ASC President Sheikh Salman AlSabah and ASC Honoary President Sheikh Ali Al Khalifa attends the opening ceremony of the ISSF World Cup Final Rifle/Pistol and Shotgun in Lusail, Qatar.

As Doha prepares to host the first International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup final Rifle/Pistol and Shotgun to be held in four years, the President Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC) H.E. Sheikh Salman AlSabah, H.E. Luciano Rossi (ISSF President), H.E. Willi Grill (ISSF Secretary General), H.E. Sheikh Ali Al-Khalifa (ASC Honorary President) were amongst the distinguished guests to attend the opening ceremony. H.E. Dr. Meshal AlNasr (ASC VP and President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association) and H.E. Dr. Thani AlKuwari (VP of Qatar Olympic Committee) welcomed their distinguished guests in the opening ceremony that took place at Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Lusail, Doha.

In turn, H.E. Sheikh Salman AlSabah thanked the State of Qatar for hosting the ISSF World Cup Final for Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun. The ASC President elaborated more by mentioning to the Qatar News Agency (QNA): “This championship is dear to everyone and important in the calendar of the International Shooting Sport Federation. This is not surprising for the State of Qatar, which has proven over the past years its ability to organize various major sporting events, as well as its vision for the future.” It has always been interested in youth and sports, and today it has become a role model for the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. As President of the Asian Confederation, I extend my congratulations and appreciation to the State of Qatar for hosting this important tournament, and it will be one of the best to be organized here in Doha.”

The ASC President added: “I also extend my congratulations to the Qatari shooting team and the Qatari Shooting Federation for the distinguished achievements achieved during the Hangzhou Asian Games in China and also by obtaining two qualifying cards for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

This achievement would not have been achieved without the support of the wise leadership of the State of Qatar, the vision of the Qatari Olympic Committee and the efforts of the Qatari Shooting Federation.” Under the leadership of Dr. Meshal Ibrahim Al-Nasr and all members of the Federation’s Board of Directors, we hope that these efforts will result in achieving an Olympic medal in the near future.”

He continued: "We congratulate the State of Qatar for hosting this tournament, which is one of the most prominent events on the agenda of the International Federation of the Game. It also enjoys the participation of the most prominent world shooting champions, and the good organization and warm reception must be praised." He pointed out that this tournament has a special status and its presence in Qatar. It makes us confirm its success in advance, especially since Doha has always represented a role model for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in terms of hosting major sporting events.”
He stressed that the Asian Federation is proud to be an important member in managing the activities of this game with the efforts of the Qatar Shooting Federation, headed by Dr. Meshal Ibrahim Al-Nasr and its board members, who are making great efforts in making achievements for Qatari and Asian shooting in general.

Sheikh Salman explained that Qatar's hosting of the ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship Shotgun next April, which qualifies for the Paris Olympics, in which 8 qualifying cards will be distributed, is an excellent step for Asian shooters. He indicated that next January, Kuwait will also host the Asian Shotgun Championship, in which 8 Olympic shooting cards will be distributed.

At the conclusion of his speech, the ASC President said: “There is no doubt that the presence of international qualification in the Middle East and in Qatar is a pride for all of us, and we wish success and success to our shooters, especially since there is great and absolute support from the International Federation and its president, and we seek to enhance the position of shooting and the position of Qatar on the map of international organization.”

Finally, the ASC president wished the a successful organization and the best of luck to all athletes in this important competition.