Around 30 years ago, I was asked to visit the Kuwait Shooting Sport Club by a friend to handle some paperwork. I wasn't quite sure what the game was all about back then. However, I consider myself fortunate to have become a part of the media committee of the club. It was here that I swiftly gained insights into the sport, and before long, the inaugural Gulf Brotherhood tournament was organized. This event brought me closer to Kuwaiti shooters, including the exceptional Abdullah Al-Turqi Al-Rashidi.

Abdullah Al-Rashidi is a unique individual. As I observed him closely, I learned a great deal from and about him. Born in 1963, Bu Talal, as he is affectionately known, provided me with an unforgettable response to a common question: "When do you plan to retire?" He responded with unwavering determination, saying, "Gold is awaiting me in Paris."

Since the conclusion of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he has tirelessly devoted himself to training day and night. This relentless effort extends to local, regional and international tournaments, which he regards as crucial preparations for the upcoming Olympics.

Abdullah's passion for standing atop the award podium ignited early in his career. He successfully qualified for the Olympics, starting with the 2000 Sydney Olympics, followed by appearances in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It was in Rio de Janeiro that he secured the bronze medal as an independent shooter, when the Kuwait Olympic Committee was banned. He repeated his success in Tokyo 2020, once again clinching the bronze, after which he declared, "Gold awaits me in Paris".

Abdullah's impressive participation in world championships is widely recognized. He earned the gold medal at the Nicosia championships in 1995, Lima in 1997 and Barcelona in 1998. In addition, he secured the bronze at Belgrade in 2011, with several other tournament victories in between. Notably, he triumphed at the 8th Asian Championship held in October 1995 in Jakarta and won the masters championship in Brno, Czechia in 2004.

Bu Talal is known for his relentless work ethic. When he sets a goal, he pursues it tirelessly, regardless of the weather conditions. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition is unwavering, and he adheres to a healthy diet. Equally important, he limits his time on his smartphone, as he believes it can affect his sharp vision and concentration.

Let our younger generation adopt such a dedicated attitude, and let us support and nurture them so that Kuwait continues to achieve success today, tomorrow and in the years to come.