KUWAIT: Kuwait was crowned champion of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Fifth International Shooting Grand Prix, by being on top of participating teams.

As on the final day of the tournament Kuwait's Olympian Fuhaid Al-Daihani won the silver medal in the double trap event, second to Italy's Giuseppe Clavaglia, while the bronze medal was won by Hungary's Roland Gerebics.

This places Kuwait in first place with three gold, three silver and two bronze medals, followed by Kazakhstan and Italy with a gold medal each, Lebanon and New Zealand with a silver medal each and Egypt, Czech and Hungary with a bronze each.

President of the Arab and Kuwait Shooting Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi thanked in the closing speech, 350 athletes who represented 31 countries for participating in this major event at the State of Kuwait and at this particular time as Kuwait celebrates its national days.

Eng Duaij Al-Otaibi thanked HH the Amir for his support of the Arab shooting, and patronizing the Grand Prix.

He expressed pleasure at the presence of an elite group of world shooters side by side with Kuwait's champions who are always present at the award ceremonies.

Eng Al-Otaibi thanked representative of HH the Amir, Information Minister, State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah for opening the tournament and following it all the time, in addition to the role of Director General of Sports Public Authority Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mansour.

He also lauded the efforts of the officials who had a role in ensuring the tournament's success.

On his part shooter Mohammad Nayef Al-Daihani said competition was very strong and happy to win the silver medal, though he really felt the gold can be his. He said that shooter Abdallah Al-Rashidi deserves the gold medal bearing in mind his vast experience in this sport.

Abdallah Al-Rashidi said the gold medal he won in the skeet event is very special as it bears the name of HH the Amir. He added that he considers HH the Amir Grand Prix as the best tournament in the world as far as organization and competition are concerned, and it forms one of the most important stages in preparation for participating in Rio de Janeiro in August.

By Abdellatif Sharaa