The Asian Shotgun Championship Doha 2026 commenced on Sunday at the Lusail Shooting Complex in Qatar, drawing 196 athletes from 17 nations. Competition is underway in various shotgun disciplines, including men’s, women’s, youth, and junior categories, with teams vying for top honors. Early results show strong performances from Kazakhstan, Kuwait, and Qatar in the trap shooting events, setting the stage for a competitive week.
The championship, a key event in the lead-up to the 2026 Asian Games also hosted in Doha, will continue through Wednesday. Qualifying rounds were held on the opening day, determining the finalists who will compete for medals in the coming days. The event serves as a crucial opportunity for athletes to gain experience and qualify for future international competitions.
Dominant Performances in Early Trap Qualifying Rounds
The men’s trap competition saw a tight race for the top spot in qualifying. Kazakhstan’s Mark Pokivalov ultimately led with a score of 49 hits out of 50, narrowly defeating Kuwait’s Talal Al-Rashidi on a countback. This means both shooters had the same score, but Pokivalov had more hits in the final round.
Abdulrahman Al-Faihan of Kuwait also achieved a score of 49, securing third place. These results indicate a high level of skill and precision among the leading men’s trap shooters. The competition is expected to intensify as the event progresses.
In the women’s individual trap event, Qatar’s Ray Basil emerged as the leader after two qualifying rounds, hitting 48 targets. She was followed closely by Elenora Ibragimova of Kazakhstan with 47 hits, and China’s Xian Wang with 46. This early lead for Basil is a positive sign for the host nation and demonstrates the growing strength of Qatari shooting sports.
Youth and Junior Categories Showcase Rising Talent
The youth category also saw compelling results, with Chinese Taipei’s Hao-Jeon Chuang leading after three rounds with a total of 70 hits from 75 targets. Kazakhstan secured the second and third positions in this category, with Asilzhan Isalbayev scoring 68 and Anton Belsky achieving 66.
Kazakhstan further solidified its position by dominating the junior women’s individual Asian Grand Prix, led by Leila Shantikova. These performances highlight the depth of talent being developed within the Kazakh shooting program.
Beyond individual scores, team events also commenced. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) topped the men’s team standings, while Kazakhstan demonstrated their strength by leading both the women’s and youth team categories. Team competitions often reveal strategic advantages and the importance of consistent performance across multiple shooters.
The Lusail Shooting Complex, built for the 2015 World Shooting Sport Championships, is once again hosting a major international event. The complex is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is considered one of the best shooting venues in the world. This provides an ideal environment for athletes to compete at their highest level.
The presence of shooters from diverse nations, including China, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, and Qatar, underscores the growing popularity of shotgun sports in Asia. This championship is a significant platform for promoting the sport and fostering international collaboration. The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) oversees the rules and regulations of the competition, ensuring fair play and adherence to international standards.
Action will resume on Monday with the continuation of qualifying rounds and the commencement of finals in select categories. Organizers anticipate increased spectator attendance as the championship progresses and the medal events draw closer. The final standings and medal winners will be determined by Wednesday, concluding a week of intense competition and showcasing the best of Asian shotgun shooting.
The remaining days of the championship will be crucial for athletes seeking to secure their positions for the finals. Weather conditions and the ability to maintain consistency under pressure will likely play a significant role in determining the ultimate winners. Further updates and detailed results will be released daily by the organizing committee.
