The Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 has ended with victory for three male winners and three female winners. The Qatar Airways GKA Freestyle Kite World Tour staged its maiden Qatar event from 31 January – 4 February and thrilled hundreds of spectators at Fuwairit Kite Beach.
In the men’s final, the winners were Gianmaria Coccoluto from Italy in the first place, Carlos Mario from Brazil in second place, and Louka Pitot from France in third place.
In the women’s final, the winners were, Bruna Kajiya from Brazil in first place, Mikaili Sol from the USA in second place, and Nathalie Lambrecht from Sweden in third place.
Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “We congratulate and celebrate the winners on their well-deserved win and monumental showing at the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023. We look forward to welcoming all the riders back to Qatar and Fuwairit Kite Beach later this year for the Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup Finals 2023.
“The GKA Freestyle tournament is a prime example of the legacy our country is building in the global sports community, highlighting our thriving international sports calendar. We are delighted to continue cementing our mark on this riveting sport in 2023.”
The tournament was free to watch for visitors, who were treated to an exhilarating display of freestyle kiting on Doha’s northern shores. Fuwairit Kite Beach opened in October 2022 and sits on white sands beside a shallow enclosed lagoon that enjoys consistent winds and warm, flat water – perfect conditions for kitesurfing.
GKA Kite World Tour CEO, Dr Jörgen Vogt, said "I am extremely grateful for the hospitality and passion shown to us by the people of Qatar as well as the entire FKB team. It's exciting to see Fuwairit Kite Beach resort now proudly on the map of the world's best premium watersports destinations and I cannot wait to crown the World Champions at this amazing location when we return at the end of the year."
In May 2022, Qatar Airways announced their new long-term partnership with the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) Kite World Tour, becoming the Title Partner and Official Airline of the World Tour through 2024, and Qatar Tourism became the tour’s Official Tourism Partner. Together the two organisations will host the GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup in 2024.
Qatar Airways as a brand is committed to supporting sports across the globe. Along with its partnership with Global Kitesports Association, the airline is a leading global football supporter, with partnerships including Concacaf, FC Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and FIFA. Additionally, Qatar Airways is the official airline of The Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, Official Airline Partner of the United Rugby Championship (URC), and the Official South African Airline Partner for European Professional Club Rugby, and multiple equestrianism, padel, squash and tennis events.
FKB offers Kite Surfing lessons with professional instructors, starting from QR 692 per person, available 7 days a week throughout the season. Day passes starting from QR 110 per person are also available for anyone who wants access to the excellent beach and kite school facilities, with equipment hire available for an additional cost. Rooms at FKB can also be booked from QR 614 per person (based on 2 people sharing a room), which also includes a QR 250 activity voucher which can be redeemed at the FKB Activity Centre.
Source and cover image credit: Press release
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