Al Faris Int’l Championship III to kick off Friday

AMMAN — Jordan is scheduled to host Al Faris International Horseback Archery Championship III on Friday and Saturday, with the participation of 48 contestants from 25 countries.

Al Faris III is held under Royal patronage, with participants from Jordan, Australia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the US, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Jordan hosted and organised the first two Al Faris Championships in 2011 and 2012.

According to Al Faris Championship’s organising committee, whose Honourary Chairman is His Royal Highness Prince Hashim, the chief royal councillor, the international competition is aimed at preserving and reviving the intangible cultural heritage of horseback archery, which has deep roots in Arabic, Islamic, Turkish, Asian and European cultures.

Held this year at Al-Rayah Parade Grounds in the Royal Hashemite Court, the championship also promotes interest in equestrianism and the values, arts and sports it encompasses.

Contestants will compete in three horseback archery styles representing different cultures. Winners of the first three ranks per style will be honoured, as well as the overall top three outstanding competitors.

Proceeds of Al Faris III will go to charity.