Doha, Qatar – Qatari shooters are making a significant impact at the 2026 Asian Shotgun Championship, securing a gold and silver medal on Wednesday and setting a new world record in the youth skeet competition. The championship, hosted at the Lusail Shooting Complex, features 196 athletes from 17 nations and will continue through January 21st. This strong performance highlights Qatar’s growing prowess in shotgun shooting and its ability to host world-class sporting events.
The third day of the championship saw intense competition in both individual and team skeet events for junior and youth categories. Mutaib Al Marri’s record-breaking performance has drawn attention to the rising talent within the Qatari shooting program. The event is also serving as a testing ground for new rules implemented by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
Qatar Dominates at Asian Shotgun Championship
Mutaib Al Marri claimed the gold medal in the junior individual skeet event, achieving a remarkable score of 32 out of 36 targets. This score not only secured his victory but also established a new Asian and world record, according to reports from the Qatar News Agency (QNA). His success demonstrates the effectiveness of Qatar’s investment in youth development within the sport.
The Qatari team of Al Marri, Jassim Mohammed Al Yafai, and Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Harmi continued the nation’s success, earning a silver medal in the youth skeet team competition with a total score of 304 points. This consistent performance across both individual and team events underscores the depth of talent within the Qatari shooting squad.
New ISSF Rules Prove Successful
Sheikh Salman Al Hamoud Al-Sabah, President of the Asian Shooting Federation, praised the organization of the championship and the strong start by the competitors. He specifically noted the successful implementation of the ISSF’s new rule allowing eight shooters to qualify for the final round, up from six.
According to Sheikh Salman, this change has broadened participation in the finals, giving more athletes from various countries an opportunity to compete at a high level. He also highlighted Asia’s leading position in global shooting sports, citing consistent results and achievements.
Al Marri expressed his joy at winning the gold and setting a new record, attributing his success to rigorous training and the support of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Federation. Ahmed Khalid Al Darwish, Head of the Qatari national skeet team, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of recent training camps held in Cyprus and Qatar.
Al Darwish stated that the team is focused on continuing their strong performance throughout the remainder of the championship and aims to secure more medals. He expressed confidence in their ability to represent Qatar with pride on the continental stage. The team’s preparation included specialized training focused on precision and consistency, key elements in skeet shooting.
The championship will continue on Thursday with the fifth qualifying round across all four categories. The top eight shooters from each category will then advance to the final rounds, where they will compete for the podium positions. Medals will be awarded in all categories following the conclusion of the finals.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on observing whether Qatari shooters can maintain their momentum and secure further victories. The performance of athletes from other Asian nations will also be closely watched, as the championship provides a valuable opportunity to assess regional strengths in preparation for future international competitions. The final results will offer insights into the evolving landscape of shotgun shooting in Asia.
