During a recent assembly in Algeria, the General Assembly of the African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA) officially recognized the International Camel Racing Federation. This development signifies the increasing significance of camel racing in Africa and its growing influence on the global sports landscape.
The gathering was marked by the participation of prominent figures, including His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaid, the President of the International Camel Racing Federation, alongside Mustafa Beraf, the President of ANOCA. The meeting also featured the presence of Captain Hussain Al-Musallam, the President of the International Swimming Federation, and Nasser Al-Majali, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, in addition to various heads and representatives of national Olympic committees and the International Olympic Committee.
During the meeting, Prince Fahd emphasized the significance of this official acknowledgment in promoting and enhancing the practice of camel racing both on the continent and internationally. He highlighted the unwavering efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support and showcase the sport in the best possible light on a global scale.
Prince Fahd also underscored the notable advancements of the International Camel Racing Federation, which was established in 2018 and has successfully affiliated with 62 federations across different continents. Reflecting on this progress, he announced that Marrakech, Morocco, will host the federation’s inaugural General Assembly on African soil later this year, alongside a series of international camel racing championships.
In light of recent international recognitions, Prince Fahd noted that the camel racing federation has also received official acknowledgment from the Asian Olympic Council, a development that has led to the inclusion of camel racing as a competitive event in the upcoming Asian Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Bahrain, as well as in the Islamic Solidarity Games taking place in Riyadh.
The involvement of the International Camel Racing Federation in such prestigious events is a testament to the sport’s reliance on traditional practices while evolving into a modern competitive discipline. Camel racing not only holds cultural significance in many societies across the Arabian Peninsula but has also managed to attract wider audiences and investors interested in the unique experience it offers.
The recognition by ANOCA represents a pivotal step for camel racing, which has often been underrepresented in international forums despite its cultural roots and growing popularity. With the support of national Olympic committees and the broader international sporting community, the sport is poised for further development and expansion.
Moreover, by hosting international competitions and encouraging participation across various nations, the International Camel Racing Federation aims to tap into new markets and generate interest in camel racing events worldwide. This strategy not only seeks to promote the sport itself but also aims to foster tourism and cultural exchange.
The future of camel racing, as envisioned by the federation, is one where traditional values meet modern sportsmanship, creating an inclusive environment for athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete and showcase their skills. This approach resonates with the broader vision of promoting sports as a unifying force that transcends borders and cultural differences.
In conclusion, the official recognition of the International Camel Racing Federation by ANOCA marks a significant milestone in the journey of camel racing toward greater international legitimacy. As the sport gains traction on the continental and global stages, it stands to not only preserve its rich cultural heritage but also to engage new generations in the exhilarating world of camel racing. With continued support and development, camel racing is set to carve out a distinguished place within the international sports community.
