Saturday 20 / December / 2025
Muscat: HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, today inaugurated the Arab Shooting and Airgun Championship, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman and organized by Oman Shooting Association.
The opening was attended by Maj.Gen Mattar bin Salim Al Balushi, First Deputy Chairman of Oman Shooting Association.
The opening ceremony, held at the Al Shafaq Club of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), began with the salute to His Highness the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. Then, the opening segments commenced, blending heritage and modernity, including a visual presentation about the ancient history of the shooting sport.
Brigadier General Khalid bin Ali Al Muqbali, Secretary-General of Oman Shooting Association, delivered a speech in which he affirmed that this championship aims to enhance bonds of brotherhood and cooperation, as such sporting gatherings represent a means to unify and strengthen common ties within the framework of fraternal values and principles.
For his part, Eng. Du’aij Khalaf Al Atibi, President of the Arab Shooting Federation, highlighted in his speech the Arab Federation's vision in supporting, developing this sport, and enhancing cooperation between Arab national federations.
On his turn, Luciano Rossi, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), highlighted in his speech the importance and stature of the championship on the international level. He announced granting the Sultanate of Oman the organization of a new championship under the name "Sultan of Oman International Open Shooting Cup," following the ISSF's approval and official support for this new international event. This will be a prominent platform to enhance sporting excellence, entrench international cooperation, and embody the sustainable partnership between the ISSF and the Sultanate of Oman, reflecting the advanced standing Oman enjoys on the global sports map.
The ceremony included a welcoming poem expressing the warm reception for Oman's guests, alongside a performance art piece embodying the championship's symbolism, and a heritage segment showcasing the beauty of authentic Omani heritage.
The Royal Navy of Oman Band performed the Anthem of Arab Nations in a scene that embodied the spirit of belonging and solidarity among participating countries.
The ceremony concluded with an announcement by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Patron of the occasion, marking the start of its competitions.
As many as 141 male and female shooters representing 14 Arab countries are participating in the championship, which runs until 25 December 2025. They will compete in 17 events in a sporting occasion that confirms Oman's readiness to host Arab championships and reinforces bonds of cooperation and integration among brethren.
The competitions will be held at the National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat, which is equipped with the latest global equipment, amidst comprehensive preparations supported and supervised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, with technical support from the Arab and International Shooting Federations. This provides athletes with optimal conditions to deliver outstanding performances.
The opening ceremony was attended by a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, commanders of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), military and security agencies, retired commanders, undersecretaries, some ambassadors of Arab countries, alongside senior officers, and a gathering of invitees.
