Doha, November 13 (QNA) - The ISSF World Shooting Championship Doha 2026, the first qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, concluded Friday at Lusail Shooting Complex after 11 days of competition featuring around 1,100 shooters from 91 countries.

The final day featured the mixed team trap event, with Australia, Turkiye, Britain and Italy advancing to the final. Italy's Jessica Rossi and Massimo Fabbrizi won gold with 35 targets, followed by Britain's Lucy Charlotte Hall and Nathan Hales with 32 targets. Turkiye's Rumeysa Pelin Kaya and Tolga Tuncer took bronze with 21 targets.

The closing ceremony saw Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association and Championship Director Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti present medals to the winning teams.

A total of 123 medals were awarded throughout the championship, including 41 gold, 41 silver and 41 bronze. China topped the medal table with 27 medals (13 gold, six silver and eight bronze), followed by Italy with four (three gold and one bronze).

India placed third with 13 medals, including two gold, seven silver and four bronze, while South Korea ranked fourth with 10 medals. The Czech Republic finished fifth with eight.

The championship also played a key role in Olympic qualification, with 36 quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Games awarded across the events.

Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Sulaiti said the championship had been a success in both organizational and technical terms, highlighting the high competitive standards and world records set during the event.

He described Doha's hosting as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first Olympic qualifying edition of the World Shooting Championship to be held in the Middle East.

He said 295 shooters competed in each event for the 36 Olympic quota places, contributing to the high standard of competition.

He congratulated the medal winners and said the strong turnout reflected the championship's standing on the International Shooting Sport Federation's calendar.

Al Sulaiti also praised the support of the country's sports leaders, particularly HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE QOC Secretary-General Jassim Rashid Al Buenain.

He also thanked President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association Dr. Mishal Ibrahim Al Nasr, as well as the organizing committees, staff and volunteers for their role in delivering the event.

Looking ahead, Al Sulaiti said attention would turn next month to the World Cup Finals, which will feature the world's top 12 shooters in each category based on their results and rankings. Qatar's Rashid Saleh and Angelo Scelzo have secured places in the finals following their strong performances this season.

He expressed confidence in the continued progress of Qatari shooting, saying the 2027 season is expected to bring further challenges and opportunities for success. (QNA)