28 November 2016
Doha, Qatar

14 competitors, largest number till 2016 4th Annual competition “Qatar’s Strongest Man” will be displaying their strength on Friday 2nd of December 2016. The competition to be held in Aspire Zone is organised by Aspire Sports Academy, a unique and the only of its kind in Middle East.

Abdullah Al Khater, Events Manager, Aspire Zone Foundation said : “Our goal at Aspire Zone Foundation is to continually improve the quality and variety of events we offer to the community. The growing popularity of Qatar’s Strongest Man competition has generated a lot of interest from participants looking for a chance to show off their skills and strength. We are excited to see these ranks grow.”

The surge in popularity has enabled Aspire Zone Foundation to create two divisions within the tournament: one for Qataris and one for expats and GCC visitors who wish to partake in this competition and showcase their strength and endurance.

In preparation for the fourth edition of the competition, Aspire Zone Foundation will hold a technical meeting on Tuesday, November 28th to brief participants on the rules and regulations of the competition and explain the point-system ranking.

Qatar’s Strongest Man enables participants to come face-to-face in a number of challenges, including truck pulling, deadlifting, lifting sand bags, flipping giant tyres, heavy weight and car lifting. Winners are decided based on a points-system, with points awarded based on the speed and weight with which participants complete each challenge.

The 14 participants qualified to compete this year were chosen from 131 entrants after successfully completing a series of rigorous physical and health tests that assessed their fitness levels. The fastest participants to complete 200-kg-weight lifts and a 20-metre walk while carrying 120 kg weights in each arm qualified to the final round. This year’s competition also welcomes back defending champion Fahad Al-Haddad (Qatar) and the 2014 winner Christopher Oketch (Kenya).

Second-time participant from Kenya, Ishak Cibola, said: “I have been impressed with the level of competition this year, which has become significantly more challenging. I have even switched up my training routine to stay ahead of my fellow participants, training 5 days a week and focusing on deadlifts to improve my strength. It’s impressive to see what Aspire Zone have done to promote healthy lifestyles through community participation in exciting events like Qatar’s Strongest Man.”

Members of the community are welcome to visit and cheer for their favourite competitor on Friday, December 02nd at designated spectator areas in Aspire Park opposite the outdoor pitches from 3:00 – 8:30 pm.

Aspire Zone has also set up corresponding spectator events to make the day fun and entertaining for the entire family, such as You.fo training and performances, kids’ activities and food stalls.

Qatar’s Strongest Man competition is a part of a year-round series of events, hosted by Aspire Zone Foundation, designed to promote sports activities and encourage healthy lifestyles among community members within competitive and professional settings. The tournament follows the recently concluded Aspire International 6.50 Race, the Aspire Splash and Dash, the Aquathon Series and the currently ongoing Aspire Banks Tournament.