Doha: The ISSF Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun World Cup Finals Doha 2025 commenced at the Lusail Shooting Complex, marking a significant event in the world of shooting sports. The tournament, which is set to continue until next Monday, showcases 144 elite shooters and world champions from various disciplines, including shotgun, rifle, and pistol.
According to Qatar News Agency, the participants are a distinguished group comprising gold medalists from World Cups, top three finishers in World Championships, and the highest-ranked shooters from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), representing a total of 33 countries. This is the second time Qatar is hosting this prestigious event.
The opening ceremony was a grand affair attended by notable figures such as Luciano Rossi, President of the ISSF; Kimberly Rod Harriman, Vice President of the ISSF; Alessandro Nicotra, Secretary General of the ISSF; and Dr. Meshal Ibrahim Al Nasr, President of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation. Jassim Shaheen Al-Sulaiti, Tournament Director and Secretary General of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation, along with other officials from both the Qatari and International Shooting Sport Federations, were also present.
Dr. Meshal Ibrahim Al Nasr expressed a warm welcome to the global participants, highlighting Qatar's status as a land of sport, excellence, and innovation. He emphasized the event's significance as a platform that unites elite shooting champions and embodies the Olympic spirit of respect, excellence, and fair competition. He acknowledged the ISSF's confidence in Qatar's exceptional organizational capabilities and the vision of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Luciano Rossi commended Qatar's hosting of the ISSF World Cup Finals, recognizing the country's efforts in setting a new standard for international shooting championships. He noted the quality of the facilities and the ideal environment provided for the competitions, ensuring both safety and excellence.
The ceremony featured a parade of participating countries and an awards presentation for the world's best shooters for 2025. China's Sun Yujie and Hu Kai were honored as the Best Female and Male Pistol Shooters of the Year, respectively. In rifle competition, Norway's Jeanette Hage Dosta and John Herman Haig received similar accolades. The United States' Samantha Simonton and Vincent Hancock were named Best Female and Male Shotgun Shooters of the Year, while Norway's Jeanette Hage Dosta and India's Zogvar Sandhu shared the title of Best Trap Shooter of the Year.
The President of the ISSF also acknowledged the contributions of coaches involved in the International Coaches' Seminar held alongside the championship. Eng. Duaij Al Otaibi, representing the Kuwaiti and Arab Shooting Federations, praised Qatar's role in hosting the event, highlighting its significance for Arab sports. Hazem Hosny from the African and Egyptian Shooting Federations echoed these sentiments, recognizing Qatar's successful hosting of the event for the second time following the 2023 edition.
The championship officially began with training sessions for various competitions, with competitions set to start on Saturday. The same day will also witness the crowning of male and female shooters in the 10-meter rifle and air pistol categories.