All photos by Reem Saad

Fourteen of the nation’s most muscular men spent last night lifting hundreds of kilograms in truck tires, sand bags and metal rods while competing for title of Qatar’s Strongest Man.

The finalists were selected following a qualification tournament earlier this month that attracted 131 hopefuls.

This year’s competition was open to both Qatari and non-Qatari participants and for the first time, prizes were divided among both groups.

Referees timed the event, and contestants were awarded points based on pace, agility and strength.

Winners

Forty-one-year-old Fahad Al Haddad, who was named Qatar’s Strongest Man last year, emerged as the Qatari victor, beating out five other local competitors.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Christopher Oketch from Kenya, who clinched the title in 2014, won first place among non-Qatari participants.

Oketch was also the only contestant who was able to pull a five-ton truck in last night’s competition.

Speaking to Doha News, first-time Egyptian competitor Mohamed Dewidar, said he did not expect to exert so much mental strength.

“I would only realize my mistakes afterwards and that most of the competitions required more mental and technique-related challenges than physical (ones),” he said.

The competition is now in its fourth year. It’s part of Aspire Zone’s year-long mandate to encourage residents to be more active and reduce high obesity rates nationwide.

Did you check it out? Thoughts?