Qatari Olympian Rashid Saleh Al Athba recently showcased his skills in the Men’s Skeet event at the ISSF World Cup Finals in New Delhi, India. Despite reaching the final after a tough shoot-off, Al Athba fell just short of a podium finish, finishing in fourth place with a score of 34 out of 40. The bronze was clinched by India’s Anant Jeet Singh Naruka, leaving Al Athba just one shot away from a medal.
In the final, Italy’s Tammaro Cassandro and Gabriele Rossetti displayed impressive shooting skills. Cassandro, the silver medalist at the Paris Olympics, emerged victorious with a near-perfect score, only missing three targets out of 60. Rossetti settled for the silver medal with a score of 56, missing four targets in total. Notably, the gold and bronze medalists from the Paris Games, Connor Prince of the US and Lee Meng-yuan of Chinese Taipei, failed to qualify for the final round in this event.
The ISSF World Cup Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun Finals are exclusive events reserved for recent medalists at the Olympic Games or World Championships, current ISSF World Cup Final title holders, and the top eight performers in World Cup events throughout the year. While Al Athba did not secure a medal in this event, his performance highlights his talent and dedication in the sport of skeet shooting.
As the event in New Delhi comes to a close, athletes from around the world have had the opportunity to compete against the best in their respective disciplines. The competition has been fierce, with only the most skilled shooters making it to the final rounds. Al Athba’s fourth-place finish is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence in skeet shooting.
Despite narrowly missing out on a medal in this event, Al Athba’s performance has caught the attention of fans and fellow athletes. His journey to the ISSF World Cup Finals showcases his determination to succeed on the international stage. As the event concludes, Al Athba can take pride in his achievements and use this experience to continue improving and striving for future success in the sport of skeet shooting.