Lusail: The National Service Academy, in collaboration with the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation and the Military Sports Federation, is set to host the Meqdam Shooting Championship 2025 from April 10 to 26 at the Lusail Shooting Range Complex. This event will see participation from National Service graduates.
According to Qatar News Agency, 2000 participants have already registered for the competition, with registration remaining open until April 17. The championship will feature three events: the 25-meter 9mm pistol competition, the 100-meter Beretta rifle competition, and the sporting shotgun competition.
Significant cash prizes totaling 3.5 million Qatari riyals will be awarded to the tournament winners. The first-place winner in each competition will receive 500,000 riyals, while the second and third-place winners will receive 250,000 and 100,000 riyals, respectively. Participants placing fourth to tenth will receive 20,000 riyals each, and those from eleventh to thirtieth will receive 10,000 riyals each.
A press conference by the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation is scheduled for next Wednesday to announce further details about the tournament. The tournament will begin with two days of general training, followed by official training from April 12 to 14. The qualifiers will take place from April 15 to 22, with the finals and winner announcements scheduled for April 24, 25, and 26.
The finals of the championship will be broadcast live on Al Kass Sports Channel. Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al Nasr, President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organizing Committee, emphasized the championship's role in promoting national identity and discovering emerging talents to support Qatar's national teams.
In a statement to QNA, Al Nasr highlighted the importance of the championship in building on Qatar's legacy of organizational excellence, fostering fair competition, and nurturing talent capable of elevating Qatari shooting to international levels. He noted the partnership between civil and military institutions as a reflection of shared objectives in developing youth and cultivating national pride.
Brigadier General Salem Masoud Al Hababi, President of the National Service Academy, affirmed that the championship serves as a strategic tool to enhance military spirit and skills among recruits. He emphasized the championship's role in reinforcing communication and a sense of national belonging among recruits.
Al Hababi also pointed out that the championship is part of a comprehensive training system designed to maintain recruits' readiness and refine their capabilities. It aims to unlock potential and motivate participants to strive for excellence, with recognition and awards for top performers.
Jassim Shaheen Al Sulaiti, Secretary-General of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation, confirmed the Federation's commitment to establishing the championship as an annual military event with an international civilian dimension. He stated that the event aims to reinforce national identity, sustain military training for recruits, and boost overall combat readiness.
The Meqdam Shooting Championship aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, highlighting the importance of Qatar's sports infrastructure in hosting major national and international events.