Sheikh Salman inaugurates Asian Shotgun Championship
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 14 – The Asian Shotgun Championship was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, President of the Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC). The nine-day event, held at the Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex in Kuwait, features the participation of 26 national teams from across the continent. The championship is hosted under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The opening ceremony of the prestigious championship witnessed the presence of Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), who arrived in Kuwait on Thursday. Eng. Duaij Al-Otaibi, President of the Kuwaiti and Arab shooting federations, was also in attendance. In his welcoming address, Sheikh Salman, who is also the honorary president of Kuwait Shooting Sport Club, extended his best wishes to the shooters aiming for success in the Asian qualifiers for the Paris Summer Olympic Games.
Expressing gratitude to His Highness the Amir for his paternal patronage, Al-Otaibi, who also leads the organizing committee, highlighted that the championship attracted nearly 500 participants, including shooters, coaches, and administrative staff from various Asian countries. He acknowledged the cooperation of ISSF and ASC, along with the Kuwait Shooting Federation (KSF) and the organizing committee, for setting the stage for the championship.
ISSF President Rossi conveyed confidence in KSF’s ability to ensure the championship’s complete success. He appreciated the support provided by the Kuwait Public Authority for Sport and announced that the top eight shooters would qualify for the Paris Summer Olympic Games scheduled from July 26 to August 26. Rossi specified that four tickets each would be available for men and women in the trap and skeet competitions.
The initial competitions, including men and women’s trap events, commenced on Sunday and Monday, leading up to the mixed doubles. The championship attracted shooters from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iran, Singapore, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and the host nation, Kuwait.
The Asian Shotgun Championship promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the talent and skill of shooters from across Asia. As the championship progresses, the stakes will get higher, and fans can expect to witness intense competition and remarkable shooting performances. With the opportunity to qualify for the Paris Summer Olympic Games on the line, the shooters will undoubtedly give their best to secure their place in the prestigious global sporting event.
The Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex is brimming with anticipation and excitement as the championship unfolds. Spectators and enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing remarkable displays of marksmanship and celebrating the achievements of the participating athletes.
The Asian Shotgun Championship not only serves as a platform to showcase the shooting prowess of Asian athletes but also promotes camaraderie and cultural exchange among nations. It is an opportunity for shooters to learn from each other, build lasting connections, and foster the spirit of sportsmanship.
As the championship progresses, Kuwait City buzzes with enthusiasm, welcoming teams from various countries. The city comes alive with the sights and sounds of this prestigious event, capturing the attention and admiration of shooting enthusiasts and sports lovers around the world.
In conclusion, the Asian Shotgun Championship, inaugurated by Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, promises to be a showcase of talent, determination, and sporting excellence. With the support of the esteemed Asian Shooting Confederation, the International Shooting Sport Federation, and the Kuwait Shooting Federation, this championship will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for the sport in Asia. As the competition unfolds over the next nine days, shooters will battle it out for a chance to represent their nations at the Paris Summer Olympic Games. Stay tuned for updates on remarkable performances and thrilling moments at the Asian Shotgun Championship.
