Kuwait is home for best ranges complex at the world level

KUWAIT: From left, Alessandro Chianese, Ahmed Al-Afasi, Saad Al-Mutairi

KUWAIT: HH Sheikh Al-Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Seventh Shooting International Grand Prix competitions continued yesterday at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex. Kuwait dominated the gold medals by winning seven of them, the latest of which the double trap as Ahmed Al-Afasi outlasted Italy's Alessandro Chianese while third place went to Saad Al-Mutairi. The Grand Prix received wide ranging praise from participants, as heads of delegations were keen to thank Kuwait Shooting Sport Club for the facilities they extend, and having officials ready to meet all requirements by their guests.

International Shooting Federation (ISF) Vice President, President of Italy's Shooting Federation Luciano Rossi lauded the support of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of the shooting sports and its athletes, and having patronized an annual tournament carrying his name.

He said the great interest by chairman and members of the higher organizing committee, as well as working committees in addition to the outstanding results by Kuwaiti shooters, was among the factors that distinguished the 7th Grand Prix.

He said Kuwait is home for the best ranges complex at the world level, and has a distinguished group of shooters, as he lauded the performance of Shahad and Sarah Al-Hawal who won the gold and silver medals in the women trap event.

Vice President of the Asian Shooting Confederation Javid Loudhi thanked Kuwait for hosting a tournament that many countries long to participate, adding that the tournament is like an Asian Olympiad, and results cannot be achieved easily, and need good preparation. He said "we are used to the outstanding organization of tournaments by Kuwait, besides having one of the best shooting complex in the world, and a professional administration. On his part Lebanon's Shooting Federation President Butros Jalakh said Kuwait's Tournament was great success, which is not strange for Kuwait who accustomed everyone on accuracy in organization, and its shooters are always found on the crowning podiums.

He lauded the preparations for this international event, especially that it carries the name of HH the Amir of Kuwait. Butros finally congratulated Kuwaiti people and government for the success that makes everyone proud. Meanwhile Double Trap gold medallist Ahmad Al-Afasi dedicated his medal to HH the Amir and Kuwait people. He said this win came after strong competition with a group of best shooters around the world. He said Kuwait's preparations came as planned through training camps, in addition to having HH the Amir Grand Prix that remains as an ideal preparation for upcoming tournaments. Shooters Saad Al-Mutairi said, his winning the bronze medal was against expectations in the presence of shooters from Italy and Russia. He said he is looking forward to continue making such achievements in the tournaments he will participate in, especially that preparations will begin immediately for the World and Arab Championships.

By Abdellatif Sharaa