voyage to relive the life of my ancestors” said Abdullah Al Tamimi one of the participants adding that the journey embodies the struggles and determination of his forefathers.

Nasser Al Rumaihi 43 was of the same view saying the voyage would give him the rare chance to experience the life of his forefathers at a time when diving fishing and trade took them to India and other shores.

This journey Al Rumaihi said would provide him the opportunity to experience the traditional way of voyage aboard a traditional dhow using tools that have been used in the past.

One of the participants Mohammed Al Jasmi 35 had already joined the first edition of the trip. He said his intention in taking part in the voyage was to continue learning and exploring his maritime heritage which provides the new generation important skills and values such as courage strength and solidarity.

Ahmed Al Hatmi beach department director at Katara and chairman of the organising committee said a committee was tasked with choosing participants to join the voyage which will begin on October 1.

With Hassan Issa Al Kaabi as the captain Fath Al Kheir will have 40 people on board including technical and media teams.

Al Hatmi said maintenance work for the 32-year-old Fath Al Kheir dhow has been completed and preparations for the journey are in full swing to finish all arrangements.

The dhow will leave Katara Beach on October 1; reach Sur Oman on October 15; arrive in India on October 25 and return back to Muscat on November 15. It will conclude its journey in Doha on November 17 in time for the launch of the fifth edition of Katara Traditional Dhow Festival.

THE PENINSULA

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