RAAJJE Junior Shooting Sport Championship 2026 - A Landmark Beginning for Junior Shooting Sport in the Maldives

11 May 2026

The year 2026 marked a historic milestone for shooting sport in the Maldives with the
successful inauguration of the RAAJJE Junior Shooting Sport Championship 2026, the first
championship of its kind dedicated entirely to junior athletes. Organized with the vision of
developing young talent and creating a pathway for future national athletes, the
championship brought together schools, students, coaches and parents in a celebration of
discipline, focus, and sportsmanship.

The first invitation for the championship was sent on 29th March 2026, with registrations
initially scheduled to close on 6th April 2026. Open to all schools within the Malé Zone, the
championship received an overwhelming response from schools, leading to the registration deadline being extended until 12th April 2026.

A total of 17 schools registered for the competition, with 784 student shooters taking part in the selection process. The Shooting Association worked closely with schools to conduct selections and prepare teams for the championship. Due to facility limitations and the temporary venue setup, 255 athletes were selected to compete, ensuring that all athletes received adequate training and competition opportunities before the championship concluded on 10th May 2026.

Following the selection phase, practice sessions were conducted for participating teams.
The championship featured three age categories: Under 15, Under 17, and Under 20. Athletes competed in Individual, Team, and Mixed Team events, promoting both individual excellence and teamwork.

The Opening Ceremony was held on 25th April 2026, officially launching the inaugural championship. Throughout the competition, athletes displayed remarkable determination, skill, and sportsmanship while proudly representing their schools.

The championship concluded with a grand Closing Ceremony on 10th May 2026. The final match was graced by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdullah Rafiu as the Chief Guest, while the Closing Ceremony was graced by the Minister of State for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdul Razak Ibrahim, highlighting the growing recognition of shooting sports and the importance of youth development in the Maldives.

A total of 144 medals were awarded across all categories and events. Beyond the medals
and achievements, the championship successfully laid a strong foundation for the future of
junior shooting sports in the Maldives.

The inaugural RAAJJE Junior Shooting Sport Championship 2026 stands as a testament to
collaboration, dedication, and commitment towards youth development. The overwhelming participation and support received during this first edition demonstrated the immense potential for shooting sports in the country and marked the beginning of a promising new chapter for Maldivian sports.

The ASC extended its congratulations to the President of the Shooting Association of Maldives and all friends at the association, recognizing their excellent efforts towards the development of Olympic shooting sport in the Maldives.