The air in Cairo buzzed with excitement as the Longines Global Champions Tour officially announced its arrival in the Egyptian capital, a moment marked by applause, camera flashes, and proud smiles from dignitaries and equestrian enthusiasts alike. Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Lt. General Ashraf Salem Zaher, head of the Egyptian Military Academy, both took to the podium to welcome the Tour, emphasizing the significance of hosting such a prestigious international sporting event in Egypt.
The press conference, held amid the grandeur of Cairo’s historic landmarks, drew senior government officials and leaders from the world of sport and culture, including General Mohamed Turk, Vice President of the Egyptian Military Academy, and Dr. Ismaiel Shaker, President of the Egyptian Equestrian Federation. Their presence highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering world-class sporting occasions.
Jan Tops, President and Founder of the Longines Global Champions Tour, addressed the gathering with a mix of pride and anticipation. “Bringing the Longines Global Champions Tour to Cairo is something truly special,” Tops said. “To be jumping in front of the Pyramids—one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the world—is not just a sporting milestone, but a cultural moment. History meets modern sport here in a way that only this Tour can deliver.” He confirmed a five-year agreement for the event, promising riders, teams, and fans a unique stage where tradition and excellence converge.
Tops extended his gratitude to the event’s partners, including Longines, Qatar Museums, and ACUD, as well as to the Egyptian authorities whose support made the launch possible. “For our riders, teams, partners, and fans around the world, this is an unforgettable setting. It reflects exactly what the Longines Global Champions Tour stands for: innovation, ambition, and pushing boundaries,” he added.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the Tour’s global journey, expanding its footprint into the Middle East while bringing top-level show jumping to a new audience. Officials described the event as a beacon for the sport’s future, a celebration of Cairo’s rich heritage, and a stage that will inspire the next generation of equestrian talent.
With cameras flashing and dignitaries applauding, the launch of the Longines Global Champions Tour in Cairo was not just a press conference—it was a celebration of sport, culture, and history coming together.
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