DOHA  – The Opening Ceremony of the Shooting World Championships, which serve as a qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, was held in Doha on Monday evening, ahead of the start of competition on Tuesday at the Lusail Shooting Complex. The championships have brought together approximately 1,100 male and female shooters representing 91 countries, in a major international gathering featuring some of the world's leading shooting stars and Olympic champions.

The ceremony was attended by H.E Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC); Mr Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF); Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al Nasr, President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, Vice-President of the Asian Shooting Confederation and Chairman of the Organising Committee; Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al Buenain, Director General of the Local Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 and Chief Executive Officer of the Organising Committee for the Asian Games Doha 2030; Mr Duaij Al Otaibi, President of the Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations and Secretary-General of the Asian Shooting Confederation; as well as representatives of the participating delegations.

In his opening address, Dr. Mishaal Ibrahim Al Nasr welcomed the distinguished guests and participating delegations to Doha, the global capital of sport, which has become a regular meeting point for champions and a prominent destination for competition and sporting achievements. He also extended a warm welcome to the shooters who had travelled from across the world.

"You are the heart of this event and the creators of its defining moments. You have come to Doha to write a new chapter in your sporting journeys. We warmly welcome you to the Lusail Shooting Complex," he said.

Dr. Al Nasr highlighted the exceptional significance of the championships as the first qualifying opportunity for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

"Here in Doha, the road to Olympic glory converges, and here at the Lusail ranges, qualification places will be decided. We have worked to ensure that these championships are delivered to the highest technical and logistical standards, at a world-class venue and by a dedicated team whose professionalism and passion will make Doha 2026 an unforgettable experience for every shooter, coach and spectator," he added.

He continued: "We extend our sincere appreciation to the International Shooting Sport Federation for its great confidence in the State of Qatar. Our gratitude also goes to the Qatar Olympic Committee for its continued support, as well as to the government entities, partners and sponsors. Special recognition is due to the Organizing Committee and the entire workforce for their dedicated efforts."

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al Nasr addressed the participating athletes, saying: "To all our champions, we wish you fair competition and a stay befitting your stature. May these championships mark the beginning of a journey towards greater distinction and excellence. From Doha, the global capital of sport, we are delighted to declare the Shooting World Championships – Doha 2026 officially open. A warm welcome to you all, and best wishes for success."

For his part, Mr Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation, expressed his delight at Qatar hosting the Shooting World Championships in Doha, welcoming athletes and sporting delegations from around the world. He emphasized that what had been achieved in Qatar represented a dream turned into reality through collective efforts, ambitious vision and fruitful cooperation.

Addressing the ceremony, Rossi commended the significant efforts made by Qatar's sports leadership and the organizing committees in delivering this global event. He also praised the Organizing Committee for its work in providing the best possible conditions for hosting the championships.

The ISSF President stressed that organizing an event of this magnitude could never be achieved through individual efforts alone, but required collective commitment and a strong team spirit. He noted that cooperation and a shared belief in a common vision were the true foundations of sporting success.

He reaffirmed that athletes remain at the heart of the ISSF's priorities and activities, expressing his pride in welcoming an outstanding field of world-class champions to Doha from across all continents.

Rossi also highlighted the ISSF's continued commitment to developing shooting sport and creating the best possible opportunities for athletes, in cooperation with national, continental and international federations. He underlined the importance of global competitions in preparing athletes for upcoming Olympic milestones and further strengthening the sport's international presence.

Concluding his address, the ISSF President thanked the State of Qatar and everyone involved in organizing the championships, noting that this achievement reflected a shared vision transformed into tangible reality. He emphasized that genuine success is achieved when all stakeholders work together in the interests of athletes and the future of the sport.

He congratulated the participating athletes, wishing them competitive performances and outstanding results, while reiterating his appreciation to Qatar for its distinguished hosting of the championships. He described the event as a global occasion that demonstrates Doha's ability to bring the international shooting community together under one roof.

The Opening Ceremony featured a series of cultural and celebratory performances, beginning with the parade of participating nations, followed by a traditional Qatari cultural presentation and a promotional video showcasing the championships and the participating shooters. The ceremony concluded with a vibrant performance of the traditional Qatari Ardah.

Meanwhile, Mr Duaij Al Otaibi, President of the Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations, Secretary-General of the Asian Shooting Confederation and an ISSF Board Member, praised the efforts of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association in organising an outstanding edition of the Shooting World Championships in Doha.

He noted that Qatar's hosting of this global event reflected the considerable confidence it enjoys within the international sporting community, as well as the country's outstanding organisational capabilities, expertise and resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Otaibi said: "We are proud of the exceptional standard of organisation Qatar is delivering for these championships. It reflects the International Shooting Sport Federation's confidence in Qatar's capabilities and considerable resources, as well as the country's distinguished standing on the global sporting map."

He also expressed his pleasure at being in Qatar and attending the Opening Ceremony, describing the championships as one of the most important events on the sport's international calendar, particularly given their significance as a key qualification opportunity for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

He pointed out that Olympic qualification places would be awarded to the highest-placed competitors across the various championship events, wishing Arab, Gulf and Asian shooters every success and expressing hope that they would achieve results reflecting the continued development of shooting sport across the region and the Asian continent.

Concluding his remarks, Al Otaibi emphasized that hosting major international championships of this calibre represents a valuable addition to the global shooting calendar and contributes significantly to strengthening the sport's profile and advancing its development at both regional and international levels.