President of the Asian Shooting Confederation Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah

DOHA, Jan 13 (KUNA): The Asian Shotgun Championship 2026 kicked off on Monday in the Qatari capital, Doha, and will run until January 21, with the participation of 196 male and female shooters from 17 countries, including Kuwai

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Asian Shooting Confederation Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah praised the unwavering support provided by Qatar’s wise leadership to the sports sector, describing Qatar as a global beacon for sports.

He expressed his appreciation to Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, for their continued support in hosting the 2026 Asian Shotgun Championship, in addition to the 14th Asian Youth Training and Development Camp.

Sheikh Salman affirmed the Confederation’s full confidence in the Qatari organizing committee’s ability to deliver an outstanding and memorable edition of the championship.

He noted that Doha’s hosting of the World Shooting Championships next November, during which 36 qualification spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will be awarded, reflects Qatar’s remarkable progress and leadership in the sports arena.

Sheikh Salman also expressed pride in the achievements and strong performances of the Qatar Shooting Federation, headed by Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al-Nasr, as well as its athletes and technical and administrative staff across regional and international competitions.

For his part, President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al-Nasr said he was delighted with the record-breaking participation in the Asian Shotgun Championship – Doha 2026, which features a distinguished lineup of world and Olympic champions competing at the Lusail International Shooting Range.

Dr. Al-Nasr extended his sincere gratitude to the wise leadership for its continued support of sports federations, particularly the Shooting Federation, which has witnessed significant development at all levels.

He welcomed Asia’s elite shooters to Lusail in an atmosphere that reflects the values of fair competition and excellence, wishing all participants success and an exciting championship experience.

Competition began on Monday with official practice sessions for the skeet event (75 targets). The junior and youth skeet competitions will be held on Tuesday, followed by the men’s and women’s skeet events (50 targets).

Qualifying rounds for the skeet event will take place on Wednesday, followed by the junior and youth finals. The men’s, women’s, and mixed team (junior and youth) skeet finals will be held on Thursday, with the mixed team skeet final (men and women) scheduled for Friday.

Following the conclusion of the skeet competitions, official practice for the trap event will begin on January 17. The trap qualifying rounds will be held on January 18 and 19, with the junior men’s and women’s trap finals taking place on January 19.

The men’s, women’s, and mixed team trap finals will be held on January 20, with the championship concluding on January 21 with the mixed team trap final.