Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — About 150 knights from across the globe will participate in the Diriyah Horse Riders Festival this year, the organizing committee announced here on Tuesday.

The location of the festival, to be held in two phases — from Dec. 12 to 14 and Dec. 19- to 21 — will be the Dhami chivalry, centered in the historical Diriyah activities of the Diriyah season.

Participants of the tournament will have a chance to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics according to their counted points in this historical race.

In addition, this race will have more than 150 knights, 50 referees, 300 escorts and coaches, 250 club members, and 150 team members.

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the General Authority for Sports, said ''chivalry is an authentic part in our country's history.’’ He said he was proud to present a “worldwide championship of this size to the Kingdom, to show the skills of our talented knights at this homeland. Also, to show the world what the Kingdom can offer in a worldwide championship of this size.”

The Diriyah Horse Riders Festival is in line with the importance attached to sports in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. “We are proud of being a part of this journey and this historical change in the Kingdom. We hope to be successful in providing a world-class jumping circuit."

The owner of the chivalry Dhami center 'Ramzi Al Dhami' who is also winner of several Olympic medals in horse riding, will be hosting the event. He said the festival will reflect the history and future and its potentials.