The Ministry of Sports and Youth signed an agreement today with the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (DAAM) to collaborate on launching the second edition of the Qatar International Pylon Race 2024. The event is organized by the Qatar Radio-Controlled Sports Center, which operates under the ministry.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahad Al Thani, Director of the Qatar Radio-Controlled Sports Center, and Mr. Hassan Al Obaidly, Director of Programs at the DAAM Fund.

Scheduled to take place from December 4 to 7, 2024, the race will be held under the auspices of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) at the Qatar Radio-Controlled Sports Center Airport in Simaisma.

This second edition will feature 50 competitors from 15 countries, as Qatar continues its role as the annual host of the final round of the F3 Pylon Race World Cup.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Fahad Al Thani emphasized that this edition reaffirms Qatar’s ability to host and organize exceptional sporting events while supporting hobbies and sports that positively impact the younger generations of citizens and residents in Qatar. He also praised the unwavering support provided by DAAM in making the event a success and elevating Qatar’s status in radio-controlled sports in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Youth for its consistent support for all sports and activities, striving for excellence in every domain.

Mr. Hassan Al Obaidly highlighted that the “Qatar International Pylon Race” reflects Qatar’s significant focus on modern sports. He noted that the fund aims to enhance Qatar’s global standing in radio-controlled aviation and inspire youth to participate in this innovative and technologically advanced sport.

Fawaz Abdullah Al-Missifri, Director of Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, stated that the collaboration aligns with the ministry’s goals and its affiliated youth centers, which seek to nurture responsible, aware youth with a strong sense of national identity in a community that embraces sports.

He commended the DAAM Fund for its role in ensuring the success of the Qatar International Pylon Race 2024, which he believes will once again demonstrate the capabilities of Qatari youth in reaching top international rankings in pylon racing and other fields.

Pylon racing is considered the Formula 1 of radio-controlled aircraft, featuring the fastest planes of their kind. The competition includes four categories: F3R, F3T, F3D, and F3E.

The first edition of the race, held last year, was a significant success. Qatari pilot Abdullah Al-Humaidi secured first place globally in the F3R category, while Fahad Al-Humaidi achieved second place in the F3T category, narrowly missing the top spot by two points over the course of the season.

The Qatar Radio-Controlled Sports Center, under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, is dedicated to preparing and training a Qatari youth team, equipping them with the skills to compete in future events.

Since its establishment in 2010, the DAAM Fund has launched numerous initiatives and projects in cultural, social, sports, and charitable fields. Contributions from publicly listed companies on the Qatar Stock Exchange form a key financial resource for the fund, positioning these companies as essential partners in achieving community development.

This agreement embodies the developmental and sustainable impact of the DAAM Fund and listed companies in supporting sports activities across the country, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.