Doha, January 11 (QNA) - The Asian Shotgun Championship 2026 will kick off on Monday at the Lusail International Shooting Complex. The event will continue until January 21, featuring 196 marksmen of both genders representing 17 countries.
The contests will be held in the skeet and trap disciplines for men, women, boys, and girls. The Qatar squad will be represented by 12 marksmen, namely Rashid Saleh, Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Reem Al Sharshani, Ali Ishaq, Mohammed Al Kuwari, Saeed Abu Shareb, Angelo Scalzoni, and Ray Basil.
The opening ceremony will be held Monday evening in Lusail Hall at the Qatar Olympic Committee in the presence of HE Sheikh Salman Al Hamoud Al Sabah, President of the Asian Shooting Confederation, along with officials from the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association and representatives of the participating delegations.
The contests will kick off with formal rehearsals for skeet, while the competitions for youth will be held on Tuesday.
The skeet competitions for men and women will continue over the coming days, with qualifying rounds, youth finals, and mixed team events scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.
Trap competitions will begin with official rehearsals on January 17, followed by qualifying rounds on January 18-19, youth finals on January 19, and finals for men, women, and mixed teams on January 20.
The championship will conclude with the mixed team trap final on January 21.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation and director of the tournament, Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti confirmed that all preparations have been completed to kickstart this championship with record participation from Asian marksmen.
The Federation has been working assiduously to ensure all requirements are in place for a successful tournament that meets the high standards of Asian competitions, Al Sulaiti said.
He added that the preparations included all operational, coaching, and logistical aspects, with all shooting ranges outfitted with world-class equipment, in addition to securing accommodation for delegations, arranging transportation, and providing amenities for participants and officials.
Al Sulaiti noted that this championship marks a strong start to the shooting season, which will include major events such as the Doha World Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun Championship in November, the Gulf Games in May, and the Asian Games in Japan in September.
On the local front, the Federation will host HH the Amir's Grand Shotgun Prize in February, alongside other domestic competitions, he highlighted.
Al Sulaiti further indicated that all participating delegations have arrived, with hopes pinned on them for successful results and podium finishes. He emphasized that Qatari marksmen always aspire to contend with the stars of the sport, clinch medals, and represent Qatari shooting on continental and global stages.
Finally, Al Sulaiti welcomed all participating delegations and wished them Godspeed and magnificent competitions in an atmosphere full of fraternal spirit. He pledged to host a tournament that aligns with domestic sports standards and leaves a positive impact in the memory of Asian sports.
He further explained that hosting this tournament underscores the State of Qatar's position as a leading hub for major sporting events. (QNA)