Doha:The ISSF World Shooting Championship Doha 2026 concluded successfully at Lusail Shooting Complex, marking a significant milestone as the first qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The event spanned 11 days and saw participation from approximately 1,100 shooters representing 91 countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the final day was highlighted by the mixed team trap event, where teams from Australia, Turkiye, Britain, and Italy advanced to the final round. Italy's Jessica Rossi and Massimo Fabbrizi clinched the gold medal with a score of 35 targets. The British duo, Lucy Charlotte Hall and Nathan Hales, secured silver with 32 targets, while Turkiye's Rumeysa Pelin Kaya and Tolga Tuncer earned bronze with 21 targets.
The championship concluded with a total of 123 medals awarded, comprising 41 gold, 41 silver, and 41 bronze medals. China topped the medal tally with 27 medals, including 13 gold, six silver, and eight bronze. Italy followed with four medals, including three gold and one bronze. India finished third with a total of 13 medals, while South Korea and the Czech Republic placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
The championship was pivotal for Olympic qualification, distributing 36 quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti, Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association and Championship Director, expressed satisfaction with the event's success in organizational and technical aspects. He noted that Doha's hosting marked the first Olympic qualifying edition of the championship in the Middle East.
In his remarks, Al Sulaiti acknowledged the high level of competition and the involvement of 295 shooters vying for the Olympic quota spots. He also extended gratitude to Qatar's sports leaders and the organizing teams for their support and efforts in making the event a success.
Looking forward, Al Sulaiti highlighted the upcoming World Cup Finals, which will feature the world's top 12 shooters in each category. Qatar's Rashid Saleh and Angelo Scelzo have confirmed their participation in the finals. Al Sulaiti expressed optimism about the future of Qatari shooting, anticipating more opportunities and challenges in the 2027 season.
Source Qatar News Agency