Doha, November 03 (QNA) - The World Shooting Championships, the premier qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, officially opened on Monday evening in Doha. The tournament kicks off its competitions on Tuesday at the Lusail Shooting Complex, bringing together approximately 1,100 male and female shooters from 91 countries in a global gathering of elite world and Olympic champions.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain; President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), Luciano Rossi; President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, Vice President of the Asian Shooting Confederation, and Chairman of the Championship's Organizing Committee, Dr. Mishaal Ebrahim AlNasr; Director-General of the Organizing Committee for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and CEO of the 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buenain; and President of the Kuwaiti and Arab Shooting Federations and Secretary-General of the Asian Shooting Confederation, Duaij Al Otaibi alongside representatives of the participating delegations.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al Nasr welcomed attendees and international delegations to Doha, the global capital of sport, which has firmly established itself as a premier destination for elite athletes and major sporting milestones.

"You are the masters of this event and the creators of its moments. You have come to Doha to write a new chapter in your athletic journeys; welcome to the Lusail Shooting Complex," Dr. Al Nasr said emphasizing the exceptional significance of the tournament as the first qualifying pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

"Here in Doha, the road to Olympic glory converges, and upon the Lusail ranges, quota places will be decided," he added. "We have ensured that this championship is organized to the highest technical and logistical standards within a world-class facility, powered by a passionate and professional team dedicated to making Doha 2026 an unforgettable memory for every athlete, coach, and fan."

Dr. Al Nasr expressed his gratitude to the ISSF for its enduring trust in Qatar, as well as to the Qatar Olympic Committee, government entities, partners, sponsors, and the dedicated organizing team for their steadfast support and tireless efforts.

In his address, ISSF President Luciano Rossi lauded Qatar's capability to host a world-class championship, noting that the successful realization of the event reflects a shared vision, ambition, and fruitful international cooperation.

Rossi commended the leadership of Qatari sports authorities and organizing committees for providing optimal conditions for the athletes. He underscored that hosting a championship of this magnitude requires seamless teamwork and a shared belief in the future of the sport.

Reiterating that athletes remain the central priority of the ISSF, Rossi expressed his pride in welcoming world-class champions from across all continents to Doha. He highlighted the federation's ongoing commitment to developing shooting sports and expanding opportunities for athletes in collaboration with national, continental, and international bodies.

Adding to the praise, Duaij Al Otaibi highlighted Qatar's stellar reputation and organizational expertise on the international sports stage.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Otaibi said: "We are proud of Qatar's exceptional organization of this championship, which embodies the ISSF's deep trust in Qatari capabilities and the country's prominent standing on the global sports map." He wished all Arab, Gulf, and Asian competitors success in securing quota places for the upcoming Olympics.

The opening ceremony featured vibrant cultural presentations, including a parade of the participating nations, a traditional Qatari artistic performance, an official promotional video highlighting the athletes, and a stirring finale showcasing the Qatari traditional "Ardhah" sword dance. (QNA)