Doha: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.
According to Qatar News Agency, the grand opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, and President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), Luciano Rossi. Also present were President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, Dr. Mishaal Ebrahim AlNasr, Director-General of the Organizing Committee for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buenain, and President of the Kuwaiti and Arab Shooting Federations, Duaij Al Otaibi, alongside representatives of the participating delegations.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al Nasr welcomed attendees to Doha, highlighting the city's status as a premier destination for elite athletes and major sporting events. He emphasized the significance of the tournament as the first qualifying pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, noting that the championship is organized to the highest technical and logistical standards.
ISSF President Luciano Rossi praised Qatar's capability to host a world-class championship, reflecting a shared vision and ambition. He commended the leadership of Qatari sports authorities for providing optimal conditions for the athletes and reiterated the ISSF's commitment to developing shooting sports and expanding opportunities for athletes globally.
Duaij Al Otaibi also praised Qatar's organizational expertise, expressing pride in the country's exceptional management of the championship, which embodies the ISSF's trust in Qatari capabilities. The opening ceremony featured cultural presentations, a parade of nations, a traditional Qatari artistic performance, and the Qatari traditional "Ardhah" sword dance.